Sarasota-based foundation pledges $3 million in hurricane relief

In response to Hurricane Milton’s potential impact on Southwest Florida, the Patterson Foundation will contribute as much as $3 million in disaster relief and recovery funding to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. 

The funding includes contributions to initiatives managed by the CFSC serving Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties. They include:

• An immediate $1 million gift to Season of Sharing to help provide a financial bridge for those who could be displaced from their homes or face disruptions from work. This contribution comes in addition to The Patterson Foundation’s previously announced Season of Sharing challenge match, which donates $100,000 for every $500,000 raised by the community for the initiative.
• An immediate $1 million gift to the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund to help support long-term recovery efforts led by local nonprofits in areas impacted by the storm.
• A $1 million match for additional donations to the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund. The Patterson Foundation will match all individual donations up to $50,000, dollar for dollar.

“People throughout our region are anguished over what this potentially catastrophic storm will mean for their lives going forward,” says Patterson Foundation President and CEO Debra Jacobs in a news release. “While we don’t have the answers for what lies ahead, we do know that we need to be here for each other right now.”

Season of Sharing, which typically kicks off annually at the beginning of November, is actively fundraising now to help ensure that impacts to those whose livelihoods are put on pause are as minimal as possible. Season of Sharing covers expenses related to housing, utilities, transportation and child care to help avoid compounding financial setbacks that can be the result of a missed payment. 

The Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund is focused on supporting vital community resources, including emphasis on mental and behavioral health, legal services, case management, children and youth services, as well as efforts identified by long-term recovery groups within Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties. That includes rebuilding and repairing homes and replacing damaged furniture and appliances.

Donations to Season of Sharing or the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund can be made online or by sending a check made payable to Community Foundation of Sarasota County to Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund or Season of Sharing, 2635 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237. All donations are tax-deductible.