In 2016, The Friends of Sarasota County Parks will be launching a new, multi-year initiative to provide the funding for SHADE STRUCTURES at all of the athletic field bleachers/dugouts and playground areas identified by Sarasota County Department of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. Does your Park need a shade structure?

Current statistics from US Surgeon General’s Call To Action reports that 90% of all non-melanoma cases come from UV exposure and our youth receive the greatest amount of exposure before age 21. The number one recommendation for everyone’s protection is SEEK SHADE.

The multimillion dollar project  will be accomplished during the next three to five years by  writing grants, seeking corporate underwriting and hosting events in addition to launching an earned income initiative –Shade Is Good, a program that will sell sun protective and hydration products at community events, in partnership with athletic leagues’ fund raising programs and with dermatologists, through Friends’ chapters and on an e-commerce site (February-March 2016).

The Shade Is Good program evolved through the writing of a business plan as part of The Patterson Foundation’s No Margin No Mission initiative.  Following our “Shark Tank”-like business presentation, The Patterson Foundation issued a challenge grant that will match on a dollar for dollar basis 50% of our needed start up funds on all dollars raised through December 31,2015.

To meet the challenge, The Friends is actively engaged in fundraising the $24,000 from foundations, medical professionals, businesses and private individuals. In less than two months, we have raised $13,350.

Can we count on you to help us meet The Patterson Foundation’s challenge?

Here is the Commitment Form  . . .

– can you help before year’s end?

Thank you in advance for your generosity.  Together, we can make a difference in the Fight Against Skin Cancer.

If you have any questions, please contact me at carolfoscp@gmail.com or 610-573-9320 or Terry Redman 941-468-2222.

Carol Kranitz

Shade Is Good Fundraising Coordinator