UPDATE:

Happy to announce that Carol has worked very hard on the Shade is Good program and especially the Patterson Foundation matching Grant. We worked together as a team and have raised the $24,000 needed to match the grant.. I want to say thank you to each of you for your support. 2016 is going to be a fun and interesting year. — Andy, President of FOSCP

We’re counting on you to push us over the top to meet our $24,000 challenge grant.

Many of you have responded positively to new initiative of The Friends, to purchase and install shade structures over Sarasota County athletic field bleachers/dugouts and recreational areas by raising funds through sale of sun protective and hydration products (net profits), grants, fund-raising events and sponsorships.

More than 250 individuals made paver donations which supported in part the first shade structure over the playground at Siesta Key Beach.

Now, we need your support in the NEXT 7 days to push us over the top for our challenge grant. Your help at this time is critical.

We’re so very close to reaching our $24,000 challenge grant. Just $7,500 separates us, and we face an impending deadline – this Thursday, December 31st at the stroke of midnight. Your donation of $25, $50 or $100 can make it happen.

Not only will your contribution help us launch Shade Is Good, but your dollars will be doubled because of this challenge grant. Your donation also qualifies as a tax deduction because The Friends of Sarasota County Parks is recognized as a nonprofit by the IRS and the State of Florida. Once on the home page, click on the upper right corner to make your donation TODAY.

Support Us Today

With your financial support, The Friends’ Shade Is Good initiative will begin to work with youth athletic leagues, medical professionals and community events to provide sun protective and hydration products when most needed…at the time of the UV exposure. Now you can help us reach our challenge grant by making a tax-deductible donation so we can continue our vital work.