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Music Compound on the move with staff, geographic growth


Music Compound staff members and instructors; owner Jenny Townsend is second from left

SARASOTA, FL – Since opening in 2016, music school Music Compound has grown steadily, building new studios at its Cattlemen headquarters and adding new programs and instructors as demand and its member base has increased. Recently, the company’s “slow and steady wins the race” philosophy has turned into a race to meet surging demand. Its revenues for January-June 2022 have increased 27% over the same time period in 2021. Additionally, having surpassed the 500-member mark and with its Sarasota programs at capacity, the school – which serves members in Sarasota and Manatee counties – has recently opened a new location, “Music Compound MAN,” in Manatee County.

In just the past two months, Music Compound owner Jenny Townsend has hired five new instructors and three interns as well as retained an apprentice, a college student who will be mentored by a Music Compound instructor and then transition into becoming an instructor herself. The interns are all college students who are considering careers in music, so their work with Music Compound isn’t just any job – it’s providing crucial experience that will likely impact their future professional course.

The instructors have benefited from the community Townsend has always strived to create at Music Compound as well. Many of them are able to arrange work schedules that allow for gigs throughout the community. Others have found creative partners on staff, with collaborations resulting in the writing and production of original music.

“I love that Music Compound strives to bring people of all ages together through a variety of performance opportunities, and that there’s such strong encouragement throughout the programs to express individuality in music,” said Music Compound instructor Sophia Derias. “The program has instilled in me a hope for younger generations to grow and thrive in the arts, and provided me with a loving, supportive community.”

The opening of Music Compound MAN will provide a more convenient option for members who have been commuting from Parrish, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch for years. The 4,500-square-foot space features 13 spacious studios and a music lounge, where young students can socialize, decompress and make the transition from time in school to the music enrichment programming. Starting next week, Townsend will offer a two-week Introduction to Music Summer Camp for elementary-school-age students. When the 2022-2023 school year begins, Music Compound MAN (which is located at 4740 SR64, just west of I-75 in the Braden River Business Park) will feature lessons for kids, including Kidz Rock and Modern Band programs for area youth wanting to grow musically and socially. These programs encourage team building, boost confidence, and build performance skills. Available adult programs will include private and group lessons as well as jam sessions for those wanting to play music while meeting new people.

As members who live in Bradenton begin to fill programs at Music Compound MAN, Townsend doesn’t expect it to take long for the resulting spaces in Music Compound SRQ (1751 Cattlemen Rd.) to fill, as those programs have been at capacity for some time.

“We’re so pleased with and proud of the growth and evolution of the business, from our beginnings in 2016 through today. I feel that we’ve really built a brand that encompasses a true feeling of community and educational excellence as well as a workplace where team members are happy to come to work each and every day,” Townsend says. “As Music Compound MAN grows, I look forward to adding new staff positions, to ensure our members continue to enjoy the individualized, enthusiastic, top-notch instruction they always have.”

To learn more about available programs at Music Compound, visit musiccompound.com or call 941-379-9100.

About Music Compound
Music Compound, which has locations in Sarasota and Manatee counties, provides an environment to inspire, collaborate and educate children and adults in pursuit of their love of music. The goal is to transform dreams into reality by providing a contemporary and influential environment for musicians of all ages. For more information, visit musiccompound.com.





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Floridan Palace Hosts Trivia Tuesdays in Downtown Tampa


First, Second, and Third Place Prizes, Craft Cocktails, and Delicious Eats

First, Second, and Third Place Prizes, Craft Cocktails, and Delicious Eats

Tampa Bay, FLA (July 12th, 2022) – Tuesdays just got more interesting at the historic hotel in the heart of Downtown Tampa. Every Tuesday night at 6:00pm, the Floridan Palace hosts Trivia Tuesdays in their Sapphire Lounge. Players can show their skills with chances to win: first place $50 gift card, second place – $25, and third place – $10. In partnership with Big Trophy Trivia, the historic venue brings the fun.

Get there early to take advantage of Sapphire Lounge’s Happy’ness Hours from 3:00pm – 6:00pm. $7 select beer and wine, $8 small bites (buffalo wings, cheeseburger slider, housemade potato chips), and $10 Handcrafted Cocktails are always in rotation to keep things exciting!

FLORIDAN PALACE HOTEL: The Floridan Palace Hotel is a national landmark hotel and encapsulates all of Tampa Bay’s old-world charm along with the highest quality service and a full range of amenities. The Floridan’s Sapphire Lounge showcases this vintage charm and offers small plate wonders and craft cocktails, local beers and a collection of spirits and wines. The Floridan Palace Hotel is located at 905 N Florida Ave., Tampa, FL. 33602. www.floridanpalace.com

EVOLVE & CO: Evolve & Co is a full-service advertising agency located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. The company is a collective of brand strategists and creatives, specializing in the lifestyle vertical. The firm is located at 475 Central Avenue Suite M7, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. www.evolveandco.com

Editors: For details, or to schedule an interview, contact Lisa Williams lisa@evolveandco.com or 727.490.9835.

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The Patel Conservatory presents Disney’s 101 Dalmations, KIDS!


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WHO:            The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center

WHAT:          Disney’s 101 Dalmations, KIDS!

WHEN:          July 21-24, 2022 (Camp runs July 11-22)

WHERE:       TECO Theater, Straz Center

DETAILS:     Disney’s much-loved animated feature comes to life on stage, performed by Patel Conservatory students ages eight to 13. From July 11-22, students will dig their puppy teeth into endearing roles, memorable songs and energetic choreography.

This charming stage adaptation includes favorite characters from the film, as the four-legged heroes work to save themselves from the evil intentions of the outrageously villainous Cruella DeVil.

Disney’s 101 Dalmations, KIDS! will be performed July 21-24, Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 4 p.m. Regularly priced tickets begin at $23.75. Tickets can be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Sales Office or online at www.strazcenter.org. Handling fees will apply.

The Straz Center is continuously evaluating health conditions and adjusting safety protocols. Guests should always visit strazcenter.org/safety before attending a performance.

For more information about the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and its upcoming events, visit www.strazcenter.org.





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The Patel Conservatory presents Showstoppers: Mega Musical


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WHO:            The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center

WHAT:          Showstoppers: Mega Musical

WHEN:          August 5-6, 2022

WHERE:       TECO Theater, Straz Center

DETAILS:     Showstoppers Broadway Intensive students, ages 13 to college, are travelingback to a magical time when video games were played in arcades, MTV showed music videos and telephones didn’t fit in one’s pocket, to perform a totally tubular musical revue featuring the mega musicals of the ‘80s and ‘90s.

                        Prior to the on-stage performance for the public, these intermediate to advanced performance students will increase their musical theater skills during a two-week intensive camp. Led by industry professionals such as Broadway performers Heather Parcells and Adam Ross Glickman, attendees are challenged through master classes, topic-based workshops and rehearsals to hone solo and ensemble performance skills. In addition to performing on stage at the Straz Center, students will perform at Disney Springs in Orlando.

Showstoppers: Mega Musical will be performed Aug. 5-6, Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. Regularly priced tickets begin at $28.75. Tickets can be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Sales Office or online at www.strazcenter.org. Handling fees will apply.

The Straz Center is continuously evaluating health conditions and adjusting safety protocols. Guests should always visit strazcenter.org/safety before attending a performance.

For more information about the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and its upcoming events, visit www.strazcenter.org.





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Best Indian betting sites


Technology has made access to gambling more universal, it has lessened the amount of travel to almost nothing, and it has meant that gambling can be undertaken at any time of the day or night. Whether you see this as a good thing or a bad thing largely depends on your perspective on gambling. 

Legitimacy of betting in India 

India is what we tend to call a legal grey area when it comes to online betting. That’s because there is no specific law that prohibits online betting at the federal (i.e., countrywide) level. However, a few states within India have specifically outlawed their citizens from playing at online casinos. So, it largely depends on where you are located and what the state laws in your area say about it. And, of course, this is all subject to change at any time, and there are many that want to see federal laws put in place – either to ban online betting entirely across the whole of India or to create a legal but regulated system so that online betting is made safer for all. So, it’s best to do research before playing and to keep an eye on the news for any upcoming changes to the law in the state of your residence. 

Best betting sites 

 The mobile domain of the online betting industry has evolved to the point that it has overtaken other devices like computers and laptops as the most preferred way to gamble. It reflects the similar growth of smartphone usage in other areas, which has mainly happened due to the emergence of mobile-friendly content. When you want to choose the best betting site to play, it depends on your interest. Here you’re welcomed to choose from our short-list of the best Indian betting sites.

 

Parimatch India

You will find the app very balanced with a great user-friendly interface. You can also place accumulators and single bets on this app. You only need to select the bet you want to place. The app will automatically generate a bet slip where it allows you to choose the amount of the bet being placed.

 

Betway

Betway betting site has secured connections in India and fast payouts which makes it easy for the players to withdraw or deposit cash quickly. Also, Betway betting site have multiple betting games to play. 

 

4raBet

 

4rabet betting site is another worth-mentioning Indian betting site. The minimum deposit on this app/website is 300 INR, and the minimum bet slip is 100 INR. To deposit money in a 4rabet betting site, one can use Paytm (without having to complete KYC), UPI, and IMPS. You need to enter the transaction ID in the app after the payment is successful, and money will be automatically deposited in the 4rabet app  within 10 minutes. The minimum withdrawal amount in 4rabet is 1000 INR. The betting site has a great range of betting markings, and you can not only bet on your favorite sports, like cricket, football, basketball, tennis, etc. 

 

Fun88

Fun88 is one of the upcoming premier Indian betting sites for sports. With incredible customer service and 24/7 smooth operation, Fun88 betting site is gaining a lot of popularity. Here you can bet on with a minimum deposit of INR 100.

 

1xBet

Customers are impressed with their selection of live dealer casino games and casino software with slots and table games like roulette, blackjack, video poker and scratch cards.

Besides these top online betting sites in India, there are a lot of multi-sports platforms for wagering. But these five sites are most trusted by users due to their real-time deals and offers. Another important factor about these online betting sites is their authenticity. All the betting sites on our short-list offer really good odds. 

 

Tips to start betting 

Here we provide you with some basic tips before you start your journey into the betting world. 

  1. Don’t bet with a dubious bookie, just because he has the highest odds! Odds comparison also serves for recognising how good the odds at your favourite bookmakers are. Follow our short-list of the best Indian betting sites and you’ll feel much safer! 
  2. Create an account on a sport betting forum. When choosing a sports betting forum you want one that fits your personality, a place where you can have fun. Spending a bit of time hanging around the forums can give you the details you need to really understand the sport. This serves to get to know the players and know what the experts think, and of course to get the edge in your betting decisions.
  3. Gather the data from the past seasons and plays of the sport, you chose to bet on

Conclusion

You can choose any of these online betting sites to begin your betting journey. However, we recommend you gain proper knowledge of the sport, team and players before you start betting on a specific game.

You also need to check the online reviews before signing up on an online betting site. Meanwhile, look for a platform that offers convenient bidding, safe and smooth transactions and assurance of being a satisfied bidder.





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The Bay Park Conservancy Reaches Fundraising Milestone 


An additional $5 million in private philanthropy triggers an additional $1 million match from The Patterson Foundation

Sarasota, Fla. – July 12, 2022 – The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC), the non-profit organization responsible for overseeing the transformation of 53-acres of city-owned land along Sarasota’s bayfront into a world-class public park, has reached another significant milestone. Thanks to generous community donors, The Bay has raised a second $5 million from private sources, triggering a second $1 million match from The Patterson Foundation’s current challenge match. 

This additional match marks the second major milestone in The Patterson Foundation’s challenge for the $24 million capital campaign announced in July 2021, which has now generated over $12 million from private philanthropic, community sources, and matches. This brings the capital campaign to the halfway point with 18 months left in the campaign. All of the funds will be used to develop and build new public park space at the Bay.

“The Bay Park Conservancy has demonstrated consistent excellence throughout all of its efforts to bring the community’s vision to life,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “This continued support from generous donors will propel that excellence forward through the first phase of The Bay Park and its continued evolution.”

“From the beginning of The Bay, The Patterson Foundation has been encouraging and generous, not only with their funding support but also with the resources of their talented team,” says AG Lafley, Founding CEO of The Bay Park. “Debra Jacobs has been quietly inspiring and steadfast in her support of The Bay Park Conservancy, and helping create one park for the benefit of the entire community.” 

In July of 2021, The Patterson Foundation announced its continuing support for The Bay by committing up to $4 million in matching funds to catalyze private donations to complete development of the first phase of the park. Each time private philanthropy donates $5 million through 2023, The Patterson Foundation will provide a $1 million match, up to a total contribution of $4 million — resulting in a $24 million investment into The Bay.

The current challenge match follows a previous $5 million challenge match provided by The Patterson Foundation, which donors achieved in May of 2021. The $5 million in matching dollars helped catalyze a $20 million total investment by private philanthropy into Phase 1.

This is the second major milestone in the current challenge match. This additional $12 million takes the total raised from community, private, and local government sources to over $36 million, with additional private and government commitments not included. 

For more information about The Bay Park Conservancy, visit www.thebaysarasota.org or contact Julia Groom at julia@dreamlarge.org or 941.786.8732.

About The Bay

The approved Bay Master Plan will conserve 53 acres of city-owned land and create an iconic public park along Sarasota Bay. The Bay is on track to open phase one of the park in the fall of 2022, providing an iconic destination that will welcome everyone to Sarasota.The Park will cost about $100-150 million and will take between 7-10 years, over 3 or more phases to complete. The Blue Pagoda serves as a welcome center for visitors and an on-site office for The Bay Park Conservancy. For more information or general inquiries about this initiative, please visit www.thebaysarasota.org or call 941-203-5316.

About The Bay Park Conservancy

The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC) was formed as a 501c3 not-for-profit organization in 2019 to implement the master plan approved by the Sarasota City Commission to conserve 53 acres of public land for a community park on Sarasota Bay. The BPC entered a long-term partnership with the City and will fund, develop, operate, and sustain the park for the benefit of the community, now, and for generations to come. For more information, visit www.thebaysarasota.org.





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Cryptocurrency News – Should You Subscribe to Them?


You can find cryptocurrency news everywhere. On social media, you’ll find several crypto-specific accounts and groups. On blogs, there are tons of people writing about the latest developments in the industry.

And even on traditional news sites like CNN and The New York Times, you’ll see more than enough coverage about cryptos to keep your finger on the pulse of cryptocurrency markets.

But what if you don’t have time to scour those channels for information? If that sounds like you, then subscribing to a newsletter or podcast may be your best bet instead (and we cover both options below).

Big Crypto Players

You can also gain insight into the market by following big players in the space. They might not always agree, but they all have one goal, i.e. to make money!

The main difference between a big player and an average investor is that large investors usually have access to more information than you do. For example, if you were looking at buying a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin (BTC), then you would want to know if another coin was more profitable than BTC before investing your money.

That’s where sites like CoinMarketCap come in handy. They provide real-time market data regarding cryptocurrencies across various exchanges. Sites like these help investors decide which coins are worth investing in based on their current value against USD or other currencies such as EURO or GBP.

Market Cap and Rating Websites

Market cap and rating websites are a very popular way to find information about cryptocurrencies. However, they can be misleading since they are often based on hype rather than actual performance. They also tend to list all coins in one place, which means that it is difficult to find information about the most promising projects that aren’t listed on exchanges yet.

If you do use these websites as sources of information, take them with a grain of salt and do your research before investing in any coins featured there.

Crypto News Sites Are the Most Popular

  • The most popular source of information in the crypto space is cryptocurrency news sites.
  • Cryptocurrency news sites are the best source of information in the crypto space.
  • Crypto news sites are the most popular source of information in the crypto space.

What to Look For in a Crypto News Site?

If you’re looking to find out more about cryptos, make sure to check out the websites of some of the most popular cryptocurrency news sites. The best ones have a good reputation among the crypto community, offer a user interface that is easy to navigate and understand, and have access to lots of articles on their site. Some great options include CoinCentral, CoinDesk, and The Merkle.

A great site should also offer an archive that allows users to easily search through its content. If a site doesn’t offer this feature, it becomes much harder for readers to find what they need as they aren’t able to do basic searches without getting overwhelmed by a lot of irrelevant results or having no idea where in their archives those relevant results might be hiding!

As well as providing access through keyword searches or tags (which allow users who know exactly what they are looking for), these archives can also be browsed through categories like “latest news” or other topics such as “investments” depending on your interests when reading crypto articles.

Crypto News Sites May Have Different Views

You might be worried that cryptocurrency news sites are not always reliable. They might have different views, but their main goal is the same, to get you to click on their articles and drive traffic to their site so they can make money off of ads.

In other words, they’re all trying to do the same thing, to make money by selling eyeballs (that’s why they call it advertising).

Use Different Platforms for a Different Issue

There are many platforms for crypto news, and you should use them all. Here’s why:

Different types of information require different types of data. For example, if you want to know what the price of Bitcoin is in USD, CoinMarketCap will do the trick! But if you want to see how much it’s worth relative to other cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies (like dollars), then Cryptocurrency Market Data may be more helpful.

Different types of analytics require different kinds of data analysis techniques as well as different kinds of visualizations that can help readers make sense of their findings. For example, Cryptocurrency Market Databases tend toward Heat Maps, a type of bar graph that shows the distribution in a given area.

Whereas Coindesk uses Line Charts because they’re easier on the eyes when looking at long-term trends over time (although I’m still trying to figure out why they decided not to include any kind of color-coding).

Subscribe to Websites That You Believe In

When it comes to news sources, you should subscribe to the ones that are most relevant to you. For example, if you’re a cryptocurrency investor living in America, then one of the best places for crypto-related news is CoinTelegraph.

If you’re a cryptocurrency investor living in Russia and have no plans on moving anytime soon (or ever), then another great choice for crypto-related news would be ForkLog.

There are also plenty of different platforms out there that cater specifically to those who speak different languages or live in different countries. For example, CryptoDaily offers English translations of major Russian blockchain articles from Forklog. TokenPost provides Korean language translations for Ethereum World News articles.

The point here is not so much about subscribing as it is about finding an outlet that fits your needs best and not relying solely on one source for all your information needs!



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The Zubrick Magic Theatre Celebrates One-Year Anniversary


Zubrick Magic Theatre illusionist Chris Zubrick magically floats a table with the help of an astounded audience member.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (July 11, 2022) – One year ago on July 29th, award-winning illusionists Chris and Ryan Zubrick opened their 90-seat magic theater in St. Petersburg’s EDGE District. Originally from Michigan, they had a 13-year run performing 7,500 shows overseas for more than two million people.  They decided to bring their astonishing brand of magic and grand illusion back to the mainland, more specifically to St. Pete.

The Zubrick Magic Theatre at 1211 1st Avenue N. in St. Petersburg had sell-out performances through most of the past year, gathering a loyal audience that returns often to see the show with friends and family.

“Our reviews have been heartwarming,” said Ryan Zubrick. “We are honored to have the opportunity to bring smiles to so many faces.” Consistent rave reviews on TripAdvisor, in fact, earned the Zubrick Magic Theatre a #1 ranking among all other concerts and shows in St. Petersburg for 2022.  

Grateful to the supportive local community, the illusionist duo is giving away a Zubrick Magic Theatre birthday gift. One lucky patron will be chosen at random this summer to receive a gift bag that includes: a Zubrick Magic Theatre t-shirt, official magic set, gift certificate for a future performance, and more.

The Zubrick’s conjure up an exhilarating blend of sleight-of-hand, family-friendly comedy, and breathtaking grand-scale illusions in a 70-minute performance that captures the hearts and imaginations of multi-generational audiences. Enjoy an intimate and unforgettable evening of magical entertainment.

Show tickets must be purchased in advance for performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and the occasional Sunday matinée. Tickets are for sale on the website www.zubrickmagic.com. Single admission tickets are $40.00 per person, plus taxes and fees for ages 4 and older. A special VIP package includes premium front-row seating for two people, two beverages, one popcorn, and one commemorative gift for $147.00 plus taxes and fees. Doors open an hour prior to curtain time for guests to enjoy beer, wine, or soft drinks and snacks available for purchase in the lobby.

Zubrick Magic Theatre is located at 1211 1st Avenue N. in St. Petersburg, FL 33705. For birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, and corporate groups, tickets are available at a discount for groups of 20 or more. Private magic performances, holiday parties, and matinees can also be scheduled. For more details, the latest news and information about the Zubrick Magic Theatre, please visit www.zubrickmagic.com.





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Former CEO of Procter & Gamble, AG Lafley, to Speak at DreamLarge Speaker Series This Thursday


This three-part interactive speaker series kicks off July 14 with AG Lafley and continues through September with Michael Klauber and Michael Saunders.

SARASOTA, Fla. – July 11, 2022 –  AG Lafley, former CEO of Procter & Gamble and Founding CEO of The Bay Park Conservancy, is to speak at Dreamers & Doers, an interactive speaker series hosted by DreamLarge. Dubbed as the greatest networking event of the summer, the series begins this week on Thursday, July 14 at The Bay Park Conservancy. Dreamers & Doers provides a platform for young professionals and business owners to network while learning from the global business leaders living in the Sarasota region.

Under Lafley’s leadership, Procter & Gamble’s sales doubled, profits quadrupled, its market value increased by more than $100 billion, and its portfolio of billion-dollar brands—like Tide, Pampers, Olay, and Gillette—grew from 10 to 24 as a result of his focus on winning strategic choices, consumer-driven innovation, and reliable, sustainable growth. Lafley is the co-author of two best-selling books, The Game Changer on innovation and Playing to Win on strategy, as well as numerous articles on leadership and management for Harvard Business Review. After working for decades in and with large public companies, Lafley has refocused his attention and efforts toward small businesses, startups and nonprofit organizations such as The Bay Park Conservancy, Omeza, FIGS, Tulco and Hamilton College.

Leading to Win with AG Lafley will take place this Thursday, July 14 at 5:45pm at The Bay Park. For more information about the event and to purchase individual and series tickets, visit https://leadingtowinwithaglafley.eventbrite.com. This series is presented by Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County.

The series continues on August 11 with founder of Michael’s on East and leading restaurateur Michael Klauber, and concludes on September 8 with Michael Saunders, founder and CEO of Michael Saunders & Company. For the full series schedule, please see the list below:

●      Leading to Win with AG Lafley

Thursday, July 14 | 5:45 – 8:00 pm

●      Recipe for Success with Michael Klauber

Thursday, August 11 | 5:45 – 8:00 pm

●      Breaking Barriers with Michael Saunders

Thursday, September 08 | 5:45 – 8:00 pm

About Dreamers & Doers Interactive Speaker Series

Dreamers & Doers is an interactive networking series that activates local and global influencers to educate, inform, and engage with young professionals. A platform for young professionals to network with experienced leaders in their field and learn about collaboration, communication, leadership, and ingenuity, as well as the ins and outs of their fields. Through meaningful discussions and thought-provoking presentations, young leaders will discover and learn from some of the most recognized, celebrated changemakers throughout our region and beyond.

About DreamLarge

DreamLarge is a changemaking organization. As the first registered benefit corporation on the Gulf Coast of Florida, we work to inspire, impact and enrich the local community by cultivating, shaping, and transforming it through engagement, activation, and the arts. Our vision is simple: We’re dedicated to fostering a greater future for generations to come. We partner, plan, invest, and strive towards building a better community. Why? At the heart of our being, we truly believe in one thing. This sentiment is our guiding light and the cornerstone of everything we do: Wherever we are, whatever we do, we have a duty to serve our community. For more information, visit www.Dreamlarge.org





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Goodwill receives grant to support veteran, military spouse upskilling


Goodwill Manasota President and CEO Donn Githens (left) and American Veterans and Their Families Program manager Todd Hughes

Investment of $10,000 from the Manatee Community Foundation will help veterans and military spouses to increase their marketability in the workforce, achieve higher wages

SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL (July 11, 2022) – Goodwill’s American Veterans and Their Families Program was created in 2013 to help veterans reintegrate into their families, communities and jobs. The program – which is staffed by veterans – provides comprehensive case management and vocational services, networking opportunities, and assistance in navigating the wide array of available social service programs. An important focus of Goodwill’s veterans program is to provide career development and upskilling opportunities for veterans, in order for them to be able to bolster their job prospects and earn more money.

In an effort to help increase their marketability in the workforce and achieve higher wages, Goodwill Manasota – with a grant of $10,000 from the Bishop-Parker Foundations Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation – will provide upskilling opportunities for area veterans and military spouses.

The funds from the Manatee Community Foundation will enable Goodwill to enroll approximately 10 veterans and/or military spouses into a training program that results in a post-secondary, industry-valued credential, with a goal of at least eight completing the program and seven being placed into employment or receiving a raise or promotion within 12 months of training.

“At Goodwill, we are proud to support those who have served our country as well as those whose spouses have served or are still on active duty and their families,” said Goodwill Manasota President and CEO Donn Githens. “With the support of the grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundations Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation, we can continue to ensure opportunities exist for all who wish to better their prospects and enjoy life and career success.”

In 2021, Goodwill Manasota served 224 veterans through basic services and another 46 through its American Veterans and Their Families program. Goodwill placed 31 veterans in jobs and offered monthly meetings of the Lutz Buddy Up social club – which supports members of the military, veterans and first responders who are struggling with PTSD and/or who would benefit from peer-to-peer comradery – in Bradenton and Venice, for 111 veterans.

In the area of career development, veterans have access to Goodwill career development facilitators, who help them to find a career path that works for them. They can receive assistance with writing their resumes, coaching on interviews, and help with job searches and the submission of job applications. The veterans services team also provides job leads for veterans to a myriad of veteran-friendly employers, including Goodwill.

Goodwill is committed to upskilling all of its team members. Toward that purpose, in 2021 the organization provided 102,608 hours of on-the-clock training and education for its employees.

For more about Goodwill, visit experiencegoodwill.org.

About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. For more information or for a listing of locations, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.





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