The art of storytelling is often said to be a part of our DNA. Many business minds have proven the power of compelling narratives in a practical and profitable sense, and scientific research is digging deeper into how stories can change our outlooks, opinions and behaviors. However, nothing is more moving than witnessing the power of storytelling firsthand.
Over the last three months, you have read the inspiring series of stories of hope in this newspaper regarding vulnerable families in our community who were all given a second chance thanks to Season of Sharing.
Because of these stories, which delicately describe how so many people in our community are just one emergency or a series of unfortunate events away from becoming homeless, we have experienced an incredible outpouring of generosity.
We were proud to announce last week that again, for the fifth year in a row, our Season of Sharing campaign raised another $2 million to help those in need, all thanks to those who generously gave what they could. Ranging from $5 to tens of thousands of dollars, we received more than 2,900 gifts from members of our community.
We are forever grateful to The Patterson Foundation, which matched $100,000 for every $500,000 raised by the community in order to promote giving, for a total of $300,000 this year.
Additionally, in order to inspire more giving, this year’s campaign was also boosted by two $100,000 gifts from two local philanthropists, Gerri Aaron and Jacqueline Lewis, who were so moved by the stories that they decided to step up their generosity this year.
While we celebrate our community’s giving and caring spirit to raise these vital funds from thousands of contributors, the real reward is understanding the impact that this generosity will have on thousands of lives in our region. This support ensures that more than 3,000 people will have a safety net to rely on when life throws them unexpected emergencies this year.
Just as with storytelling, the philosophy of lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need is also ingrained in our nature. This is where the true power of Season of Sharing comes into play.
Every gift has immeasurably shown that our community truly cares about each and every one of its citizens. It is a campaign that our community truly owns. It is a collective hug, a hand up, and an affirmation that we are all willing to come together to provide a safety net so families in our community can remain hopeful, not helpless.
There is no profile for families living on the edge. There’s no easy way to tell when someone may be on the brink of financial catastrophe. They look just like any of us. Just one illness, a week out of work, or an unexpected home repair can be the difference between security and homelessness.
What we do know is that there are families on the edge all around us, and Season of Sharing funds are there for them should a crisis arise.
On behalf of the Herald-Tribune Media Group, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and our many other community partners, we are grateful for your continued support of Season of Sharing.
Thank you for your help in ensuring that we can continue to change the lives of so many in our community for the better. We hope you feel immense pride in what we can accomplish together as a community: We know we do!
Patrick Dorsey is publisher of the Herald-Tribune Media Group. Roxie Jerde is president and chief executive of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.