Community Foundation Grants $853K to Local Students as MITER Supports Families

Sarasota, Florida, USA - The community spirit in Florida is alive and well, with heartwarming initiatives making a significant impact in local lives. Recently, the MITER Foundation made headlines by announcing a generous commitment of $200,000 to the new Ronald McDonald House in Tampa. This contribution will be distributed over five years, with $40,000 gifted annually. Speaking of this important cause, Steve Rehman, a dedicated team member and board member of the MITER Foundation, praised the work of Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides essential support to families with children undergoing medical treatment. Located on the fourth floor of St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, the new house boasts 11 bedrooms, private bathrooms, a full kitchen, and various amenities designed to provide comfort in challenging times.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on May 7, Lisa Suprenand, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay, expressed heartfelt gratitude for MITER Foundation’s commitment. “This gift will have a profound impact on families who need a safe and supportive environment,” she noted, emphasizing the charity’s dedication to easing the burdens of families during medical crises. Since 2019, the MITER Foundation has donated over $408,000 to this noble cause, in addition to engaging in hands-on volunteer work, including food preparation and fundraising events. Many team members have directly benefited from these charitable services, reinforcing the bond between community and care.

Scholarships and Local Support Initiatives

In addition to the fantastic developments at the Ronald McDonald House, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has further enriched our educational landscape. This year, it awarded scholarships totaling $853,000 to 227 deserving students from Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties—a significant 8% increase in funding and a 10.2% increase in recipients compared to the previous year, as Sarasota Magazine reports. It’s a powerful step forward for education in our region, highlighting the importance our community places on nurturing young talent.

Furthermore, Turning Points received a grant of $60,913.26 from the Ralph S. French Charitable Foundation to support free dental care for uninsured, low-income adults in Manatee County. This type of initiative showcases how organizations are stepping up to ensure that essential healthcare services remain accessible to those in need.

Neal Communities pitched in as well, donating $25,000 to Healthy Teens, an inspiring organization focused on the overall well-being of Florida’s teens in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Every bit helps when it comes to fostering a healthy future for our youth.

Continued Commitment by Corporate Partners

As we delve deeper into community support, it’s important to recognize the role of partners like McDonald’s, which collaborates with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) to back its mission. The company strives to cultivate and nurture communities, ensuring that their outreach not only emphasizes feeding and fostering families but also encourages active support through volunteer work and charitable contributions. During 2023, over 42,000 individuals connected with the McDonald’s system volunteered with RMHC chapters, reflecting a strong commitment to service.

McDonald’s restaurants further contribute by donating a percentage of sales from specific products to RMHC or running promotions aimed at benefiting this cause. Such efforts go a long way in ensuring more funds reach the families who need them most.

In conclusion, as Florida’s communities continue to flourish through dedicated contributions and local support initiatives, it’s clear that there’s something to be said for caring for one another. Together, we can build a brighter future, one act of kindness at a time!