Event Summary

A Party with a Purpose 

Learn how you can get involved and make a difference 

Sarasota Magazine’s 4th annual GeneroCITY event brings together over 50 nonprofits under one roof for an evening to learn, celebrate, and engage with the organizations that make Sarasota-Manatee one the most "giving" areas in the country.  

Whether you are a long-time supporter or new to the area, GeneroCITY is a special evening to learn more about these incredible organizations in a casual, no-ask atmosphere.

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.      Sarasota-Manatee Nonprofit Expo

Grab a map and stroll through the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Meet over 50 local nonprofits who are on hand to answer your questions about who they are and how to get involved. 

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?

Sign up for one of the exciting panel discussions. 

4:30-5:30 p.m.      Navigating Philanthropy in Sarasota-Manatee Forum

                              New to the area? Haven’t found your passion yet?  Hear from a panel of area residents how they, as new movers, chose the causes they became involved in. Also, learn about Florida tax laws and strategies that could                               impact your giving.

• Wading through the current sea of capital campaigns in Sarasota-Manatee
• Passing along your philanthropic values to your family and heirs
• How you can help create the community you live in
• Finding meaning and fulfillment through philanthropy

6:00-7:00 p.m.       Giving Back and Getting Involved: A Panel for Young Professionals

                              Young professionals are creating new ways to give back in Sarasota-Manatee.  Learn from a panel of your peers how you can join in to make our community and the world better a place to live.   

• Get involved and stay connected through philanthropy
• How you can meaningfully contribute to the world and your community
• Learn to be strategic in your giving

MEET THE PANELISTS:

Moderator: Dan Bailey is an experienced land use and local government attorney with Williams Parker. He counsels private and public entities, including nonprofit organizations, regarding land use planning and zoning in Sarasota County. Among his many civic activities, Dan currently serves on the Board for The Patterson Foundation, the Community Leadership Council of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, and the Community Board of the Sarasota Regional Campus of the Florida State University College of Medicine.

Navigating Philanthropy in Sarasota-Manatee

Bob Carter, CFRE, Chairman of Carter, is one of the most respected, experienced and recognized experts in Institutional Strategy and Philanthropy. For four decades, Bob has strengthened organizations by helping them overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities.  Bob and his colleagues concentrate on building dynamic teams to deliver specific services that meet the unique needs of charities and donors. His service as member and chair of numerous not-for-profit boards lends firsthand experience to his governance counsel.

Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Roxie works closely with Community Foundation donors, along with area nonprofits, businesses and foundations, to solve important issues affecting our community.  She spearheaded the launch of DonorEdge – locally branded as The Giving Partner in partnership with local foundations, and five successful Giving Challenges that have raised more than $28 million for our local nonprofits, strengthened by support from The Patterson Foundation. 

Jeff Troiano is a board-certified specialist in Wills, Trusts, and Estates and serves as head of Williams Parker’s Trusts and Estates practice. He handles all aspects of estate, trust, and succession planning, working with individuals and families to develop customized and tax-efficient plans that meet their needs. Jeff serves as general counsel for the Sarasota Opera and is vice-president and treasurer of the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council.

Rob Weiss: Over his 35-year career in the financial services industry, Rob has developed a reputation for helping clients identify and achieve their financial goals. Using a variety of tools, including investments and insurance products, he creates customized plans designed to help protect and build, preserve and manage wealth while helping to ensure a legacy.  Weiss and his team emphasize client service, accessibility and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. The holistic approach of PWA compliments and enhances his approach by adding the talents of an experienced planning team. PWA brings resources that bring resources to clients who may be in need of a quarterback for their overall financial plans.

Giving Back and Getting Involved: A Panel for Young Professionals

Bob Carter

Rob Weiss

Britney Guertin, Communications & Content Manager with Visit Sarasota County (VSC). Community is important to Britney. Currently, she is Chair of the LWRBA Community Engagement Committee, VP of Designing Daughters of Sarasota, a member of the local Public Relations association, and a founding Board Member for Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota’s new Club Blue initiative. She is the past Chair of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s Young Leaders Alliance and the 2018 Sandies Young Professional of the Year. 

Katie Schwabach, Manager of Donor Engagement at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Katie works with donors to achieve their philanthropic goals, and with the Foundation’s Giving Circles. Previously, Katie was the Volunteer Program Manager for Charlotte Family Housing, in Charlotte, NC. She has a variety of experience in the nonprofit and education sectors, as a high school chemistry teacher in Union County, NC and two years as construction site supervisor with Habitat for Humanity.

Chelsa Vahtomin, Realtor with Coldwell Banker in Downtown Sarasota. Chelsa is the Community Chair for the Sarasota Chamber’s Young Professional Group and is part of Leadership Sarasota Class of 2020.  She believes in the importance of volunteering as a way to get involved and give back to your community. Chelsa helps many local nonprofits, including Habitat for Humanity, All Faiths Food Bank, Flags for Fallen Vets, Selby Gardens, Bridge a Life, Girls on the Run, SPARCC, Keep Sarasota County Beautiful and 4Ocean.