Registration underway for Education Foundation’s Ringling Bridge Run

CreArte Latino Cultural Center will host “Voices of Immigration,” a series of dramatized readings performed in Spanish with English subtitles, on Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. at CreArte Latino's new venue, 1913 Northgate Blvd., in Sarasota. The performance shares heartfelt testimonies of immigrants living in the region, offering an intimate glimpse into their experiences. For tickets and information, visit CreArteLatino.org.

Table of Contents

Registration open for Education Foundation Ringling Bridge Run

Registration is underway for the second annual Education Foundation Ringling Bridge Run on April 27 to show support for students and teachers in Sarasota County. Last year, the 5K/10K race attracted 1,250 runners who were cheered on with local bands along the route.

This year, the Education Foundation has added an option for registrants to raise money to support programs and resources for students and teachers in Sarasota County. “Students and teachers in Sarasota County need to know that their community is here for them,” Education Foundation CEO Jennifer Vigne said. “The run shows them that we are behind them every step of the way.”

Hosted at The Bay and sanctioned by the Manasota Race Club, the 10K will begin at 7 a.m. and the 5K at 7:30 am. There is also a free 1-mile Family Fun Run at 8 a.m. Early bird pricing is in effect through February. Sponsorships are available. For registration and information, visit edfoundationsrq.org/ringling-bridge-10k.

Rotary student exchange program offers cultural learning experience

Rotary District 6960, which spans from Bradenton to Naples, is seeking high school students to spend a summer abroad as part of its Rotary Short Term Exchange Program (STEP).

STEP is a summer exchange between families that allows students to experience another culture, country, and language. Outbound students live with a foreign student’s family for approximately one month and then both students return to the U.S., where the foreign student lives with their host family for another month.

Rotary International has sponsored youth foreign exchange programs for more than 50 years. Visit rotarydistrict6960.org and yehub.net/OER-stapp for information. For questions, contact District STEP Chair David Pankiw at 717-360-1409 or [email protected].

Local group plans info session, experts on domestic violence

#WeStandWithAshley, a local organization with a mission to raise awareness and support for survivors of domestic violence, will hold a Domestic Violence Primer on Feb. 17 from 10-11:15 a.m. at Inspiration Academy, 7900 40th St. W., in Bradenton.

The free event is designed to provide information about domestic violence prevention, resources, and ways to support those in need. As part of the event, the group is accepting donations to support programs that assist survivors and their families.

The event will include expert speakers on domestic violence awareness and prevention. For information, visit westandwithashley.com.

2025-26 scholarships available from Gulf Coast Foundation

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation is accepting applications for its 2025-26 scholarship program that assists students of all ages in pursuing higher education at two- and four-year colleges, universities, or technical schools.

“Our scholarship program matches students of all ages to academic opportunities that propel them to reach their full potential,” Gulf Coast president Phillip Lanham said. “Together with our donors, we have invested more than $11.5 million to promising students through scholarships.”

Last year, Gulf Coast awarded 531 scholarships totaling over $696,000. Applicants should visit GulfCoastCF.org/scholarships to review requirements and complete an online application. The deadline is March 5; scholarship awards will be announced in late spring.

Around and about

· The sixth annual Englewood Seafood & Music Festival continues Feb. 1 (11 a.m.-10 p.m.), and Feb. 2 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) at Dearborn Street Plaza (348 W. Green St.). The pet-friendly (on leash) event includes all-day lineups of musical performances and an arts and crafts marketplace. paragonfestivals.com.

· Temple Beth Sholom in Sarasota will hold a fundraiser, “Harmony of Souls,” on Feb. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at The Ora. The event, which will support the Jewish-Christian Alliance of Sarasota-Manatee Counties, includes Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe performers and a band. templebethsholomfl.org.

· XR Women, a global community that supports women in the fields of extended reality (XR), AI, and the metaverse, is hosting a symposium on Feb. 7-9 at Ringling College of Art & Design. For information/tickets, visit xrwomen.com/thrive2025 or contact Karen Alexander at [email protected].

· The Kosher Food Festival hosted by Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch (5712 Lorraine Road) is Feb. 9 from 1-3 p.m. The event includes music and Kosher crafts; visitors can pre-order Super Bowl party packages. Info: chabadofbradenton.com/kosher; [email protected]; 941-752-3030.

· The 11th annual Stephen L. Lingley Splitt’n Clays for Charity event is Feb. 21 at 11 a.m. at Sarasota Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays, 7730 Target Trail, Nokomis. The event, sponsored by the Venice Area Realtors YPN, benefits The Twig, which provides clothing to foster children. Info and registration: tinyurl.com/29e2eazr

link