Families in our communities are stronger because of our volunteers, donors, community partners and other supporters. Together, we all help families overcome devastating crises and rise up stronger than ever. On Tuesday, May 17, we honored those in the Sarasota region who have helped us lend a hand up to families here. Over the years, Better Together has served more than 3,400 children.
While all our supporters have a vital role in our success, we recognized the following with our annual special awards for going above and beyond:
- Host Family of the Year: Lisa and Seth von Marschall
- Family Advocate of the Year: Kim Harry
- Doug Campbell Generosity Award: The Bill & Ann Templeton Foundation
- Church Partner of the Year: First Baptist Church of Bradenton
- Community Partner of the Year: Sarasota County Jail – Re-entry Navigator Team
- Department of Children and Families Partner of the Year: Emily Higgs
- Better Together Staff Appreciation: Jessica Braemer
Thank you to our generous sponsors: Grace Community Church, Rise & Nye’s, Target, The Purple Lotus Flower Shop, The Farm House, BonFire Ministries, Detwiler’s Farm Market, Sonny’s BBQ, Children’s Therapy Solutions, Inc., and Chick-fil-A — Addie’s Corner.
Photos from the event
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The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church.
Better Together CEO Megan Rose talks with Melinda Means at the Better Together appreciation reception for Sarasota County on May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church. Here, volunteer Ellie Casebolt takes a photo with her family and a child they hosted.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church. Here, CEO Megan Rose talks with attendees.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church. Here, Department of Children and Families Partner of the Year recipient Emily Higgs.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church. The Sarasota County Jail Re-entry Navigator Team was named Community Partner of the Year. From left: Better Families Executive Director Isis LaRose, Sgt. Patrick Busenburg, Michelle Louis-Schnakenberg, and Megan Rose.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church. From left: Megan Rose, Department of Children and Families Partner of the Year recipient Emily Higgs and Isis LaRose.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church. From left: Megan Rose, Family Advocate of the Year Kim Harry and Isis LaRose.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church. First Baptist Church of Bradenton was named Church Partner of the Year. From left: Megan Rose, Pastor Luke Stockeland and Isis LaRose.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church. The Bill & Ann Templeton Foundation received the Doug Campbell Generosity Award. From left: Megan Rose, Cathy Harper of the foundation and Isis LaRose.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church. From left, Megan Rose, Sarasota/Manatee County Church Engagement Director Jessica Braemer and Isis LaRose. Jessica received the Better Together Staff Appreciation award.
The Better Together appreciation reception in Sarasota County was held Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Grace Community Church.
