Easter Seals Southwest Florida

On June 4 Easter Seals Southwest Florida’s Vocation Introduction and Preparation (VIP) Academy graduated 5 students. Manatee County Schools Superintendent Tim McGonegal spoke at the graduation and encouraged the graduates to “be lifelong learners, stretch higher, and be a good citizen and build strong relations.” The VIP Academy is a specialized program for Manatee County students aged 14-22 who are eligible for Exceptional Student services.

On June 4, 2010 the Art Initiative program hosted an opening reception for their art exhibit at Marina Adair’s Gallery in the Village of the Arts. The event showcased art created by Easter Seals Artists and included paintings, jewelry, and glassware. The night was a success and $900 worth of art was sold. The Art Initiative combines relevant occupational therapy and vocational goals in the creation of works of art.

Easter Seals Southwest Florida has been awarded three new grants to benefit Easter Seals’ children’s services.

Easter Seals’ Project Rainbow Children’s Respite Services program received a $5,000 grant from The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc., made possible through the Charles L. Huisking, Jr. and Lillian Huisking Donor Advised Fund.

The Sarasota based architecture-design firm helps breathe new life into aging facility

Easter Seals Southwest Florida is the grateful, excited recipient of a $10,000.00 grant from COBROOKE - IDEAS I ARCHITECTURE I DESIGN, a Sarasota based architecture-design firm. Architect Robert Vecchione will devote $10,000 in design expertise as well as convening a team of other professionals whose combined talents and abilities will bring new life to the aging Easter Seals facility.