The generosity of Manatee County residents is shining a light on the care and concern we have for our fellow citizens.

This week a Manatee Community Foundation donor who believes in the human and economic impact of preventing homelessness made a significant gift to the Season of Sharing campaign, opening the door to gifts from other foundations and taking the campaign total to $2 million.

The anonymous $100,000 donation triggered an additional $100,000 contribution from The Patterson Foundation and a capping grant of $200,000 from the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation.

Season of Sharing is our community’s safety net. Season of Sharing also brings need and generosity together, and the result is a gain for everyone.

A 16-year partnership of The Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Herald-Tribune Media Group, Season of Sharing’s success also combines the efforts of many foundations, media partners, and nonprofits.

On behalf of Manatee Community Foundation, I want to thank everyone who joined me in making a gift to Season of Sharing benefitting our community.