In 2024, Sarasota Rising took a leap of faith. As a brand-new nonprofit, we entered the 24-hour Giving Challenge for the first time, unsure of what to expect but driven by a shared dream: to transform Sarasota’s Cultural Coast into a vibrant, year-round arts destination. Our mission is bold—uniting local arts organizations and businesses to create events that inspire community pride, celebrate artistic expression, and fuel economic growth. But like any dream, it needed support to take flight.

The Giving Challenge became more than just a fundraising event for us—it was a whirlwind of hope, connection, and possibility. For 24 hours, we poured our hearts into the effort, crafting stories, creating videos, and rallying our community through hourly social media posts. The response was overwhelming. In just one day, our fan base grew by 50%, and thanks to the generosity of donors and matching funds from the Patterson Foundation, we raised over $15,000—far surpassing our expectations.

But the true magic of the Giving Challenge wasn’t just in the numbers. It was in the lives we touched and the moments we created.

With the unexpected funds, we brought our vision to life, hosting two spectacular events that were free to the public. Despite the challenges of two hurricanes disrupting our plans, we adapted and delivered an unforgettable opening night. Renesito, now a Broadway star with Buena Vista Social Club, graced our stage, setting the tone for a festival that would leave a lasting impression.

One of the most meaningful events was the Indigenous Experience, where children learned about indigenous dance rituals and their cultural significance. Seeing the joy and curiosity on their faces was priceless. Weeks later, when the same performers appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, our community beamed with pride, saying, “We saw them first at your festival!”

The festival’s closing event was a moment of pure magic. Over 300 performers from organizations like Sarasota Opera, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Urbanite Theatre, and Sarasota Cuban Ballet came together to create something extraordinary. But what moved us most wasn’t just the talent on stage—it was the camaraderie behind the scenes.

We watched as teens and children from different groups cheered each other on from the wings. Ballet students marveled at the theatre performers, and opera youth applauded the dancers. What could have been a moment of rivalry became a celebration of mutual admiration and support. By the end of the two-hour performance, the stage wasn’t just a platform—it was a symbol of unity, collaboration, and the power of the arts to bring people together.

Thanks to the Giving Challenge, we were also able to support smaller organizations like Tree Fort Productions and Sarasota Contemporary Dance, providing them with financial awards to help them grow and thrive.

A year later, people still talk about the 2024 Living Arts Festival. They remember the joy, the inspiration, and the sense of community it fostered. Festivals like ours don’t just entertain—they build bridges, create memories, and boost our local economy by drawing visitors during the shoulder season.

The Giving Challenge didn’t just help us raise funds; it helped us raise hope. It reminded us that when a community comes together, incredible things can happen. Sarasota Rising is more than a nonprofit—it’s a movement, and we’re just getting started. As we look to the future, we carry the lessons and the love from that 24-hour whirlwind with us. Together, we can continue to elevate Sarasota’s cultural scene, inspire new fans, and create a legacy of collaboration and creativity. We hope you join us in the next Giving Challenge, April 15-16, 2026. See you then!