Development News: What a Great Way to End 2015

We want to thank and recognize the generous donors to the annual fund since our last report in October and through January 10, 2016:
Ruby ($2,500): Carolyn Michel and Howard Millman
Sapphire ($1,000): Gene and Rita Bicknell, Ross and Jen Branca, Harold and Addie Morrison, Roberta Somach, and Harrison and Lois Steans
$250 ‐ $999: Carol Ankerson, Dennis and Trudy Archer, Anthony Bannon and Elizabeth Stewart, Pavel and Alyssia Kapic, Josephine Kixmiller, Gregory and Hannah McDaniel, Lamar and Jan Matthews, and Lisa Rubinstein
Up to $249: Rebecca Allan and Laura Kaminski, Allison Campbell, Neil and Ginny Goeppinger, John Guare, Wendy Hacker, Ermina Hahn, Marilyn Harwell, Steven and Lisa High, David and Hobey Hinchman, Pencie Huneke, Andy Maass, Neil and Sandra Malamud, Christine Mickiewicz, Chinelo Okparanta, Richard and Jacqueline Parsons, Betty Ramming, Jean Kathleen Ranallo, Christopher Still, Peter and Lee Vandermark, and Ray and Elinor Uhlhorn.

by Linda Mansperger, Development Director

THE HERMITAGE ANNUAL FUND
We want to thank and recognize the generous donors to the annual fund since our last report in October and through January 10, 2016:

Ruby ($2,500): Carolyn Michel and Howard Millman

Sapphire ($1,000): Gene and Rita Bicknell, Ross and Jen Branca, Harold and Addie Morrison, Roberta Somach, and Harrison and Lois Steans

$250 ‐ $999: Carol Ankerson, Dennis and Trudy Archer, Anthony Bannon and Elizabeth Stewart, Pavel and Alyssia Kapic, Josephine Kixmiller, Gregory and Hannah McDaniel, Lamar and Jan Matthews, and Lisa Rubinstein

Up to $249: Rebecca Allan and Laura Kaminski, Allison Campbell, Neil and Ginny Goeppinger, John Guare, Wendy Hacker, Ermina Hahn, Marilyn Harwell, Steven and Lisa High, David and Hobey Hinchman, Pencie Huneke, Andy Maass, Neil and Sandra Malamud, Christine Mickiewicz, Chinelo Okparanta, Richard and Jacqueline Parsons, Betty Ramming, Jean Kathleen Ranallo, Christopher Still, Peter and Lee Vandermark, and Ray and Elinor Uhlhorn.

Do you appreciate the work of the Hermitage but have not yet made a financial gift?? Because the Hermitage fiscal year goes until June 30, 2016, you can still make a donation to this very special Annual Fund. Just click on the DONATE NOW tab. THANKS!

PADDLE RAISE FOR PLANTS AND LIGHTS!

With the care of our native ecology part of the Hermitage mission and a new path connecting the Palm House with the historic campus, it made sense for the paddle raise at the Artful Lobster last November to focus on essential landscaping improvements. The paddle raise kicked off with a $5,000 grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation that was quickly matched by board member Susie Samp, who realized that path lighting is essential for the safety of both artists and guests attending Hermitage programs. Board member Steve Adler and his wife Dale (who expertly prunes bushes and pulls weeds around the Hermitage) made a gift of $2,500. Several joined the cause with gifts of $1,000 – Bob and Ginger Bailey, Larry and Carol White Bold, Dan Denton, Jim and Sandy Goldman, Robert and Ann Jackson, Carolyn Michel and Howard Millman, Bea Miley, and the Paver Family Foundation. We also want to thank and recognize these additional donors with gifts ranging from $50 to $500: Caroline Andrus, Robyn Badger, Allen G. Barry, Jr., Arthur Boyce, Mark and Irene Cole, Teri Hansen and Steve Wilberding, Hees and Associates, Charles and Susan Hines, Tom and Sherry Koski, Robin Radin, Barbara Ras, Neville Thame, Ellen Dore Watson, and Ellen Wells. When the dust settled, $22,550 was raised!

The Hermitage would like to thank Michelle Hazeltine and Hazeltine Nurseries again for donating their services to develop the Hermitage landscaping plan. Watch for future project reports.

OTHER VALUED GIFTS
We thank Vicki Weil for renewing her Palm Circle membership with a $2,500 contribution; Sid and Carol Tracy and the Tracy‐Sorkin Family Fund for a $2,000 gift; David and Linda Green for a $1,000 donation; and other generous contributions from Larry and Carol White Bold, Peggy Hunt, and Honor and Malcolm MacLean.

GREENFIELD PRIZE DINNER
We know you have it on your calendar for Saturday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Michael’s On East! This special event celebrates the Greenfield Prize mission “to bring into the world works of art that will have a significant impact on the broader or artistic culture,” with the presentation of the 2016 Prize.

Co‐chairs Beverly Bartner and Renee Hamad are inviting Sponsors to join them on the Greenfield Prize Committee as $5,000 ­- Gold Underwriter (Table for ten with preferred seating; thanked on invitation, program, and screen; invitation for two to the Greenfield Prize Sponsorship Reception in February, 2016; $3,000 – Silver Sponsor (Table for ten with preferred seating; thanked on invitation, program, and screen; Invitation for two to the Greenfield Prize Sponsorship Reception in February, 2016); or $1,000 – Benefactor (Preferred seating for two guests; thanked on invitation, program, and screen;Invitation for two to the Greenfield Prize Sponsorship Reception in February, 2016). For more information, call Linda at 941‐475‐2098 #2. Invitations will be mailed next month, or go to www.greenfieldprize.org to purchase tickets.

The Hermitage gratefully acknowledges the support of these Greenfield Prize Dinner Sponsors (as of January 14, 2016):

GOLD UNDERWRITER: Hillary Steele

SILVER SPONSOR: Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Charlotte and Charles Perret

BENEFACTOR: Murray Bring and Kay Delaney, Larry and Carol White Bold, Carole Crosby and Larry Wickless, Bobbi and Will Lorry, Nancy Markle, Ina Schnell, Betty Schoenbaum, Judy Zuckerberg and George Kole.
EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE SPONSOR: Sarasota Magazine

The Announcement Reception on December 8th was graciously hosted by Margaret Pennington in her art‐filled home.. Thank you Margaret! Also, we thank Steve Seidensticker and TableSeide for donating a portion of the delicious dishes and wines that were served that evening.