SEASON OF SHARING: Wendy Mann Resnick

Each week, the Sarasota Observer will feature a different donor who is involved with Season of Sharing, an 11-year, community-wide fundraising partnership created by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Donations to the Season of Sharing fund may be made by check or credit card, payable to the Community Foundation of Sarasota, or online at www.cfsarasota.org. For information, call 955-3000.

When it comes to people in need, Wendy Mann Resnick is a softie.

“I’m the kind of person who, if I see people on the street and they’re having a hard time and asking for money, I always give it to them,” Resnick says. “Especially nowadays, when people are losing their homes and don’t have enough money to feed their children and can’t get medical care, I do what I can.”

Every year, she makes a contribution to the Season of Sharing because she believes that during the holidays, it’s more important than ever to help other people.

“I’m very fortunate in my life,” Resnick says. “I have a wonderful family and lots of love. It’s always a gift for me to be able to give a gift to someone else.”

Resnick, who retired in June after 28 years as the executive director of United Cerebral Palsy, has donated to the Season of Sharing fund at least six times. She also donates to All Faiths Food Bank, among other nonprofits.

“I read the articles in the paper, and it always touches my heart when I see people who are struggling,” Resnick says. “I think it’s a great community effort and a special time of year when people should pitch in — every dollar helps for every nonprofit.”