Sarasota proclaims March 25 Mary Ann Robinson Day

The city of Sarasota proclaimed March 25 to be Mary Ann Robinson Day. The proclamation is in honor of Sarasota resident and philanthropist Mary Ann Robinson.

Representatives of more than 12 Sarasota charity organizations that Robinson has worked with attended the ceremony held Tuesday, March 25, at Designing Women Boutique.

Robinson has been giving back for as long as she can remember. She says she started as a Brownie in her hometown of Madison, Wis.

While living in Chicago, Robinson would bring children from the charity she volunteered at, Reading For Kids, to her ranch in Kansas.

“I have such a good time volunteering it doesn’t feel like work,” Robinson says.

When she moved 30 years ago to Sarasota, Robinson was asked to chair a gala for the Sarasota Opera. Since then she has been involved with more than 15 charities in Sarasota. Robinson says her favorite memories are while volunteering and being hands-on with organizations.

“While Mary Ann is a staple at the glamorous events, she’s more at home doing the tough things,” says Designing Women Boutique Executive Director Pamela Day.

Robinson is currently a Designing Women Boutique board trustee and special adviser to the board president, Ida Zito.

“I have so much admiration and respect for her,” says Zito.

City Commissioner Suzanne Atwell presented the proclamation to Robinson.

“This is what this city is all about,” says Atwell. “Honoring a person in our community who has made such a huge commitment, someone who has given her goodness back to the community.”

Robinson celebrated with new and old friends from her years of service.

“I have the most marvelous set of friends,” she said after the ceremony.

To contact Harriet Sokmensuer, please email [email protected]