Betty Schoenbaum celebrates 100th birthday with Heart to Heart Hug Day

A Giving Heart

Sept. 27 has always been a big day for Betty Schoenbaum, but this year it carries particular significance.

In honor of Schoenbaum’s 100th birthday, the city of Sarasota declared Sept. 27 Heart to Heart Hug Day.

In a small ceremony at her home, city officials and family members gathered to thank Schoenbaum and recognize her legacy of giving.

“Giving is living,” Schoenbaum said.

It’s appropriate, then, that the city’s honor is named for her trademark greeting — her hug. Schoenbaum said it’s not only about making someone feel welcomed, it’s about making someone feel loved.

“There is so much hatred in this world,” she said. “Hatred is destroying this world. If we pass a little love around … maybe people will learn to love again.”