- September 12, 2024
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Tatyana Sharoubim Stewart, Katherine Harris, Margaret Wise and Dayle Hoffmann
Photo by Petra RiveraDayle Hoffmann and Lauren Brown from Marie Selby Gardens.
Photo by Petra RiveraNikki Taylor, Marjorie Broughton, Tatyana Sharoubim Stewart and Kimberly Duplissey
Photo by Petra RiveraBill Villafranco and Carole Crosby
Photo by Petra RiveraCindy McGuire, Jason McGuire with President of Marie Selby Gardens Jennifer Rominiecki and her husband Rob.
Photo by Petra RiveraSpeakers Mary Davis Wallace, Bill Villafranco and Teri Hansen
Photo by Petra RiveraKatherine Harris of Women in Philanthropy in Sarasota.
Photo by Petra RiveraTeri Hansen and Margaret Wise at the honoree meeting for Women in Philanthropy of Sarasota.
Photo by Petra RiveraTeri Hansen of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation
Photo by Petra RiveraMargaret Wise of Women in Philanthropy in Sarasota
Photo by Petra RiveraBill Villafranco of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation announcing six of the honorees.
Photo by Petra RiveraKatherine Harris of Women in Philanthropy in Sarasota.
Photo by Petra RiveraGraci McGillicuddy and Katherine Harris at the honoree meeting for the Women in Philanthropy in Sarasota.
Photo by Petra RiveraGraci McGillicuddy, Nikki Sedacca and Elizabeth Moore are three of the 12 honorees for the Women In Philanthropy soiree in November.
Photo by Petra RiveraKatherine Harris and Margaret Wise with three of their honorees: Graci McGillicuddy, Nikki Sedacca and Elizabeth Moore
Photo by Petra RiveraFormer U.S. Congresswoman Katherine Harris and Sarasota resident Margaret Wise met when Harris first joined the Junior League of Sarasota. She was the chair of its Holiday Tour of Homes fundraiser and asked Wise if she would consider allowing the group to include her home in the tour.
Since then, the two have been inseparable, cultivating a strong friendship over their common passion for getting involved in the community.
“When I tried to get everyone to run for the (Florida) Senate back in 1994 because I didn’t feel that we were being well represented, Margaret and a few others actually talked me into running myself,” said Harris. “I had no interest in running for politics whatsoever. I didn’t realize how much she was involved in that, but we have always enjoyed a great friendship where we encourage each other.”
Now 40 years later, Harris and Wise teamed up this year to start a new nonprofit: Women in Philanthropy of Sarasota. The new organization will honor past and present women leaders of philanthropy while at the same time connecting them with younger generations of women in Sarasota to mentor them on how they can make a difference.
Women In Philanthropy of Sarasota held its first honoree meeting Aug. 14 at Cafe L’Europe. Ninety-eight of the most influential women in philanthropy around the area attended the event to learn about the 12 honorees of its first soiree planned for November.
Through their many years of friendship, Wise and Harris talked about how women play a big part in the philanthropy scene in Sarasota but don't get the recognition they deserve for their work.
Along with her involvement in the Junior League of Sarasota, Harris has served on the boards of everything from the Asolo Repertory Theatre to the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. Wise is known for her involvement in organizations such as the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, Pines of Sarasota and Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation.
Women In Philanthropy of Sarasota hosted its first meeting April 19 at Harris's house. Since then, the group has held monthly luncheons to build its network of women while also inspiring them by featuring local speakers who present opportunities for them to give back in the community.
“These women are involved in all areas: healthcare arena, education, social services,” said Harris. “They are involved in assisting those who have less. There's a plethora of women who are engaged in something far bigger than themselves and outside of themselves, so we want to honor them and present them as role models for younger women.”
Wise and Harris intend the organization to be an inspiration for younger women who want to get involved in local charities. Since starting this journey, the pair has mentored members Tatyana Sharoubim Stewart, who is the group's creative director, and Dayle Hoffmann, communications director, and encouraged other members to do the same for younger members of the group.
Harris was moved by the number of attendees at the honoree meeting. She believes that the mission resonated with people and is excited to see the impact this organization can have on the area.
"I have five girls," said Bill Villafranco of Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, as he announced the honorees at the Aug. 14 meeting. "To think that this organization can teach my five daughters a lesson or two about the importance of standing up, being in the front, and leading the charge means the world to me."