Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/203490
Sarasota News Leader November 1, 2013 On Friday, Nov. 22, volunteers will be needed to sort food collected from locations throughout the community, the release points out. Sorting will take place in the East Lot between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sorting day volunteers do not need to sign up in advance. "The Mayors Feed the Hungry Program is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that has helped more than 390,000 hungry persons in Sarasota and Manatee counties since 1987," the release explains. The organization's Thanksgiving food drive collects tons of non-perishable food items, it adds. The food is distributed through charitable groups, religious institutions and service agencies. The program also uses cash donations to distribute food gift cards. "Before the Orioles joined with us in 2012, we had been holding our food drives in a grass parking lot for the last 12 years, so the facilities at Ed Smith Stadium were a huge improvement," said Scott Biehler, vice chairman of Page 63 the charity, in the release. "Mayors Feed the Hungry does not receive government funds, and we are all volunteers. Corporate partners like the Baltimore Orioles are vital to serving the thousands of local residents who would go hungry without our help," Biehler pointed out. The program is endorsed by the mayors of Sarasota, Bradenton, Palmetto, Venice and Longboat Key, as well as the chairs of the North Port City Council and the Sarasota and Manatee county commissions. More information may be found at www.mayorsfeedthehungry.org. "The Orioles' participation with the Mayors Feed the Hungry Program is part of Sarasota 365, a host of initiatives through which the Baltimore Orioles and OriolesREACH demonstrate the ball club's year-round engagement with the greater Sarasota community," the release notes. For more information or to sign up for the Orioles in Sarasota e-newsletter, visit www.orioles.com/sarasota. SUNCOAST WATERKEEPER BENEFIT SET FOR NOV. 2 A fundraising event for the Suncoast Waterkeeper, a relatively new environmental not-for-profit organization, will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. The Suncoast Waterkeeper "works to protect and restore the coastal waters of Sarasota and Manatee counties," a news release notes. The fundraiser has been scheduled to follow the Sarasota Bay Water Festival in Ken Thompson will be on the premises, and beer will be Park (see related item in this column). offered by Sweetwater Brewing Co. The beer The party will be held at Sarasota Architectural is covered in the $10 admission fee. Salvage, located at 1093 Central Ave. in downtown Sarasota. Music will be provided by For more information about the Suncoast Hymn for Her and Radio-Free Carmela & the Waterkeeper, visit https://www.facebook. Transmitters. The Baja Boys Grill food truck com/Suncoastkeeper?ref=hl.