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Sarasota News Leader October 19, 2012 Siesta Seen "You've got to do something so gnarly … and insane" to draw attention as a fundraiser, he said this week. Still, he believes raising money for the shelter is a highly worthwhile cause, especially after "hearing some of these kids' stories." The goal for the shelter, Hartsock said, is to raise $22,000 for a new van. Shelter staff members drive the young people to and from school, including trips to North Port, she add- ed. The shelter has a couple of old buses "with a lot of miles on them," Martini told me. That is why a new van is high on the shelter's wish list. Although she did not have an exact figure when I spoke with her, Hartsock said people thus far have contributed several thousand dollars to the cause. Clothes, shoes and new pillows also are most welcome, Martini and Hartsock pointed out. "We try and give every single kid a new pil- low when they come [here]," Hartsock said, so the child can take the pillow when he or she leaves. Martini describes Hartsock as "helpful, a real sweet woman … [whose] heart takes it on in." Page 82 (From left) Robert Martini, Nicole Hartsock and Brad Ward celebrate the success of the YMCA Youth Shelter fundraiser at Siesta Public Beach. Contributed photo