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April 28, 2026

Tenth Giving Challenge Gives Sarasota Area Arts Organizations a Welcome Boost by Carrie Seidman

The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota, which brought in more than $123,000 with an average of $95 per donor, finished 16th in the overall standings, representing a huge surge in support. “It’s remarkable to reflect on how far we’ve come,” said Board Chair Jack Barnett. “In our first Giving Challenge in 2013, we raised just $2,075 from 24 donors. To see where we are today is nothing short of extraordinary.”