On January 17th, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota (SCAS) hosted an inspiring luncheon at The Founders Club, marking the beginning of a year filled with promise and purpose. The event, set against the backdrop of stunning views and exquisite cuisine, was not just a luncheon but a celebration of community, generosity, and shared goals.

A Speaker with a Mission

The highlight of the afternoon was the engaging presentation by Jane Watt, the founding president of Impact100 SRQ. Raised in a small town in upstate New York and with a career that spanned over 19 years in the pharmaceutical industry, Jane’s journey to Sarasota was as much about finding sunshine as it was about fulfilling a passion for collective giving. Inspired by the Impact100 model introduced to her by her family, Jane took a sabbatical from her career to focus on what she believes is a grassroots journey towards positive change in our community.

Jane passionately shared the history and mission of Impact100 SRQ, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to transforming the local nonprofit landscape through substantial grants of no less than $100,000. Her story is a testament to the power of living with passion and purpose, and her message resonated deeply with everyone in attendance.

Distinguished Attendees and a New Favorite Venue

The luncheon drew a diverse crowd, from new members eager to engage with SCAS’s mission to familiar faces who have long supported our endeavors. Among the distinguished attendees was former Sarasota Mayor Mary Anne Servian, now the Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida—a testament to the interconnectedness of our community and the far-reaching impact of organizations like Impact100 SRQ.

The Founders Club, with its beautiful surroundings and exceptional cuisine, proved to be the perfect new venue for our gatherings. The positive feedback from attendees about the location underscores our commitment to providing enriching experiences for our members.

Looking Forward

Our luncheons are more than just meetings; they are opportunities to celebrate the individuals and organizations that contribute to making Sarasota a better place. If you missed the January luncheon, you missed a truly inspiring event. However, the upcoming February luncheon promises to be just as captivating, with a celebration of the famous opera composer, Giuseppe Verdi, and special guests from the Sarasota Opera.

Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with our community and be part of the positive impact we’re making in Sarasota. Join us at our next event and be part of the journey towards a brighter future.