With rising costs of living continuing to strain area families, a prominent philanthropic couple has stepped forward once again to help ease their burden – this time with a $100,000 donation to Season of Sharing.
The donation from Hugh and Eliza Culverhouse comes more than two months after the official close of Season of Sharing’s annual fundraising campaign, which this year garnered a robust $4.2 million.
While the campaign is over, the financial challenges before thousands of area families are not.
“We hope this helps provide some stability and encourages others to step forward and support neighbors in need,” said Hugh Culverhouse Jr., CEO of Palmer Ranch Holdings.
Contributions large and small are accepted all year round by the fund, which assists households throughout Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto and Charlotte counties. In addition, 100% of the donations go to cover a housing, utility, child care or transportation bill for residents amid an emergency.
The need has been great throughout a worsening affordability crisis.
For thousands of residents this past year, soaring food and grocery prices have compounded already high rents, homeowners’ insurance, medical and child care costs. All the while working families have endured slashed hours, layoffs, slow wage growth and the lingering effects of the hurricanes.
At the same time, budget cuts to federal food and health care programs have sent seniors and parents reeling. Now they are dealing with skyrocketing prices at the gas pumps, too.
The Culverhouses’ donation will make a “meaningful difference,” said Jessica Muroff, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, which administers Season of Sharing.
“A gift like this shows that generosity is anything but seasonal,” Muroff added. “This support will help families and adults facing economic pressures when they need it most.”
The Culverhouses have a long track record of philanthropy, especially during times of strife. After the destructive hurricanes of 2024, they gave $500,000 to Season of Sharing to assist impacted families.
That same year they also donated hundreds of thousands of dollars for numerous programs – including ones related to legal aid, a prominent art exhibit, and the 211 help line – to fill gaps left by the loss of public funding.
In total, Hugh Culverhouse Jr. has donated more than $74 million to support higher education, mental health and social service initiatives.
Meanwhile, Season of Sharing – now in its 26th year – has raised more than $53.9 million and assisted more than 57,000 households across the region.
Residents in need can call 211 to be connected with case managers who will help process an application for Season of Sharing.
For qualifying applicants, payments are sent directly to landlords or utility and other service providers.
For more information or to make a donation to Season of Sharing, call 211 or visit the Community Foundation’s Season of Sharing web page.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Season of Sharing gets huge donation from Hugh and Eliza Culverhouse
Reporting by Saundra Amrhein, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
