University Communications and Marketing
Tickets are on sale for Brunch on the Bay, the annual marquee fundraiser for the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, which returns on Nov. 5. Attendees will enjoy culinary delights from local restaurants and caterers, and get a sneak peek at a major campus expansion project: A new student center and residence hall set to open in the fall of 2024.
Proceeds from the 2023 Brunch on the Bay will support student scholarships and campus initiatives.
“We look forward to welcoming our friends and supporters to the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus so we can share with them our excitement and they can see how we are growing,” said campus Regional Chancellor Karen Holbrook.
Rod Hershberger and Lisa Krouse are co-chairs of the 2023 Brunch on the Bay on the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus. Behind them, a new student center and residence hall are under construction.
Co-chairing this year’s Brunch on the Bay are Lisa Krouse and Rod Hershberger, leading figures in the Sarasota-Manatee business community. USF Federal Credit Union will return as the event’s title sponsor, as part of the credit union’s pledge of $1 million in new support for scholarships, event sponsorships and other programs at USF. The credit union is sponsoring Brunch on the Bay through 2027.
“This is by far one of the best events of the year,” said Krouse, the former president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County. “Having everyone come and see what’s happening right here on campus is going to be so exciting.”
The $42 million student center and residence hall will be home for up to 200 USF students who will enjoy the first chance to live on the 17-year-old Sarasota-Manatee campus.
Hershberger, chairman of PGT Innovations, said Brunch on the Bay is an opportunity to raise public awareness about the project.
“Most people don't realize the expansion that's going on and how many more students USF will be able to serve because of the dollars that are brought in by Brunch on the Bay and the scholarships that we're creating,” Hersberger said. “It's just a wonderful time to just mingle and hang out with friends, and then realize what good you're doing while you're having some fun.”
Richard J. Skaggs, president and CEO of USF Federal Credit Union, said Brunch on the Bay gives attendees a chance to enjoy fine dining from dozens of local restaurants.
“More importantly, it’s an opportunity to raise funds for student scholarships and for upcoming leaders in our community,” Skaggs said.
Brunch on the Bay will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 5, on the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
Visit sarasotamanatee.usf.edu/brunch for ticket and sponsorship information.