By Marc R. Masferrer, University Communications and Marketing
The 30th Brunch on the Bay, the signature philanthropic event for the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, raised more than $400,000 for student scholarships.
The 30th Brunch on the Bay raised $402,550 from ticket sales, sponsorships and proceeds of a paddle raise, for student scholarships at USF Sarasota-Manatee.
On a sun-splashed first Sunday of March, a sold-out crowd of almost 575 guests strolled the grounds of a remade campus and gathered under a large tent staked in front of the new Student Center and Atala Residence Hall to enjoy fine dining and drinks from 21 local restaurants and caterers.
Why Brunch on the Bay?
The main course on the menu: A celebration of the powerful connections the campus has made and nurtured with Sarasota-Manatee since its founding 50 years ago, and the first Brunch on the Bay in 1994, and how the community’s financial support has made a college education possible for thousands of local students.
Brett Kemker, at the first Brunch on Bay since he was named interim regional chancellor of the campus in January, said Brunch guests, and the entire community, have had a “profound” impact on USF Sarasota-Manatee graduates. “And it is not only your financial support during Brunch, it is the continuing partnership and opportunities you create for our students.”
The campus, Kemker added, is a reflection of the community it serves.
USF Sarasota-Manatee Interim Regional Chancellor Brett Kemker thanked Brunch on the Bay guests for the support that they, and the entire community, have provided students.
“There’s something I like to say: That when you look at our community, you may not immediately see our campus, but when you look at our campus, you will see our whole community,” he said.
Rick Piccolo, USF trustee and chair of the Sarasota-Manatee Campus Board, said USF and the local campus remain focused on meeting the needs of the region, whether it’s by opening a new College of College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing this fall or building the Student Center and Atala Residence Hall.
“As a member of the Association of American Universities, USF is at the forefront of educating the professionals that drive our region’s economy. From healthcare to risk management and business, we are preparing the talent your industries rely on — while advancing emerging fields,” Piccolo said.
Who benefits from Brunch on the Bay?
The total raised — $402,550 — came from ticket sales, sponsorships and proceeds of a paddle raise. Over the past three decades, Brunch on the Bay has awarded $1.2 million in scholarships for some 2,500 local students.
Alison Frate, a senior who will graduate debt free with a marketing degree in May and start law school in the fall, thanked attendees for her Brunch on the Bay scholarships.
USF student Alison Frate, left, and Cayla Lanier, Sarasota-Manatee campus dean for the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College.
“Brunch scholarships have allowed me to focus on my studies and pursue academic opportunities instead of working long hours to pay for tuition,” Frate told the audience. “Having been provided the honor of additionally attending Brunch on the Bay these past three years, I have witnessed firsthand the immense support from donors, attendees and individuals working to make these scholarships and outstanding event.”
Brunch highlights College of Education at Sarasota-Manatee
Another featured speaker was Cheryl Ellerbrock, campus dean for the College of Education at USF Sarasota-Manatee. Ellerbrock touted partnerships, including internship programs, the College of Education has built with the Manatee and Sarasota school districts, the Barancik Foundation, CORE Construction and others to strengthen teaching, leadership and literacy in the public schools and to prepare “highly sought" USF graduates for careers as educators.
Ellerbrock introduced one of those successful USF Sarasota-Manatee graduates to the audience, Ronnique Major, the 2024 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year.
“Here at Sarasota-Manatee we are leading the way in experiential centered learning, education where students expand their skills and understanding through meaningful experiences that contribute to career and education success,” she said.
A successful Brunch on the Bay
The success of this year’s Brunch on the Bay was a credit to many, especially after it was postponed by four months after three hurricanes hit the region last fall:
Brunch on the Bay guests entered the campus through the Student Center and Atala Residence Hall.
- USF Credit Union, which again was the title sponsor. “Wow, 30 years of Brunch on the Bay – no matter how you cut it, that is pretty special, especially when you realize what happens here is all for the students,” said Richard Sellwood, chief operating office for USF Credit Union.
- The restaurants and other sponsors, all of which remained part of Brunch on the Bay after it was rescheduled -- a testament to the popularity of the event, the resilience of the community and its support for USF Sarasota-Manatee students. The number of restaurants – 21 – was more than double as many as were at the first Brunch in 1994. Five of the businesses – Michael's on East, Drink Katy’s, Pier 22, Mattison’s and Gold Coast Eagle – have been at every Brunch on the Bay.
- Silver Bull Sponsors were Ross and Cindy Alander; CORE Construction; Kerkering Barberio Certified Public Accountants; and Laurey and Charlie Stryker.
- Brunch co-chairs Bill Mariotti, a USF Sarasota-Manatee alumnus and a member of the Campus Board; and Scott Olthoff, president of CORE Construction Florida, the construction manager for the Student Center and Atala Residence Hall, which opened in August.
“One thing is for sure, nothing will stop Brunch on the Bay,” said Marrie Neumer, associate vice president for advancement at USF Sarasota-Manatee. “Much of the momentum and longevity of this event is thanks to great leadership from our community.”
A remade campus greets guests
The Student Center and Atala Residence Hall was a main player in the 30th Brunch on the Bay.
Guests checked in for Brunch in the building’s ballroom and walked through the atrium before exiting to the campus courtyard through a doorway named after USF Credit Union.
Brunch on the Bay special guests included:
- Former campus leaders Karen Holbrook, Sandra Stone and Arthur Guilford.
- USF President emerita Judy Genshaft and former president Betty Castor.
- Several USF Foundation board members.
- Several current and former USF trustees and Campus Board members.
- U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota; and numerous other federal, state and local officials. U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, whose Congressional district includes the campus, did not attend but he did purchase a table for the event.
After 30 years, Brunch on the Bay was better than ever
USF Sarasota-Manatee's Brunch on the Bay included dining and drink offerings from 21 restaurants and catering companies in the region.
Brunch on the Bay guests offered unbridled praise for the event, especially the food and the overall guest experience, from the moment they arrived on campus to a paddle raise that generated tremendous support for students.
Charles Baumann said many people in the community were not familiar with USF Sarasota-Manatee when he chaired the first Brunch on the Bay in 1994. Many considered USF Sarasota-Manatee as only a “commuter” school, and the current campus did not even exist until 2006.
But now, support for the campus is wide and deep throughout the region, as evidenced on Sunday.
“From the first Brunch until now, USF Sarasota-Manatee and Brunch on the Bay have been a tremendous success,” Baumann said. “I couldn’t be more proud to have been part of it.”