’Tis the time of year for our team at Caldwell Trust Company to review our sponsorship opportunities for the upcoming season. Last year, we supported more than 81 not-for-profits in our community. Some of our relationships are new while others have been longtime partners of Caldwell Trust Company, such as Suncoast Charities for Children, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County and the SKY Family YMCA in Venice.

Among our new relationships is Habitat for Humanity of South Sarasota County, Inc.  Chief philanthropy officer Doris Berkey presented Habitat’s sponsor packet to us last week. Its theme, “There’s No Place Like Home,” honors the 75th anniversary of the much-loved movie The Wizard of Oz.  Habitat’s packet overflows with the Wizard’s magic, encompassing Dorothy’s basket, which includes a heart-shaped key chain to represent the heart the Tin Man receives. In addition to the themed basket was a "Bachelor of Kindness and Giving" from the "Has a Heart University." Oh, Toto, how wonderful! We’re clicking our heels three times right now as our hearts expand with gratitude! The certificate was so thoughtful. It’s really nice when a thank you truly comes straight from the heart. It means a lot.