Start a Chapter

The initial 12 reasons or purposes for forming a friends group:

  • Advocacy – means to stand up for the park/recreation system and the users of the parks. It means to promote, support, bring awareness to and involvement in all aspects of the park/recreation system.

  • Money – means raising funds for projects or acquisitions in excess of the present budget of this park system.

  • Services – means establishing a volunteer base for both hands-on and in-kind support and/or assistance for all areas within the park system.

  • Collaboration – means coordinating activities with various aspects of the community (businesses, foundations, service clubs, etc.) and capitalizing on these connections for the betterment of the park system.

  • Planned Giving – means establishing a program for estate giving and inheritances. Using the services of the Sarasota Foundation and/or the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice, establish a brochure, program and accounting plan for future giving that will assist in future growth of the park/recreation system.

  • Public Relations – means attending civic events, coordinating media reports and representing the Friends at community activities to enhance the stature of the park system.

  • Opening Doors – means becoming a 501C3 not-for-profit organization which will broaden the scope of resources presently available to the park system.

  • Communication – means sharing information with both the Sarasota County Parks staff and the Parks Advisory and Recreation Council. Lobbying their mutual interest to the elected officials and the general community for a shared vision for the park system.

  • Community Involvement – means membership and involvement by residents and business people in the day-to-day activities of the park system.

  • Sponsorship – means to help organize new “Friends” groups in the local neighborhood parks and nature centers by offering leadership and “seed money” thereby raising the potential of all areas within the park system.

  • Clearinghouse – means providing speakers and professional assistance for park system issues and holding legislative gatherings to obtain more support for the park system.

  • Recognition – means establishing a recognition program for volunteers of Sarasota Parks, for a group, for a local public official, park staff and or a legislator which will bring more prestige to the park system.
     


"I volunteer solely out of self-interest. I care about parks, and as a volunteer, am among like-minded, lively and energetic people who are a pleasure to be around. It was a delight to pick up "air potatoes" with these friends and their kids and grandkids, as well as to meet folks from all over who were drawn to help by the promise of a free day at Disney." 

"Mostly, I enjoy the park itself. It's a masterpiece of planning, integrating the necessity of the landfill with the natural shade of oak hammocks nestled at its base. In cool weather it's fun to bicycle or walk through it, looking for deer, armadillos, and all else. None of this would I have known about had I not had the good fortune to know Connie and Ray, the founders of the Friends of Rothenbach Park." -- Tom Matrullo

"Volunteering will increase self-esteem, provide a service, foster a sense of competence, and fight off stress and depression. Volunteers live a healthier, happier, productive life." – Russell Johnson

"As a chapter member of the park, I was able to work with children and parents picking up air potatoes. It was fun and educational. Many great opportunities are provided by the park that benefits the park and the volunteers. It is win/win." -- Gail Keiser

"Volunteering is an opportunity to meet new friends and to make a positive contribution for the care and upkeep of a park." -- Walt Rothenbach
 
"Being chapter members allows us to have the potential to promote understanding, touch a heart, and make a difference.  We have a chance to positively influence a visitor's experience, to instill an appreciation for the natural world and the history of the park from a landfill to a beautiful park.
Ray and Connie Bresciani, Co-Chairs, Friends of Rothenbach Park"
 
"My reward for volunteering in the parks is seeing and listening to the children playing in the playground, families at a picnic table, a mother with a stroller on the nature trails, parents sitting in the grass watching their children play, seeing the wildlife that I have helped to protect, that is the only reward needed, that is what volunteering is about."  – Terry Redman, FOSCP Board member
                                          
"Creating a chapter has allowed Challenger Park to flourish.  People in the neighborhood had asked for years what could be done to improve this park.  As a chapter of FOSCP we have an avenue to organize and make things happen quickly.  Through grant writing and community events we have been able to make significant improvements to a park that was outdated and neglected.  The things we have been able to do through FOSCP membership would have been extremely difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish otherwise. -- Lisa Singeisen, Chairperson, Friends of Challenger Park"