Center, where he was treated. Then they recently formed a nonprofit called Little Owl Charities to host all future Polo Under the Palms events. This nonprofit will also raise money for and boost awareness of organizations pursuing advances in research, education and treatment of cancer. It’s a family operation with Jamie, wife Mary, son James and daughter-inlaw Christie, who serves as executive director, all involved. ‘Dickie V’ as he is called in the basketball world is known by his catchphrase “baby”. He is known in the charity world as a crusader in the fight to end pediatric cancer. His annual Dick Vitale Gala continually attracts high profile athletes and celebrities to Sarasota to support the V Foundation (named for the late NC State basketball coach Jim Valvano - not Vitale) where 100% of all direct donations fund cancer research. Dick’s wife, Lorraine, and two daughters, Terri Sforzo and Sherri Krug, seem to have the calm grounding that complements Dickie V’s hyperkinetic energy for the ultimate effect. Dick’s daughters followed in his love of athletics when both played tennis at Notre Dame. Besides supporting Dad’s charitable efforts and enjoying their own families, according to a 2007 Bradenton Herald article, the sisters started a sports marketing company called Tandem Enterprises, which features their dad as their main client. In the same article, Dickie V gives full credit to his dynamic daughters declaring enthusiastically, “They have been vital to my career.” And then there is 1-800-Ask-Gary founder, Gary Kompothecras, who is determined to find a cure and prevent autism. That’s a big goal. But then, it’s a big family behind this endeavor. Gary and his wife Beth are the proud parents of six children. The two oldest are both autistic while the youngest are triplets! Just raising these six kids is a big ask, but this close-knit team seems to thrive on work, passion and love. With Dr. Gary’s warrior spirit and Beth’s kind, soft approach, the whole family is influencing the world of autism. Based on my recent conversation with Gary, there is more fight to come. I can’t wait to see what this family does.
THE LEGACY Sometimes it’s not a business or foundation at all. It’s the family legacy. Bush, Kennedy, Roosevelt – these names remind us that politics breeds its own family business and legacy. I see it in my own family with the Republican Smiths and the Democrat Udalls. They often voted ‘”across the aisle” on Capitol Hill. We named this family business “public service” and I am proud to call many judges, senators, congressmen, cabinet members, and mayors and commissioners family. Locally, a few names come to mind that share a similar legacy. Rep. Greg Steube watched his father serve as Sheriff of Manatee County. Rep. Jim Boyd followed the examples of his grandfather, Rep. Hugh Boyd, and his uncle, Senator Wilbur Boyd, serving the state in Tallahassee. Amazing… Who knew that our little corner of the state boasts so many family businesses of all sorts? I’m anxious to watch the next generation take the reigns. I came up with a term a few years ago to describe the young people who are
educated here, then leave for a bit, only to come home to set up their roots – the “boomerang kids.” Sarasota’s family businesses will continue to thrive with their energy and smarts.
SPECIAL REPORT Junior Buzzer: Cassandra Sammartano, Ringling College intern for The Economic Buzz: Bringing Characters to Life – An Evening at the Avant Garde benefiting Ringling College of Art and Design Colorful guests poured into the Avant Garde tent with high hopes of finding some fantastic prizes, laughs, and some great memories. As a newcomer for this event, I was quietly observing the sense of togetherness with these creative characters. It may have been because I was also in my lacey blue Alice in Wonderland dress. That night, everyone metamorphosed into his or her favorite iconic character. Not even the weather hindered the creativity of the guests and volunteers! Everyone was in character! Larry Thompson, or should I say Captain Jack Sparrow, literally sailed right into Ringling campus with his mighty Ringling crew. On striking musical sails, Larry and his crew welcomed the guests to another extraordinary “Evening at the Avant Garde.” The crew’s feathered conquistadors fluttered around them ensuring a smooth docking into Ringling “harbor.” The guests were in awe of the show stopping entrance! What an exciting sight it was to see a parade of characters make their grand paparazzi entrance. Characters jumped off the movie screen and onto Ringling campus. Never have I seen so much limelight for the Mad Hatter or Three Blind Mice! As the night progressed, so did the music. Similar to a Disney movie - this wonderful and creative fusion of guests dancing to the music could only be described as a fantastic array of colors and patterns moving alongside one another inside the tent on Scott’s Plaza. We were all ourselves – characters brought to life. At Avant Garde, there wasn’t only a fantastic range of costumes. Inside the Exposition Hall, much like in Aladdin’s cave in Aladdin, there were many prized jewels for one to look at. At the end of the night, the lucky “Aladdins” got to take home an auctioned prize! There was also a plethora of silent bidding auction items sprinkled on rowed tables ranging from vacation packages, to luxurious wine, to golf lessons. There was also a photo booth and a caricature artist who whipped up big smiles. Personally, my favorite items in the room were the Disney on Ice costumes donated by Disney for this event. Later in the night came the paddle-raise for student scholarships. The magical costumed guests raised over $108,000 in generous donations! As a Ringling student, I can’t thank these wonderful people enough for their generosity. I would personally like to thank all of the guests and those who put together this event. What a fantastic night it was! May 8 is Mother’s Day – all day and everywhere. Don’t forget to call your mom! Suzette Jones is CEO and Founder of The Economic Buzz, a company focused on economic development and innovation. (theeconomicbuzz.com | sj@theeconomicbuzz.com) May 2016
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