Realty company donates to 47 causes

The philanthropic arm of Michael Saunders & Company continued its 11-year mission of providing assistance to nonprofit organizations across Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties during its year-end grant distribution this past week.

Company agents, managers and executives gathered at the Lakewood Ranch sales office to present checks to 47 local organizations. Representatives from each of the nonprofits shared details about their cause and how the money will be used.

“Each organization represented here today is a critical part of the philanthropic effort the community counts on,” said Drayton Saunders, president of Michael Saunders & Company and vice president of the MSC Foundation.

“You represent the best of what our community does. We are honored to recognize and support so many organizations that are committed to doing vitally important work.”

The foundation’s twice-ayear grant distribution is made

Four circus luminaries honored under big top

Four stars of the circus world will be honored this weekend at the Circus Ring of Fame Foundation’s 2023 induction ceremonies.

The event takes place at 4:30 p.m. Saturday under the Circus Sarasota Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park.

Honorees are: n Peggy Williams: In 1970, Williams was the first female graduate of Clown College to perform in The Greatest Show On Earth. In 1980, she was the company’s first female performance director. She also worked to create Ringling’s Department of Educational Services. n The Alexis Brothers: Marco and Paulo Lorador have performed their artistic hand balancing to millions of fans worldwide, including the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The Alexis Brothers have been featured in The Greatest Show On Earth and Cirque du Soleil. n Jeanette Williams: She performed with horses and multiple animals in Europe and the U.S. with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Jeanette produced her own show in America and became a prominent agent for circus arts talent. n The Rev. Jerry Hogan: A Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Boston for 46 years, Hogan served for three decades as the national “Circus Chaplain” under the direction of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Father Jerry traveled frequently, ministering to different circus troupes and performers.

Two pedestrians killed on Fruitville Road

possible through donations by agents who give portions of their real estate commissions and staff who make payroll deductions and special gifts throughout the year.

Since its formation in 2011, a total of $1.2 million has been donated to 256 organizations throughout the tri-county area – from youth, family, homeless and mental health services to underserved arts and literacy programs.

Two fatal hit-and-run incidents that occurred Jan. 27 are under investigation by the Sarasota Police Department. Investigators do not believe they are connected.

The first happened on Fruitville Road near Orange Avenue at about 11:30 p.m. The victim, a 56-year-old man, was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. He died from his injuries at the hospital, police said.

The second, at Fruitville Road near Beneva Road, occurred about 20 minutes later. When officers arrived, a 64-year-old man was found dead.