Friends of Myakka River recently participated in the 2022 Giving Challenge, presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, with giving strengthened by the Patterson Foundation.   The nonprofit organization, which exists to support Myakka River State Park, and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River, fundraised to support their new Outreach and Environmental Program, which augments the park's offering through use of social media, print media and in-person programming. 

Using the theme "Be the One to Share Myakka's Magic", the organization raised $28,178 during the 24-hr challenge, thanks to donations from 142 donors, matching funds from the Patterson Foundation, as well as two dedicated Friends of the Friends and prize money from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.  Due to their fundraising success, the non-profit was included in the top 20 Small Organizations Leaderboard.

"We are grateful to our members, volunteers, the community at large and our local philanthropists, whose incredible support helped make this fundraiser such a huge success" Executive Director Miri Hardy said.  "We are thrilled by this resounding support for our new program, and look forward to continuing to increase the Friends of Myakka River's impact in the areas of outreach, community engagement and environmental education”.

For more information about the Friend of Myakka River new Outreach and Environmental Education Program, visit the Friends of Myakka River Giving Partner Profile or contact Miri Hardy.