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THE FOUNDATION FOR MANATEE COMMUNITY
COLLEGE, INC.
TOUCHSTONE FOR TOMORROW
A lifetime of philanthropy makes
Sarasota resident Tana Sandefur a first-hand expert at what one person can accomplish.
When this extraordinary community leader was introduced to a new program at Manatee Community College by her
close friend, Jennifer Saslaw, she immediately felt the need to get involved. Together they led an initiative to raise $300,000 for the Summer Bridge Program, a goal they exceeded.
Tana’s benevolence, often in partnership with her husband, John, includes reaching out to friends and neighbors, who comprise what this dedicated humanitarian describes as a “terrifically giving community.”
The standard for philanthropy and outreach is high, she reports. “We want our beautiful community to be even better.”
The Summer Bridge Program gives seniors who question going to college the tools they need to thrive and become strong partners in the kind of community building that has been a hallmark of
Tana’s life. Through scholarships, classroom instruction, and mentoring opportunities, the program helps ensure the success of students like teacher-to-be Jamaari Johnson and nursing student Kimberly L. Washington.
Tana knows no one is an island. Through her philanthropy, she is building bridges to a better tomorrow.
KIMBERLY L. WASHINGTON
Summer Bridge student Kimberly L.Washington aspires to be a role model for other single mothers. She was headed in the right direction after graduating from high school with an excellent academic record despite tremendous financial challenges and
her parenting responsibilities. Summer Bridge gave her the boost she needed to get a solid start in college: a scholarship, skills preparation, and the encouragement of faculty members. It will be a long road to becoming a nurse, but she is determined to build a good life for herself and her son. “When things get tough, I just look at my son, and that gets me ready for the next day,” said Kimberly.
JAMAARI JOHNSON
Serious financial challenges and a learning disability have not stopped Jamaari Johnson from achieving and moving forward with his life. At 19, he is both a thriving student at MCC and a manager at a local theater, results of his determination and hard work.When he learned about CROP (College Reach Out Program) in high school he quickly enrolled, knowing he would need help in attaining his goal of becoming a middle school teacher in Special Ed. CROP led him to Summer Bridge and the scholarship that made college possible. “You need to progress,” said Jamaari. “If you stay in one spot, you’re not helping anyone.”