At the School District of Manatee County, our mission is to educate and develop all students today for their success tomorrow. Meanwhile, the mission of Embracing Our Differences is through the transformative power of the arts, we educate and inspire to create a better world. I believe those two mission statements stand shoulder to shoulder in terms of the impact that both organizations strive to create. We both believe that the arts and the opportunity and openness to express oneself are key components of the educational process and that they provide a powerful means to influence others, far beyond our own neighborhoods and communities. And so I thank Embracing Our Differences for inviting our students to submit their artwork and quotations and for giving our youth such a vibrant and meaningful way to be seen and heard.
Dr. Jason Wysong, Superintendent, School District of Manatee County
You have truly changed this community with this. It's such an initiative to get behind. I mean how can kindness, respect, and inclusion at a time that we need it more than ever, and I applaud the teachers for your extra effort but I know it's something to believe in because you know that that's exactly what's gonna change the environment and allow our children to thrive in an environment for years to come. Thank you for everything you guys do, we are very very very grateful for your generosity, your spirit, and your vision.
Bridget Ziegler, School Board Member, Sarasota County Schools
Being Co-Founders and a part of Embracing Our Difference over these past twenty years has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of our lives. Pursuing the mission of EOD to teach our children the values of kindness and respect and embracing others regardless of our differences, continually reminded us to live these values in our own daily lives and, as Gandhi said, to be the change we wish to see in the world.
Dennis & Graci McGillicuddy, Co-Founders, Embracing Our Differences
As a writer, Embracing Our Differences is practice in finding inspiration in change toward an accepting society. As a person, Embracing Our Differences is practice in being inspired by change to create a more inclusive and diverse world.
Seth Morano, 14 year student participant, current senior at USF
Gulf Coast has been a proud supporter of embracing our differences since 2007. Together with our donors, Gulf Coast has given nearly $2.8 million to support the annual exhibition, innovative teacher training and inclusive education initiatives. I share this number to demonstrate the belief this community has in this organization. The work of Embracing Our Differences truly inspires our community to cultivate empathy by sharing different perspectives through art and education. I have personally been moved and inspired, and even challenged by the annual art exhibition. Transformational change happens when we all come together to advance the greater good. Thank you to Sarah and the entire team at Embracing Our Differences for advancing the greater good.
Phillip P. Lanham, President & CEO, Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Embracing Our Differences opens the door to imagination, creativity and understanding of one another. From visiting the compelling Bayfront exhibitions to reading to students in elementary schools during community-wide reading events, it is wonderful to see eyes light up as people grasp the inspiring messages from artworks with accompanying quotations and children’s books.
Roxie Jerde, President and CEO, Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Embracing Our Differences has long been an intersection of creativity, imagination, understanding, connection and light for our communities. As I consider all of the ways differences enhance what is possible, I know that this organization has played a significant role in supporting the continued expansion of inclusiveness we need for success— success of everyone.
Susie Bowie, President & CEO, William G. & Marie Selby Foundation
Quite a lot like our friends at Embracing Our Differences, we believe that listening and learning allows us to integrate others’ perspectives and encourage civil dialogue, and making meaningful and intentional investments on initiatives that encourage everyone to have access to opportunities will allow our community to thrive. We celebrate EOD and their focus on respecting and valuing our differences, and using the power of arts to educate and inspire, and ultimately create a better world for all of us. Thank you, Embracing Our Differences. We appreciate you!
Veronica Thames, Executive Director, Manatee Community Foundations
Since its inception, Embracing Our Differences has shrunk and continues to shrink our world and spaces of differences by bringing people closer, by bridging the gaps of understanding, and by allowing the expressions of unity and diversity. Our city and the City of Sarasota hold true the values of Embracing Our Differences and is proud to be your home and the hosts of the annual international art exhibition in Sarasota’s Bayfront Park.
Marlon Brown, City Manager, City of Sarasota
I have had the privilege of submitting to Embracing Our Differences as a student, as a teacher, and as an artist. These different viewpoints have allowed me to witness the positive and everlasting impact EOD has on its participants.
Dr. Brooks Tracey, Visual Art Teacher, Sarasota Middle School
Hi, I am Mayor Liz Alpert, and I'm excited today to talk to you about Embracing Our Differences. This is a wonderful artistic display that I look forward to every year for our Bayfront Park. I can walk around and I can look at the creativity and the thoughtfulness that the artists put into this display. It's a wonderful way for the general public to remember that we need to embrace our differences.
Liz Alpert, Mayor, City of Sarasota
Gulf Coast Community Foundation congratulates Embracing Our Differences for 20 years of artistically using the power of images to highlight and teach what makes us all better together. We are proud to have been a supporter of your incredible mission from day one and look forward to advancing your mission into the future! We thank you!
Dr. Mark Pritchett, Former President & CEO, Gulf Coast Community Foundation
EOD has continually lived its values, with the stellar example of Embracing Our Differences Reading Day, which has reached thousands of children and adults, providing unique classroom reading opportunities promoting diversity, inclusion, respect, and literacy. Vibrant positivity at its best.
Debra Jacobs, President & CEO, The Patterson Foundation
Embracing Our Differences, through the power of art, allows us to celebrate and appreciate what makes each of us unique. One of the most beautiful things about humanity is that we're all different. Each person brings something special to our community, and together these differences have a profound and positive impact on our learning experiences. Our goal is to educate and develop students for their future success, just as Embracing Our Differences aims to educate and inspire through their initiatives. We are fortunate that our students have this incredible opportunity to express themselves and work to build a more compassionate community. Together, we are building a better world.
Terry Connor, Superintendent, Sarasota County Schools
I absolutely love what Embracing Our Differences does for this community and its children because the mission – the driving force – of EOD is in direct alignment with the core values of Ringling College of Art and Design. Because we truly believe that art and design can only exist and thrive through diversity, and that art and creativity are the most effective and inclusive communicators, we have been a major supporter of Embracing Our Differences from its inception. We are committed to continuing to support EOD and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will continue to have in our community and beyond. I congratulate Embracing Our Differences again and again for all it has done to date.
Dr. Larry R. Thompson, President, Ringling College of Art and Design
Embracing Our Differences has brought the world to our doorstep with the common message of love and acceptance for all. It’s really quite amazing that no matter what country the artist or quote comes from, the message of love for humanity resonates across the globe. It gives me hope for the future.
Teri A Hansen, President & CEO, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation
You guys don't just embody embracing the differences you guys embody making a difference. And you guys make a difference from the most vulnerable children in our society, to kids to 12, to everybody who goes to the Bayfront Park - the retirees who are walking during the day and seeing the emotion, not only have seen the kids come off the buses and interacting, but just having to sit there at the bay and reflect on the imagery and what it all means. So I really do thank you for everything you do. Not just for the schools, but for our entire society.
Eric Robinson, Former School Board Member, Sarasota County Schools
It has been my great honor to witness the lifechanging work of Embracing Our Differences as they help children on the Suncoast understand diversity and experience the reciprocating benefits of expressing kindness to all. I believe that EOD’s mission will impact generations to come, as daily acts of kindness, respect, and compassion spread, leading to greater happiness for the giver, receiver, community, and world.
Carol McCloud, Author, Bucket Fillers Book Series
