January 2008 Dear Valued Supporter: As we begin preparing for our ...

In 2008, our dedicated Steering Committee has made the strengthening
of our educational component the focus of our continuing efforts to
deliver our message. Although we have seen a steady increase in our
effectiveness in this area, this year’s efforts have already created a
new and powerful written curriculum to assist teachers in facilitating
the involvement of their students. We are so grateful for the help
of a number of teachers, already committed to our efforts, who
participated in the creation of this new curriculum. We also expect
a significant increase in the number of students who will be bussed
to the Exhibit, free of charge, as a result of the continuing financial
support of our donors and the increasing cooperation of the Sarasota
and Manatee school system. There are many benefits from putting
on a multi year Exhibit, including increased community awareness
and in the increasing sophistication in how we deliver our message.
We are definitely seeing these benefits manifest themselves in our
educational efforts in our schools.
A project as large as Embracing Our Differences® requires the
support of many people and organizations. We wish to acknowledge
all of those who have played a role in supporting our efforts.
These include you, our very generous donors, as well as our many
volunteers. It also includes our Community Partners made up of the
Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice, the Sarasota-Manatee
Jewish Federation, SCOPE, the Ringling College of Art + Design, the
Community Foundation of Sarasota and newly joined Partner, the
University of South Florida. Each of these organizations makes a very
special contribution. As always, the City of Sarasota deserves our
special thanks for allowing us to occupy our beautiful downtown bay
front park, which provides the perfect venue for our community to
view the Exhibit. A special thanks also to North Port High School,
who will host our Exhibit for the third year so that members of our
South County community may more easily attend the Exhibit. Lastly,
our deep gratitude is extended to Michael Shelton and our 25 person
Steering Committee, whose tireless efforts and commitment form the
bedrock on which Embracing Our Differences® stands.
Once again, we look forward to our 2008 Exhibit and providing
an opportunity for our community to reflect upon and deepen its
awareness that Embracing Our Differences®, respecting the views of
others and standing up against hatred and prejudice, will lead to a
better world for everyone.
Embracing Our Differences® Steering Committee Co-Chairs
Graci & Dennis McGillicuddy
Carol & Carroll Buchanan
“The blind
can see the soul of a
person without being
blinded
by their appearance.”
– Lauren Dobbins, 9th Grade
The Out of Door Academy
“The world is a library.
It is only as good as the
variety of books on its
shelves. No one wants
to visit a library
with only one book.”
– Levi Bradford, 6th Grade
McIntosh Middle School
“I went to a small, private
school where everyone’s
background was similar.
I learned how to multiply.
Then I went to a school
where everyone’s
background was different.
I learned how to live.”
– Allison Klein, 11th Grade
Professional Children’s School