Days of Hope Planned for 1,600 Students

This summer 1,600 local students in need will receive medical exams, backpacks, personal care supplies and more through the Hope Kids Community. Donations and volunteers are needed.

Weekly Tails From Southeastern Guide Dogs

Gearing up for a Trifecta of Walkathons

Southeastern Guide Dogs’ biggest fundraiser of the year is now bigger than ever!

Every year Southeastern Guide Dogs’ Walkathon draws supporters from all over the country.  Some are volunteers, some graduates, some sponsors and others just want to get out and walk with their best friend.  With its growing popularity this year’s Walkathon is actually happening over three weekends! February 23 sees the kick-off of the trifecta of Walkathons in Bradenton at the newly renovated Rossi Park.  Walkathon is going back to its roots and kicking off with the Bradenton contingent along the Manatee Riverfront. Next, Walkathon moves to Sarasota for its first walk at Payne Park on March 2.  Our friends from the south can enjoy all Walkathon has to offer while not having to venture too far from home. Finally, the Walkathon season …

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Bradenton Business Spotlight

Pottery and Glass Fusing is Fun for Everyone at Arts A Blaze

The Lakewood Ranch Main Street art studio is a family-friendly location to make and paint pottery, mosaics and fused glass creations.

From the aspiring Michelangelo to the amateur arts and crafts dabbler, Arts A Blaze Studio in downtown Lakewood Ranch is a haven for anyone with even an ounce of artistic flair. Arts A Blaze offers a wide range of artistic outlets, including pottery painting, clay building, mosaic tiling and glass fusing in a family-friendly environment where artists of all ages and skill levels have an opportunity to let their creative side flourish. “This is a place for everyone,” said Theresa Barion, who co-owns the studio with her husband, Dan. “From kids as young as two years old to teenagers, parents and grandparents, everyone gets to have fun creating.” After working as a Wall Street bond trader for 20 years, Barion made a dramatic career change …

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Weekly Tails From Southeastern Guide Dogs

A Guide Dog Named Faith Has Given Him Hope

Last week we talked about career changes for dogs whose talents were suited for jobs other than guiding. Here’s an example of one such special dog and her new purpose.

When baby Jack was born prematurely at 1.4 pounds, it took all kinds of faith to see him through his first few days. When Jack spent months in the hospital, every breath a struggle, it took all kinds of faith to see him through his first year. When 13-month-old Jack came to live with the Rettig family in St. Cloud, not even able to sit up, it took all kinds of faith to help him thrive. When the almost 10-year-old Jack walked off the school bus recently to greet his Canine Connections dog, he met an instant friend named Faith. Southeastern Guide Dogs’ Canine Connections is a new program providing gentle companion dogs for visually impaired children, helping them learn the responsibilities and joys of dog ownership in anticipation of a …

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