Help restore the Bayfront Gardens with the nurture, care and attention needed to continue to be a place of wonder, curiosity and peace for our community.

Donations ended on 3/6/2025


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Donate to the Ringling Grounds and Gardens Maintenance

$1,210 Raised of $25,000 Goal


18
Total Gifts


18
Supporters


$500
Largest Gift


0
Days to go

Restore the Ringling Bayfront Gardens

Resiliency and Renewal: Help The Ringling Blossom Again

Back-to-back hurricanes took a toll on many in the Sarasota arts community, including The Ringling. But even in the face of nature’s challenges, our story is one of hope, strength, and the promise of renewal.

Hurricane Milton left its mark on our beloved Bayfront Gardens. We said goodbye to some iconic trees, including the majestic Bunya Bunya, and saw many of our Banyan trees heavily thinned. The cherished rose garden, once lovingly reimagined by Mable Ringling herself, now faces its own transformation.

With support from Florida State University, we worked tirelessly to clear debris across our 66-acre campus, ensuring it was safe for visitors to return. While much of the gardens were closed for nearly a month, we remained committed to making our spaces accessible, even offering discounted admissions. Yet, the journey to full recovery is far from over.

Many of you have asked how you can make a difference—and now is the time. You can help us restore and reimagine the Bayfront Gardens, ensuring they remain a sanctuary of beauty, peace, and inspiration for our community and beyond.

Your generosity will provide the vital care needed to nurture this treasured space back to life. Together, we can honor the legacy of the past while building a vibrant future.

Join us and be part of the transformation. Let’s ensure The Ringling continues to be a place of wonder and joy for generations to come.

Thank You to Our Supporters

5
Alumni

1
Students

1
Parents

12
Faculty/Staff

3
Friends

2
Board Members

Supporter Amount Gift Date
Sherron Sloan  $5.00 3/6/2025 12:02 AM
Aisling Carr   $10.00 3/5/2025 11:09 PM
Susan Glenn  $500.00 3/5/2025 11:07 PM
Harriett Stripling Hunter $20.00 3/5/2025 9:46 PM
Theresa Messina & John Messina  $50.00 3/5/2025 9:05 PM
Barbara Ramsay  $100.00 3/5/2025 8:51 PM
Paul Marty  $20.00 3/5/2025 8:22 PM
Shara Garwood Sanders  $50.00 3/5/2025 8:15 PM
Dennis Schnittker & Mandy Schnittker   $50.00 3/5/2025 7:43 PM
Valerie Claus   $20.00 3/5/2025 5:49 PM
Christopher Iansiti & Michael A Fornaro   $100.00 3/5/2025 3:58 PM
Michele Connizzo  $10.00 3/5/2025 3:11 PM
Arthur Wiedinger  $150.00 3/5/2025 2:27 PM
Matthew Lenard  $25.00 3/5/2025 11:58 AM
Jeanne Curtin & Larry Curtin   $50.00 3/5/2025 10:54 AM
Kingsley Bocian   $15.00 3/5/2025 10:46 AM
Janet Taylor  $25.00 3/5/2025 10:18 AM
Theresa Clark & David Clark   $10.00 3/5/2025 5:59 AM

Donations for this project ended on 3/6/2025 12:00 AM

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SPARKFSU Unit Representative

Valerie Claus
vclaus@foundation.fsu.edu

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SPARKFSU Support Staff
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