By Mary Butler — May 30, 2025
I read with interest about the latest generous donation toward the Sarasota Orchestra’s new music center. Ten million dollars is a significant commitment by Jack and Priscilla Schlegel, and it follows closely on the heels of an even more substantial anonymous gift.
These acts of philanthropy speak volumes about our dedication to the arts and culture.
And we are grateful for that.
But as a leader in a community that often feels overlooked amid such grand gestures, I find myself pondering a crucial question: While we celebrate the soaring melodies that will emanate from this future venue, are we investing with the same fervor in the human potential that resides just a few miles away in Newtown?
Our city is blessed with a vibrant arts scene, a testament to the vision and generosity of many. Yet the same spirit of investment, the same belief in transformative power, is desperately needed in our underserved neighborhoods.
We applaud the creation of spaces that nurture artistic talent, but what about nurturing the talents and aspirations of young people in Newtown who may never have the opportunity to set foot in such a magnificent hall?
Imagine the symphonies of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community leadership that could arise from investing directly in the people of Newtown.
Currently in the planning stages, the Newtown Family Center is particularly important.
Family Center vital for Newtown
This initiative aims to be a central hub offering vital resources to break the cycle of poverty and foster resilience and self-reliance in a community where the urgency is stark.
Recent events have further exacerbated the hardships faced by Newtown residents: The 2024 hurricane season brought three devastating storms that caused significant damage to many homes in Newtown, adding immense stress and instability to already vulnerable families.
Consider these additional hardships within Newtown:
The economic realities further underscore the challenges.
The recent ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report indicates that Sarasota County’s survival budget for a family of four in 2024 exceeds $100,000.
With its mission to transform families in one generation, the Newtown Family Center will dismantle barriers to social mobility and improve the overall well-being of Newtown children by supporting families.
A financial contribution to the Newtown Family Center isn’t just a philanthropic endeavor; it’s a strategic investment in the future of Sarasota. Reviewing centers operating in similar markets, the return on investment averages $5 of social return for every $1 spent.
Meanwhile, Florida statistics for Family Centers show a 63% reduction in child abuse cases, a 50% reduction in out-of-home placements and a 26% lower rate of child abuse investigations.
We can support arts and Newtown
We are not asking for less support for the arts.
We understand their vital role in a thriving society.
Instead, we are advocating for a more holistic vision of philanthropy in Sarasota. We are urging our esteemed philanthropic community to consider the profound impact that strategic investments in human capital can have.
We in Newtown are ready to partner with our county’s philanthropic leaders and governmental agencies. We have dedicated individuals, passionate community organizations, and a deep-seated desire for progress, all working towards bringing the Newtown Family Center to life.
All we need is access to the visionary investment currently shaping our cultural landscape.
To be a part of co-designing and co-funding the Newtown Family Center, please contact info@newtownfamilycenter.org or call 941-867-0779.
Mary Butler is a longtime Newtown resident and a Newtown Family Center Steering Committee member. She can be reached at newtownbusinesscouncil@gmail.com.
