Walk Forward: The Ruby Bridges Sarasota Initiative

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How will you support Walk Forward: The Ruby Bridges Sarasota Initiative

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Legacy Sponsor — $25,000

Provide premier support for Walk Forward: The Ruby Bridges Sarasota Initiative!

Prominent recognition on all event materials and select media outreach
VIP Reception access for 8 guests
Reserved seating for Town Hall (8 seats)
Recognition from stage during event program
Opportunity to include pre-approved literature or branded materials
Recognition in post-event communications and impact report

Trailblazer Sponsor — $15,000

Help blaze the trail for inclusion and civic courage in Sarasota!

Recognition on sponsor page, event materials, event signage, social media, and digital media
VIP Reception access for 6 guests
Reserved seating for Town Hall (6 seats)
Recognition from stage during event program
Opportunity to include pre-approved literature or branded materials
Recognition in post-event communications and impact report

Empowerment Sponsor — $10,000

Empower the next generation to lead with courage and champion inclusion!

Recognition on sponsor page, event materials, event signage, social media, and digital media
VIP Reception access for 4 guests
Reserved seating for Town Hall (4 seats)
Opportunity to provide pre-approved literature for community information table
Recognition in post-event communications and impact report

Future Leaders Sponsor — $5,000

Invest in the future leaders of our community!

Recognition on sponsor page, event materials, social media, digital media, and post-event communications
VIP Reception access for 4 guests
Reserved seating for Town Hall (4 seats)
Opportunity to provide pre-approved appropriate literature for information table

Bridge Builder Sponsor — $2,500

Illuminate the path for the children our community!

Recognition on sponsor page, event materials, and digital media
VIP Reception access for 2 guests
Reserved seating for Town Hall (2 seats)

Community Impact Sponsor — $1,000

Make your mark on this historic community event!

Name listing on event sponsor signage (where space permits)
Recognition on social media, digital media, and post-event communications
Reserved seating for Town Hall (2 seats)
Name listing in event program

Classroom Sponsor — $250

Support a classroom and help inspire the next generation of civic leaders!

Recognition on donor page, social media, and digital media
Invitation to attend Town Hall (1 seat)

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Embracing Our Differences, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Pursuant to the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993, no goods or services were provided in exchange for this gift.

EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES, INC. MEETS ALL REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED BY THE FLORIDA SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS ACT. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR AT WWW.FLORIDACONSUMERHELP.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION NO. CH19398.

November 12, 2026

On November 12, 2026, Sarasota will host a landmark community event, Walk Forward: The Ruby Bridges Sarasota Initiative.

We are bringing one of the most influential trailblazers of our time to our city for a powerful series of experiences designed to inspire courage, character, and civic engagement among our youth and throughout our community. We invite you to partner with us to make this extraordinary initiative possible.

Your support will help equip people of all ages with understanding, empathy, and the confidence to lead with compassion, strengthen our community, and shape a brighter future for generations to come.

Community Impact

This initiative will inspire current and future generations to lead with courage, foster welcoming communities, and strengthen the understanding, compassion, and connections that help communities thrive.

Net proceeds will be invested in expanding education, cultural awareness, and community dialogue throughout the region through two local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations: Embracing Our Differences, Inc. (EOD), and the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC).

Initiative Highlights

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

Local students will walk together in honor of Ruby’s historic steps, followed by her in-person appearance and a guided discussion on courage, belonging, opening doors to opportunity, and preventing bullying.

Community Town Hall Conversation

A conversation with Ruby Bridges, moderated by Charlayne Hunter-Gault, another trailblazer in expanding access to education, reflecting on Ms. Bridges’ defining place in our nation’s story and the enduring power of civic engagement, community dialogue, and collective action.

Private VIP Reception

In appreciation of their leadership support, invited guests will enjoy a private reception featuring a personal greeting and commemorative photo opportunity with Ruby Bridges.

2026 Planning Committee

Visionary & Chair

Walter Gilbert

Co-Chairs

Renée James Gilmore
Victoria Kasdan

Members

Georgia Anderson
Aundria Castleberry
Dr. Willie Clemons
Washington Hill, M.D.
Roxanne Joffe
Mary Braxton Joseph
Tomeika Hunter Koski
Anand Pallegar
Cindy Stuhley
Sarah Wertheimer
Hon. Judge Charles E. Williams
Dr. Bill Woodson

Nonprofit Fiscal Agent

Embracing Our Differences, Inc.

Sponsorship Contacts

Aundria Castleberry – castle.2@comcast.net

Sarah Wertheimer – Sarah@EmbracingOurDifferences.org

Walk Forward: The Ruby Bridges Sarasota Initiative