We asked... "What are you thankful for?"

The holidays are a time of reflection and to give thanks so we wanted to see what some of our community leaders had to say!

MIKE CHERRY
Strategic Marketer of atLarge downtown

"I'm thankful presidential terms are only four years and not longer... LOL. During this divided time in our country it's hard to recognize what you're thankful for. I'd say it's our duty today to focus on the good we are doing or could be doing within our community to better ourselves holistically. And I'm thankful to be a part of that growth in Sarasota. I'm thankful for having a voice and using it to better this community."

MICHAEL LAMB
​Community AIDS Network
Prevention Specialist

"I am thankful for progress. Progress shows growth & with growth comes wisdom."

SHANNON FORTNER
Founder & Executive Director of 
Harvey Milk Festival

"During a time like now we have to think about the things we are grateful for. I am grateful for the love I share with my beautiful bride-to-be and her very wonderful 6 year old son. Being surrounded by a community like ours has given us hope. Joining arms when we need one and other, working together to build bridges and support. This is why we should always remember this, "Our Hearts Beat On. We Promise To Stay Strong"

JOHN SECOR
Festival Producer of Sarasota Film Festival

​"I'm thankful this holiday season to live in a community that embraces my differences, supports my needs and values the performing arts and independent filmmaking!"

JOEY PANEK
Senior Producer at Suncoast View

"I'm thankful to live in a city that values the arts. I'm grateful for the friendships I've made because of that. And I'm thankful for my dog Lulu. I'm always thankful for her."

BRADEN CHAPMAN/
MIMI IMFURST
Cheif Innovation Officer at ALandCHUCK.travel

"2016 has proven to be full of extreme rewards and extreme challenges. I can speak for myself and everyone at ALandCHUCK.travel that we are EXTREMELY thankful for the friends and family we can hold close, our extended family around the world; but mostly for the lessons and blessings we carry into 2017. We hope everyone can reflect and find the joy in their lives this holiday season. "

BRIAN CRAFT
Director of Marketing at
​Manatee Performing Arts Center

"This Holiday Season, I am thankful to be a part of a community that not only embraces and supports the arts, but stimulates it’s artists, encouraging and pushing us to think outside the box and grow, embracing and celebrating our authenticity. I’m also thankful that we are able to engage in countless collaborations providing platforms to connect and come together as a community."

​By: Joshua Beadle, Editor and Chief of SarasotaOUT.com