On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the Women in Philanthropy (WIP) community will gather for an evening that promises to be as meaningful as it is magnificent. Set against the sparkling waters of Sarasota Bay at Cap Joie, the Grande Soiree will transport guests into a world reminiscent of our Downton Abbey theme. The night will unfold with a celebration of our Honorees over cocktails, a sumptuous, seated dinner, a live band, fine liqueurs, and the warmth of an after-dinner martini and cigar bar. Shuttle service from Selby Gardens will ensure a seamless arrival to an atmosphere where timeless sophistication meets heartfelt purpose.

 

At the heart of this occasion lies WIP’s mission: to honor women whose lives reflect generosity, integrity, humility, compassion, and kindness. This year, eight remarkable exemplars will be celebrated for their leadership and service transforming Sarasota.  Together, they will help direct over six figures in WIP charitable donations to local nonprofit organizations, while WIP members cast their votes on the remaining allocations—an inspiring testament to collective philanthropy at its finest.

 

Yet WIP is far more than a single evening of recognition. It is a multi-generational organization.—a community of women of all ages devoted to volunteering, mentoring, fundraising, and developing skill sets that uplift others. Each month, aspirational Salons invite members into intimate gatherings that nurture personal growth, foster lasting friendships, and inspire each woman to become the very best version of herself.

 

This autumn, an October Salon at the Sarasota Yacht Club will feature a compelling video series showcasing the twelve Inaugural 2024 Honorees, proudly sponsored by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. During the luncheon, the eagerly awaited announcement of the 2025 Honorees will mark yet another milestone in WIP’s journey of empowering women and strengthening Sarasota’s philanthropic spirit.

 

Education and action remain central to WIP’s vision. Quarterly programs introduce members to impactful local nonprofits, offer charitable board training, explore topics such as financial planning and personal health, and create opportunities for hands-on volunteer engagement where help is needed most.

 

To set the tone for the season, a special premiere of Downton Abbey at Cine Bistro in September will offer members a joyful prelude to November’s grand celebration.

 

With every gathering, every donation, and every connection forged, Women in Philanthropy continues to weave a powerful legacy—a tapestry of generosity, grace, and shared purpose—uniting women to lift one another and their communities for generations to come.