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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 26, 2026 Reid House Kids Book Fair Celebrates Literacy, Legacy, and Community Sarasota, FL — The Reid House Kids Book Fair will bring together families, authors, and community members for acelebration of literacy, culture, and creativity from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 4 at the historic Leonard ReidHouse, located at 2529 N. Orange Avenue. The event is in conjunction with Newtown’s annual Spring Fling Easter paradealong Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way. The book fair highlights the importance of reading while uplifting Black stories and storytellers. Featured activities arelive entertainment, spoken word performances, storytelling, face painting, bounce houses, vendors, an Easter egg hunt,and opportunities to meet local authors. Free books and holiday treats will be distributed to children. The enduring legacy of Leonard Reid and his beloved wife Eddye is honored. Their home, originally located at Boulevardof the Arts and Coconut Avenue served as

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 9, 2026 Local Organization Soars into Centennial Year Celebration of the Leonard Reid HouseSARASOTA, Fla. — The historic Leonard Reid House celebrates 100 years in existence with an array of eventsthroughout the year. From a presentation about parrots, to a book fair celebrating access to literacy, the familyfriendly events commemorate the core beliefs of the pioneering family who shaped Sarasota’s history. In collaboration with Jungle Gardens’ avian keepers, Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC)presents, “Hello Pretty Bird.” It’s an hourlong program about the world of colorful parrots and the stories ofOvertown residents who remember the Reid family’s two large, talking birds. The event takes place at 2529 N.Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL from 1 – 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 12. Leonard Reid came to Sarasota in 1900. He was valedictorian of Savannah Normal School (now known asSavannah State University). He valued education, and his home became a

Sarasota African American Cultural Center Director of Development The Director of Development will be responsible for creating and implementing acomprehensive development strategy to support SAACC’s mission and growth. This roleinvolves cultivating and stewarding relationships with donors, securing major gifts, planningfundraising events, developing and overseeing an annual fund program, and managing grantapplications. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in fundraising, excellentcommunication skills, and a deep commitment to the mission of SAACC. SAACC’s goal is tobuild a development team capable of broadening its donor base to sustain operations. The quietphase of a capital campaign will be launched in 2026. This key position will lead the fundraisingteam. Key ResponsibilitiesFundraising Strategy:– Develop and execute a strategic fundraising plan to meet annual revenue goals.– Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.– Develop and implement an annual fund program.– Plan and manage fundraising campaigns and events.Donor Relations:– Build and maintain