Bart Coyle and Jim Jablonski have been involved in LGBT charitable causes since moving to the area in 2000. So it seemed only natural that ALSO Out Youth honor the long-term couple at its 10th Annual Brunch on Sunday, Sept. 26.
According to Bryan Hadley, volunteer activities coordinator for ALSO Out Youth, it was the pair’s commitment to diversity and LGBT organizations that prompted the honor.
“They’ve been involved with a wide variety of community organizations including A League of Our Own, ALSO, Bethesda House, Sarasota Pride…” Hadley said. “The list could go on.”
And it does go on. Dignity Sarasota, Gulf Coast Affirming Interfaith Network, The Southwest Florida Community AIDS Quilt, Unity Leadership Sarasota and Equality Florida have all also benefitted from the generosity displayed by Coyle and Jablonski.
The pair is the force behind the popular Bowling in Boxers event each spring, which features entertainment, a live auction and a social outlet for Sarasota’s LGBT community. The fundraiser usually benefits ALSO, and several other charitable causes.
In an e-mail announcing the brunch, the ever-humble Coyle encouraged friends and colleagues to attend the brunch—not because he and his partner of 40-plus years were being honored—but because it would raise funds for ALSO.
ALSO Out Youth provides peer support services, educational programs, advocacy, and referrals for LGBT youth ages 13-21. ALSO serves Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties.
The Brunch begins at 11:45 a.m. at Michael’s On East. Tickets are $65.
