As published in the Herald Tribune 11/20/25:
The MSC Foundation is leading a quiet army of philanthropists to the tune of over 600 real estate agents and staff. Through their donations of over $1.4 million to more than 260 nonprofits – including Safe Children Coalition – the foundation’s goal is to improve lives by offering shelter, sustenance, education, and a path to self-sufficiency. Saunders’ involvement includes his leadership role at the foundation and his involvement as a director at Gulfside Bank, Sarasota’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, and previous roles with the Sarasota County Economic Development Corporation, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and other non-profits.
As CEO of NAMI, Thayer leads a team of peer specialists who work daily to help par-ents involved in the child welfare system and others experiencing mental health and substance use challenges to find the resources needed to achieve wellness. Over the last three years, SCC’s partnership with NAMI has grown to include peer-to-peer programs for fathers, mothers, and youths aging out of foster care.
