New foundation raising funds

Board members of the newly formed Nathan Benderson Park Foundation are busy raising funds for the rowing facility.

Board members include: Randy Benderson, president of Benerson Development; Todd Mathes, of Benderson Development; Michael Bennett, Manatee County supervisor of elections,; Teri Hansen, of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation; Michael Klauber, owner of Michael's on East,  Randy Mallitz, of University Park; and Anne Essner, of Sarasota.

The foundation board already has raised $3.5 million for the park and hope to raise.

The nonprofit organization is separate from the park's operational nonprofit, Suncoast Acquatic  Nature Center Associates.

* This story was changed at 9:37 a.m. Sept. 10. David Brenner originally was a board member, but he withdrew due to other commitments.