Second Toast Local event serves up craft beers and spirits for a cause

Nicholas Iannitti, chair for the Rotary Club of Sarasota Foundation, said he established Toast Local last year when he saw a shortage of events for local residents during the summertime. 

More than 300 community members turned out for the second iteration of the event, hosted Aug. 17 at Robarts Arena by the Rotary Club of Sarasota.

Meanwhile, Iannitti said, "basically all" proceeds of the event go back into the community.

“That's just part of what Rotary is all about. It’s just a bunch of people coming together to make where they live a little bit of a better place,” he said. 

Attendees had the chance to enjoy about 15 vendors serving beers and spirits, as well as live music by Kettle of Fish. About 65 volunteers were present, as well as over a dozen paying sponsors, Iannitti said. 

He said last year’s event raised about $25,000, which he hoped that this year’s event would match or exceed. 

For Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, a nonprofit featured at the event which pairs young people with adult mentors, the impact was immediate. 

“We got some people to sign up, so we're hoping to get some of those kids off the waiting list and get them matched and get them a mentor because it changes their lives," said Teresa Taft, who works with the organization.

The Rotary Club supports many organizations benefiting children, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota as well as the Booker elementary, middle and high schools.