Out-of-Door Academy raises money for Manasota BUDS

By Lesley Dwyer
| 5:45 p.m. February 3, 2024

Out-of-door students and staff wear bell bottoms, head bands and John Lennon's signature sunglasses to stay on theme with the 1960s music.

East County
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Although none of them experienced the 1960s except on television, students from The Out-of-Door Academy orchestrated a blast from the past at their latest concert at Woodland Community Church.

Orchestra members wore tie dye shirts, bell bottoms and hippie headbands to perform songs by the Beatles, Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan.

The free concert was held on Feb. 2 to benefit Manasota BUDS (Bringing Up Downs Syndrome), a nonprofit that serves residents in both Sarasota and Manatee counties.

BUDS board member Patricia Crauwels explained how donations are used.

“BUDS supports about 250 families, all of whom have a child with Down syndrome,“ she said. “Your money goes towards new parent kits, summer scholarships and to support educational opportunities for the parents.”

Instead of charging for tickets, the ODA students displayed their artwork and asked for donations. The selection of art included stationary, jewelry and coasters.

Each piece started with a photograph taken by the student. The photographs were then printed out, and the students used a photo transfer technique to decorate the items.

“We often support Manasota BUDS,” ODA art teacher Leslie Garasic said. “I’ve been here for 23 years, and I remember it going back at least 10 years.”

In addition to concerts, Garasic said the school raises funds for BUDS through dress-down days, and one year, they put on a talent show.

Out-of-Door Academy art teachers Sandra Romero and Leslie Garasie trade student art for donations to Manasota BUDS. Garasic's 9-year-old daughter Regan Garasic helps.

Out-of-door student Kegan Gargano and Manasota BUDS members Patricia Crauwels, Rachel Crauwels and Andrew Riffee introduce the orchestra and tell the audience about Manasota BUDS before the performance.

The Out-of-Door Academy's orchestra gives a free concert on Feb. 2 to benefit Manasota BUDS.

About 100 people attend a 1960s-themed orchestra performance at Woodland Community Church on Feb. 2.

Sarasota residents Jaime and Juli Garcia attend the concert because Juli Garcia is a teacher at the Out-of-Door Academy.

Jerry and Ann Lacertosa knew about the concert because their daughter works at the Out-of-Door Academy.

Brian and Rebecca Roman are in the audience to watch their daughter Kaitlyn perform. Kaitlyn Roman is in 11th grade and plays the viola.

Photos of the artist behind the music are displayed on the wall through each song. Pictured is a young Bob Dylan.

Theo and Chance Bradshaw are waiting to hear Theo's mom, Gabriella Maraia, sing. Maraia is a learning specialist at the Out-of-Door Academy.

author

Lesley Dwyer

Lesley Dwyer is a staff writer for East County and a graduate of the University of South Florida. After earning a bachelor’s degree in professional and technical writing, she freelanced for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Lesley has lived in the Sarasota area for over 25 years.