A benefit brunch for ALSO Youth families and allies
Under the Cherry Blossoms
Sunday, February 7, 2027, 11 AM to 1 PM, at Hanami Sushi, Cocktails and Lounge (Sarasota).
In Japan, Hanami is the tradition of gathering beneath cherry trees in full bloom. For 35 years, ALSO Youth has been that place for LGBTQ+ youth in Sarasota and Manatee Counties: somewhere to gather, grow, and be celebrated.
Through storms and political headwinds, we've kept our doors open. For many LGBTQ+ youth, home is complicated. ALSO Youth is still here, a place where they are safe, seen, and celebrated. Storms come and go. ALSO Youth stays. And every young person who finds us gets the chance to bloom.
When and where
Sunday, February 7, 2027, 11 AM to 1 PM
Hanami Sushi, Cocktails and Lounge1525 4th St, Unit C, Sarasota, FL 34236Tickets
Brunch ticket, $59
Early bird $59 through December 15, then Regular $69.
Open buffet of Asian fusion and sushi, two drink tickets per person for alcoholic drinks, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.
Nonprofit information
ALSO for Gay Youth, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 74-2840470.
ALSO Youth is registered with the State of Florida, registration number CH15368. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the state or by visiting FloridaConsumerHelp.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.
Hanami Sushi, Cocktails and Lounge
An elevated, gourmet, bespoke but modern restaurant, with a beautiful bar and experienced bartenders for artisan cocktails and more drinks.
- Open buffet of Asian fusion and sushi
- Two drink tickets per person for alcoholic drinks, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks
- Complimentary valet parking
- Accessible to wheelchair users
Become a sponsor
Blossom Canopy
$5,000+
- "Presented by" language on all materials
- Reserved table of 6
- Welcome remarks from podium
- Logo on podium
- Premier logo placement at event
- Dedicated social media video and graphic
- Logo on social media banners
- Full page ad in event program
- Large logo at top of event easel sign
- Logo on all table signage
- Option to display standalone banners inside venue
- Dedicated email e-blast
- Large logo on official event flyer
- Press release mention
Cherry Blossom
$2,500+
- 4 tickets
- Podium recognition
- Large logo on signage
- Logo on all table signage
- Dedicated social media post and video
- Half page feature on email blast
- Half page ad in event program
- Logo on event easel sign
- Logo on official event flyer
- Press release mention
Branches of Hope
$1,000+
- 2 tickets
- Logo on signage
- Dedicated social media post
- Mention on email e-blasts
- Logo inside program
- Logo on event easel sign
- Logo on official event flyer
- Press release mention
Satura Petal
$500+
- 1 ticket
- Name listed on event easel sign
- Social media group thank you post with logo
- Press release mention
First Bloom
$250+
- 1 ticket
- Press release mention
- Social media group thank you post with name
Your deductible amount is your gift minus the value of the tickets and benefits you receive.
Our sponsors
Satura Petal
- Equality Florida
About ALSO Youth
Since 1992, ALSO Youth has offered LGBTQ+ youth ages 10 to 24 in Sarasota and Manatee Counties a place where they belong. Our Centers in Sarasota and Bradenton welcomed more than 1,600 youth and family visits last year, and every program is free.
Community building
A place to gather, grow, and be celebrated. Every week, youth can drop in to programs built for their age group, from ALSO Jr. for ages 10 to 13, to High School HangOUT, to Young Adult Night for ages 17 to 24. Supervised by staff and screened volunteers, these nights give young people the chance to make friends, have fun, and be fully themselves.
Special programs & experiential learning
Some of the best lessons happen outside the Center. Youth explore the world around them through experiences like an overnight at Mote SEA Aquarium, a camping trip to Oscar Scherer State Park, a Banned Book Club, and movie and theater nights with FabAF.
Camp True Colors
A free, 5-day summer camp for LGBTQ+ youth and allies in Sarasota-Manatee, full of art, friendship, and the freedom to be yourself.
Mental health
Free counseling for LGBTQ+ youth and their families, with no insurance needed. Counselors are trained in LGBTQ+ issues and meet online, at our Centers, or in their offices. So far, 54 young people have received free counseling through ALSO Youth. Youth can also join peer support groups such as OUTside the Lines, for gender and identity, and QueerABLE, for disabled and neurodivergent youth.
Parent support
A supportive circle where parents and guardians connect with each other and a trained facilitator, and learn how to champion their LGBTQ+ child. Meets in person in Bradenton or on Zoom, in partnership with Forty Carrots.
Scholarships
In partnership with Project Pride, ALSO Youth awards up to $12,000 each year to program participants and local LGBTQ+ students, helping them pursue college, careers, and enrichment opportunities..
Advocacy and outreach
Through storms and political headwinds, our doors have stayed open. Executive Director Annie Berkness and our Board Members speak at religious congregations, sporting events, and festivals across the community, keeping Pride visible and breaking down isolation for LGBTQ+ youth.
Contact
Francis Garcia
Development and Communications Manager
Sarasota Center2195 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34237