Sarasota, Fla. (Jan 12, 2026) – The Education Foundation of Sarasota County held a ribbon cutting ceremony at its new office, located at 2000 Webber Street in Sarasota. The staff was joined by donors, sponsors, district partners, and community members to mark the milestone and officially announce the naming of the new office as the Tom and Sherry Koski LaunchPad.
Founded nearly 40 years ago by Shirley Ritchey, the Education Foundation was established to strengthen public education through partnerships and direct support for students and educators. For 37 years, the organization was headquartered at The Landings, the School District of Sarasota County’s administrative complex, a location that allowed close collaboration with district leadership and rapid response to school-based needs.
Growth and access-for-all have been long-held visions of donors Tom and Sherry Koski. “For years, we have been supporters of the Education Foundation’s mission to give students the encouragement, resources, and tools they need in order to graduate from high school with a plan for their future. There is nothing wrong with this world that a great education can’t fix,” said Tom Koski.
As the Education Foundation’s reach expanded, it extended its physical presence into the community. In 2019, through the Koskis’ generosity, the organization opened LaunchPad4U, a satellite office in the Rosemary District designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and connection. The space reinforced the Foundation’s commitment to meeting educators, students, and families where they are.
“The move to the new location reflects our continued growth and the independent, supportive partnership we have with the School District of Sarasota County,” said the Education Foundation’s CEO/President, Jennifer Vigne. “We remain embedded in schools through our Student Success Coaches and Resiliency Coaches, who work daily alongside students, teachers, and administrators.” 
The Tom and Sherry Koski LaunchPad offers expanded capacity for collaboration and convening, including multiple conference rooms for educator workshops, PLANit Sarasota meetings, Future-Ready Scholars convenings, and community gatherings. A dedicated podcast studio provides a platform to amplify educator and student voices. The space also supports the Foundation’s role as a research-and-development partner, testing and scaling innovative solutions to meet evolving educational needs.
Designed to be visible, welcoming, and accessible, the new location reinforces the Foundation’s belief that access to support and opportunity matters. Since moving into the space in mid-November, staff collaboration and cross-program alignment have increased, positioning the organization for continued impact across Sarasota County public schools.
