Our Community
For more than 90 years, Blalock Walters remains dedicated to our legacy of giving back to the communities in which we live and prosper. Our attorneys have led as presidents or chairs of many of the area’s major civic and charitable organizations including: Goodwill Industries Manasota, Goodwill Foundation, Tidewell Hospice, Sarasota Orchestra, United Way, Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, and the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation.
We also serve on various Boards of cultural and educational institutions in the Manatee-Sarasota region including: The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, USF Sarasota-Manatee, New College of Florida and its Foundation, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (formerly named South Florida Museum) and Realize Bradenton.
The Latest
Blalock Walters Sponsors Tidewell Hospice Signature Luncheon Featuring Melissa Gilbert
We are proud to support of Tidewell Hospice and their mission to provide quality care to patients and families living with advanced illness, while honoring human dignity and personal choice. We sponsored their 11th Annual Signature Luncheon on February 20, 2020 at Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. Melissa Gilbert, actress best known for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on the hit show Little House on the Prairie, was the keynote speaker.
An acting career spanning 45 plus years, Melissa has starred in over 50 television movies and feature films, including “Stand By Your Man;” “Sweet Justice,” which she also executive produced; and “Secrets and Lies.” She is the youngest person to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Melissa moved behind the camera as a director and continued acting on the screen and stage. She served two terms as the 23rd President of the Screen Actors Guild, two terms as Vice President on the AFL-CIO Executive Council and was Vice President of the California Labor Federation.
As a children’s hospice advocate, Melissa decided to “dedicate my life to ensuring that all chronically and terminally ill children get to live and die with gentleness, dignity and the grace that they deserve.” She served as the President of the Board of Directors of Children’s Hospice and Palliative Care Coalition (CHPCC) beginning in 2007. In 2015, CHPCC joined The Coalition for Compassionate Care of California (CCCC) to develop a united voice in public policy at the state and national level. Melissa received the Humanitarian Leadership Award in 2008 from the National Hospice Foundation in recognition for her work on behalf of children facing life-limiting conditions.
Melissa has dealt with death from a very young age, losing her adoptive father in 1976 and other family members and dear friends. Due to her personal experiences, Melissa developed a strong connection and desire to help children, the most vulnerable, suffering from advanced illness, grief and bereavement.
To learn more about Tidewell Hospice, click HERE.
Turning Points Hosts Hats, Heels and Bow Ties Fundraiser
We were proud to support the 2019 Turning Points Hats & Heels & Bow Ties Luncheon at Grove Ballroom on May 3, 2019. Guests showed up in hats worthy of the Kentucky Derby, fancy heels, and gentleman showed off their best bow ties, including health care and...
Blalock Walters Supports We Care Manatee “Fun-Raiser”
We Care Manatee hosted their Floral-Da Fashion Show and Luncheon at The Grove in Lakewood Ranch. Blalock Walters was proud to support the event, which included beautiful fashion, lively entertainment and a floral theme. Proceeds from the event benefited We Care...
Kristen Ehrlich Volunteers for Equality Florida
Equality Florida, an organization striving to secure equality and justice for Florida’s LGBTQ community, hosted a booth at the Manatee County Pride Festival. Tax law and estate planning attorney Kristen Ehrlich volunteered her time collecting pledges and educating...
Blalock Walters Serves Manatee Habitat for Humanity Throughout the Year
Everyone deserves a decent place to live. No matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve to have a decent life, to feel strength and stability day after day, and to know we have the power to take care of ourselves and our children. We support Manatee...
Mark Barnebey and Matthew Lapointe Support Take Stock in Children
In celebration of serving children in Manatee County for 10 years, Take Stock in Children held its 10th Annual Take Stock 5K Space Race. Runners took the streets of Lakewood Ranch and enjoyed a post-race party with food, entertainment, awards and kids activities. All...
Blalock Walters Supports Manatee Community Foundation’s Spirit of Manatee
Congratulations to the winners of the annual Spirit of Manatee awards. The Manatee Community Foundation honors individuals and organizations that embody the philanthropic spirit of Manatee County. Each winner is presented with a beautiful glass award and the...
Firm Supports Manatee Community Foundation’s Spirit of Manatee
Congratulations to the winners of the annual Spirit of Manatee awards. The Manatee Community Foundation honors individuals and organizations that embody the philanthropic spirit of Manatee County. Each winner is presented with a beautiful glass award and the...
Cheers for Charity Raises Money for Local Nonprofits
Over 100 supporters attended Cheers for Charity's 2nd Annual Pearls, Polos & Ponies fundraiser at Sarasota Polo Grounds, resulting in $2,800 being raised for local nonprofits. Annie Breitinger, Amanda Tullidge, Marisa Powers, Anne Chapman and Kristen H. Ehrlich...
Robert and Emily Stroud Support Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Orchid Ball
Celebrating its 38th year, the Orchid Ball is a highlight of the Sarasota social season. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ 2019 Orchid Ball: Gauguin’s Sunset in Paradise took place on the Gardens’ Great Lawn. More than 500 guests, adorned in tuxedos and...
Blalock Walters Sponsors Tidewell Hospice Luncheon Featuring Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton
Blalock Walters is a proud supporter of Tidewell Hospice and sponsored its annual Signature Luncheon. Each year, Tidewell has featured many inspirational keynote speakers and this year, the organization welcomed Scott Hamilton during a sold-out crowd at Ritz-Carlton...