More than 850 people attended the Tidewell Foundation’s 13th Annual Signature luncheon Friday, April, 1, 2022 at The Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota. The Signature Luncheon is the Tidewell Foundation’s largest fundraiser benefiting Tidewell Hospice’s programs and services that serve more than 10,000 people each year in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties, regardless of their ability to pay. Award-winning actor Henry Winkler was the keynote speaker.

A 1973 audition forever changed Henry Winkler’s life when he was cast in the iconic role of Arthur Fonzarelli, aka “The Fonz”, in the TV series “Happy Days.” Winkler has enjoyed over four decades of success in Hollywood and continues to be in demand as an actor, producer, director and author. He currently co-stars on the hit HBO comedy “Barry,” a role that has garnered him an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Winkler has received a number of accolades from a variety of prestigious organizations and honors due to his services to children, special education and the improvement of the human condition. Of all the titles he has received, the ones he relishes most are husband, father and grandfather.

Winkler’s keynote address was filled with jokes that had attendees laughing as he shared anecdotes from his life and shared heartfelt insights on the power of positive words and care for others.

“You don’t know what you can achieve until you try. You are very powerful human beings,” Henry Winkler said to the audience. “I know this to be true if I know nothing else.”

“We’re honored to bring Henry to our community for our largest fundraiser to benefit Tidewell Hospice’s programs and services,” said Tidewell Foundation President Debbie Mason. “Last year with support from the Tidewell Foundation, more than $4.5 million in free services were provided to the four-county region served by Tidewell Hospice. We are grateful to our donors and supporters, whose generosity strengthens and sustains our mission of providing care for all.”

The Tidewell Foundation helps fund charity care, grief support services, specialized veterans care, music therapy, telehealth and other programs that Tidewell Hospice provides to people across the region.

Signature Luncheon attendees also experienced some of the donor-supported complementary services offered to Tidewell Hospice patients during the event through hands-on, interactive demonstrations including horticulture therapy, PARO robotic seals, Virtual Reality headsets and music therapy. These free services are offered to hospice and palliative care patients to reduce pain, ease stress, create comfort, and support stronger connections for patients and their families.

Caldwell Trust Company served as the Exclusive Signature Luncheon Sponsor of the 13th Annual Signature Luncheon, and The John Family Foundation served as Exclusive Sustaining Sponsor. A complete list of Signature Luncheon sponsors can be found at tidewellfoundation.org/news-and-events/events/signature-luncheon.

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About Tidewell Foundation, Inc.
The Tidewell Foundation, Inc. is an independent 501 (c) (3) charitable foundation established to ensure perpetual philanthropic support to Tidewell Hospice and its family of healthcare companies. Charitable contributions to the Tidewell Foundation sustain and grow the critically important programs and services provided through the not-for-profit mission of Tidewell Hospice and its affiliates. Donor-funded programs offer compassion and comfort to those who need it most in our community by caring for all, regardless of their ability to pay. It starts with generosity and is paid forward with every patient connection, family served and life changed. Discover how each donation strengthens our community; learn more by visiting tidewellfoundation.org.

Henry Winkler gives the keynote address at Tidewell Foundation’s 13th Annual Signature Luncheon.
Photo Credit: Tidewell Foundation

Attendees listen to Henry Winkler speak at Tidewell Foundation’s 13th Annual Signature Luncheon.
Photo Credit: Tidewell Foundation

Jonathan Fleece, President and CEO of Tidewell Hospice, Henry Winkler, and Debbie Mason, President of the Tidewell Foundation
Photo Credit: Tidewell Foundation