Please join us for a Charitable Gift Planners of Southwest Florida program with Clifford L. Walters and Jenifer S. Schembri of Blalock Walters.
The sale of a business is often one of the most significant financial and emotional events in an owner’s life—yet many advisors and nonprofit professionals only see part of the picture. This session offers an insider’s perspective on what business owners are focused on “behind the curtain” as they contemplate and complete a sale, how trusted advisors influence decision-making, and where philanthropy can fit into the conversation. Through real-world perspectives and stories, attendees will explore strategies for engaging business owners thoughtfully and effectively before, during, and after a transaction.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the priorities, concerns, and motivations of business owners as they contemplate and complete the sale of a business, including the emotional and financial dynamics occurring “behind the curtain.”
- Explore practical approaches to initiating philanthropic conversations with business owners in ways that align charitable intent with broader wealth, estate, and succession planning objectives.
- Recognize opportunities for more sophisticated charitable gifts tied to business interests and know when to engage specialized expertise and resources.
Thursday, September 24, 2026
8:00 am – Breakfast and Networking
8:25 – 9:30 am – Remarks and Program
Location: Manatee Community Foundation, 2820 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Free for Members
$20 for Non-Members
About Our Speakers
Cliff & Jenifer are both principals at Blalock Walters and have worked together on countless transactions to help business owners accomplish their goals.
Clifford L. Walters, III, Principal, Blalock Walters - Cliff concentrates on business counseling and planning, complex real estate transactions, commercial law, and wealth transfer estate planning. He represents business executives and owners, large and small entrepreneurial businesses, and commercial real estate developers. Cliff handles business succession and wealth transfer planning; real estate deals from entity formulation, due diligence, project financing to permitting, construction and development services; and commercial law matters, such as contract negotiations, buying and selling of businesses.
Jenifer S. Schembri, Principal, Blalock Walters - Jenifer Schembri serves as the practice group leader of our estate planning, tax law, business & corporate, and health care law departments. She practices in both of the firm’s Bradenton and Sarasota offices. Jenifer is Board Certified by The Florida Bar as an expert in Tax Law, in addition to having her LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida. Jenifer represents both companies and individuals in the areas of individual and business tax planning, entity selection and formation, corporate governance matters, mergers and acquisitions, business succession planning and transitions, charitable planning, tax controversy matters at the federal and Florida levels, and all aspects of estate planning, including trust and estate taxation and wealth preservation.
About Our Moderator
Jennifer W. Abbott, Abbott Advising – Jennifer brings deep experience in the nonprofit, foundation, and philanthropic sectors to her work as an independent philanthropic advisor. She helps individuals, foundations, and nonprofit organizations develop thoughtful giving strategies and strengthen philanthropic impact. Jennifer also serves as an Initiative Lead consultant with The Patterson Foundation, supporting nonprofits in building organizational capacity and long-term sustainability.
Special Thanks to Our Program Sponsors:
