Summer Social (08/27/2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Join us for a relaxed evening of networking, refreshments, and connection at our annual Summer Social. This informal gathering is a great opportunity to unwind and strengthen professional relationships in a casual atmosphere.

Thursday, August 27, 2026
5:00 – 7:00 pm

Location:
Senior Friendship Center
1888 Brother Geenen Way, Building 2
Sarasota, FL 34236

Parking: Plenty of free parking is available in the Senior Friendship Center lot. Look for the “Event” signs to find us!

Free for Members & Future Members - Thanks to the Generosity of Our Sponsors!
(Members: please bring a guest to learn more!)

Looking ahead, please also save the date and RSVP for our September program:

“Behind the Curtain: Understanding the Business Sale Journey and Its Philanthropic Potential” presented by Cliff Walters and Jenifer Schembri, Principals with Blalock Walters Attorneys at Law

September 24th at 8:00 am
Location: Manatee Community Foundation
Click here to learn more.

Behind the Curtain: Understanding the Business Sale Journey and Its Philanthropic Potential (09/24/2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

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:

Charitable Gift Planners of Southwest Florida upcoming events

Summer Social (08/27/2026)

Behind the Curtain: Understanding the Business Sale Journey and Its Philanthropic Potential (09/24/2026)