Redeemer Sarasota Launches Relief Drive for Dominican Republic After Devastating Hurricane Season
SARASOTA, Fla. — Church of the Redeemer in downtown Sarasota has launched an urgent fundraising campaign to support communities in the Dominican Republic struggling to recover from this year’s destructive hurricane season. The church is calling on parishioners and the wider Sarasota community to donate directly to its Dominican Republic Hurricane Relief fund, which will provide rebuilding assistance, supplies, and recovery resources to hard-hit neighborhoods.
A video message produced by Paul Rutledge, a longtime Redeemer member and active participant in the church’s global outreach work, is being shared with the congregation to inspire action. Rutledge previously traveled to the Dominican Republic to help build a preschool and community center that now serves families year-round — making this year’s damage especially personal for many Redeemer volunteers.
A Longstanding Commitment to the Dominican Republic
Redeemer’s connection to the Dominican Republic spans more than 25 years, with mission teams traveling twice annually to support construction, education, and community development projects in areas of significant economic challenge.
Over the decades, Redeemer parishioners have helped build four churches, a church school, and an assisted-living facility, as well as multiple housing and repair projects across the region. The preschool and community center that Rutledge helped construct continues to serve as an anchor for families, underscoring the need for hurricane recovery support. These areas sustained damage from the hurricane, and the community lacks the financial resources to rebuild. Your financial gift will go to the front lines and help those who need it most at this time.
How to Give
Those wishing to support the 2025–26 hurricane-relief initiative can donate directly through Redeemer’s designated giving page:
👉 Dominican Republic Hurricane Relief
https://onrealm.org/redeemersarasota/give/drhr
Every dollar goes toward relief, rebuilding, and community support efforts on the ground.
Local Outreach Remains Strong
While Redeemer’s global missions remain a major part of its identity, the church is also one of Sarasota’s most active local contributors. Through a refreshed outreach model, Redeemer recently pledged more than $200,000 per year in support of organizations including Meals on Wheels of Sarasota, Hope Seeds International, Resurrection House, and Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center. The church also sponsors annual programs for Alta Vista Elementary, including school-supply drives and seasonal events.
About Church of the Redeemer
Located at 222 S. Palm Avenue in downtown Sarasota, Church of the Redeemer is one of the largest Episcopal parishes in Florida, with a history dating back to the early 1900s. Today the church serves more than 3,000 members and maintains a mission centered on growth, service, and compassion — “to make new Christians and make all Christians new.”
More information about Redeemer’s outreach programs can be found at:
https://www.redeemersarasota.org/outreach/
To learn more about the church and its ministries:
https://www.redeemersarasota.org/
