LifeLink® of Florida recognized Sarasota County Tax Collector Barbara Ford-Coates and her team for raising more than $31,600 in voluntary contributions during April’s National Donate Life Month public education campaign. Tax Collectors across Florida participate in this dual-purpose initiative every April to increase the number of people who register as organ, eye and tissue donors, as well as voluntary contributions that support Florida’s organ, eye and tissue donor registry and public education about donation.

This is not the first time Ford-Coates’ team has won the friendly competition between Florida Tax Collector offices, having previously led the state in 2023. Staff members Ana Monix, Julio Cesar and Lydia Cruz, the top individual fundraisers, collectively raising over $13,600. The Sarasota County Tax Collector team has raised more than $140,000 since the inception of this initiative.

Mrs. Ford-Coates said, “We’re proud to work alongside LifeLink and Donate Life Florida in raising awareness and helping save lives through the power of organ, eye and tissue donation education.”

Lydia Cruz shared, “For me, the Donate Life cause is near and dear to my heart. I have two family members who have been saved by organ donation, who both received double lung transplants. This keeps me motivated to raise awareness for such a great cause; we never know what life has in store for any of us.” Ana Monix added, “It warms my heart to see how many people in Sarasota County care and are willing to participate.” Julio Cesar has a personal connection to organ, eye and tissue donation as well; a donor’s gift saved the life of a close friend.

Today, over 104,000 individuals in the United States wait for a lifesaving organ transplant. Over 90% of Floridians who register as donors do so at their local Tax Collector office.  LifeLink® of Florida encourages Floridians to register as organ, eye and tissue donors at MyStoryContinues.com today, or when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license. For the thousands in need, this simple act offers hope and a second chance at life.