The 28th annual Thunder by the Bay Music & Motors Festival has announced one of its most successful fundraising years to date, raising an incredible $310,000 to support local children, teens and adults with special needs, those at risk and their families.

This year’s festival, under a new name, featured nationally recognized headliners Night Ranger, 38 Special and Montgomery Gentry, along with special guest bike builder Paul Teutul Jr., drawing thousands of attendees for a weekend where fun meets philanthropy!

Suncoast Charities for Children Executive Director Lucy Nicandri shared, “The success of this year’s festival is a direct result of the incredible generosity of our sponsors, a meaningful donation match from the James M. Doss Charitable Foundation, and the support of our community through events leading up to the festival, including our Sporting Clay Tournament and Taste of Thunder, as well as our online auction and everyone who purchased a ticket to attend,” said Nicandri. “Despite challenges we have faced over the past 28 years, I am proud to say that more than $3.3 million has now been raised to support so many wonderful nonprofit agencies right here in our community.”

During a special volunteer and sponsor appreciation reception held this week, funding allocations were awarded to 10 local nonprofit organizations supporting critical programs and services:

• Children First: Support for the Full Tummies/Flourishing Minds program addressing childhood hunger, the Family Crisis Fund, and sensory items for preschool classrooms.
• Inclusion Revolution: Purchase of “work-ready” kits for job placements and assistive and sensory support tools.
• Loveland Center: Supplies for adult day training programs and funding for community integration outings.
• Miracle League of Manasota: New team uniforms for special athletes for the 2026 season.
• Oak Park School: Sensory tools and adaptive communication and visual support materials.
• Special Olympics Florida: Sports equipment, medals, uniforms and a weeklong Camp Shriver experience for 20 athletes.
• St. Mary Academy: Upgrades to the occupational therapy room and purchase of an audiometer for hearing screenings.
• The Florida Center: Children’s therapy scholarships, classroom enhancements and basic family support needs.
• The Haven: Installation of inclusive outdoor fitness equipment along its walking trail.
• Venice Challenger Baseball: Camp scholarships at Dream Oaks Camp in Bradenton for children with special needs.

Proceeds from the festival directly fund critical programs and services, including developmental therapies, infant and early childhood mental health services, education, respite care, family advocacy, supported employment, residential services and athletic and wellness programs for individuals with physical and/or cognitive challenges.

Special awards were also presented to the following individuals and organizations in recognition of their outstanding contributions:

• “Volunteers of the Year” Award – Lynn & John Merullo
• “Helping Hand” Award for Outstanding Fundraising – Women’s Council of Realtors Sarasota
• “Behind the Scenes” Award for Longstanding Support – USA Fence
• “Rookie of the Year” Award – Russ Reynolds

The 29th annual Thunder by the Bay Music & Motors Festival is scheduled for Feb. 19–21, 2027, with headline acts expected to be announced this summer.