Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee lands $4M gift for aquatic facility

Local entrepreneur and philanthropist Ronnie Shugar, who is developing a Champagne and piano bar in downtown Sarasota, has donated $4 million to go toward a state-of-the-art aquatic facility on the Greenspon Campus for Jewish Life at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

The donation, according to a statement, will establish the Shugar Pool Club, which will feature three distinct pool styles tailored to different age groups and skill levels. The Jewish Federation continues to invest in the Greenspon Campus, the release adds, now totaling over $38 million in enhancements.

Shugar moved to Florida from California in 2019, when he also moved his business, Raw Sugar Living, which sells hand soap, shampoo, body wash, body lotion, bar soap, body butter, lip balm, sugar scrub and other items. The products are made with plant-derived ingredients using cold-press technology, and are sold in Target and other retail outlets and online.