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“One daughter will eat them until her lips
are cracked and burning,” said Michael
Mackie who also carves out fishing and
snow skiing trips for his family. “The other
daughter won’t touch them.”
When Mondays (the Mackies’ day off
from work) roll around, you’ll probably find
Michael Mackie in the kitchen by 2 p.m.,
flipping through a cookbook and mapping
out a culinary adventure. Barbeque,
black-eyed peas, and collard greens.
Spanish food and Cajun food. Welcoming
scents from sizzling recipes permeate
the house while the family chef works his
magic and creative outlet to craft a meal
the family can gather around.
“Lasagna is a family favorite,” said Sarah
Mackie, her chocolate-brown eyes smiling.
“I’m there to offer support and taste testing
and keep company.” Sarah Mackie, who
has an identical twin sister, finds peace
and renewed energy through running. She
has tackled half-marathon races alongside
her sister and often takes her passion
outside, discovering meandering routes
through nature while contemplating.
Through example, she hopes her daughters
will cultivate a deep-rooted drive to give
back to their community. “I think they see
it as the normal to give back,” she said.
“My dad always wanted to instill in his girls
manners, respect, and philanthropy. I hope
to instill this in our girls.”
Between the two, Michael and Sarah
Mackie have worked tirelessly on a
long and breathless list of organizations
including: Big Brothers and Big Sisters,
Hope Family Services, the Junior League
of Manatee County, Coastal Conservation
Association of Manatee County, Just For
Girls, and the Bradenton Yacht Club.
In addition, Michael Mackie recently
wrapped up a six-year term serving on the
board of trustees for the Bishop Museum
of Science and Nature, and he is currently
chairman of the Manatee County chapter
of Ducks Unlimited.
Sarah Mackie adds their daughters have
grown up watching the community pour
support into the Vision Foundation, which
thrives on generous donors and their
yearly fundraiser, Beertopia. Unfolding
annually in February, Beertopia invites
local restaurants to pair cuisine with craft
beer and wine to raise money for the
foundation. Live music, a silent auction,
and raffle items fill the night.
“It’s a really great time,” said Sarah Mackie
who explained all six doctors at Eye Center
Inc. support and help with the Vision
Foundation. “We have a lot of fun raising
money for the children of Manatee County.”
For the Mackies, every smile they share
with a child who can suddenly see better
and perform better at school keeps
them driving to strengthen the Vision
Foundation. Walking through the halls
of their own kids’ school on a recent
morning, a teacher bee-lined for Sarah
Mackie and enthusiastically waved her
down to thank her for helping a little boy
at the school get much needed glasses.
“The teacher told me he was a new kid,”
Sarah Mackie said. “She said he had a
new swagger, a new confidence about
him. It’s not a big story to share, but it
really stands out to me. This is the reason
why we do what we do.”
Drs. Michael and Sarah Mackie at the
unveiling of the Bishop Museum of
Science and Nature
Dr. Michael Mackie receiving and award
from Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks
Unlimited, for 20 Years of Volunteer
Service and for being a Top 5 Ducks
Unlimited Chapter in the state of Florida