Kiwanis Club reschedules Lawn Party to Dec. 6

The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key has rescheduled the fourth annual Longboat Key Gourmet Lawn Party to noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Islandside Driving Range at the Resort at Longboat Key Club.

The event was previously scheduled for Nov. 8.

The group had concerns about traffic due to the nearby St. Armands Art Festival that was also scheduled for Nov. 8, according to an email from Michael Garey, this year’s event chairman. Additionally, several St. Armands restaurateurs who were longtime participants had indicated they would be unable to participate on that date.

The traditional event date of the third Saturday in November was not available this year.

Garey hopes to draw 32 participating restaurants to the Dec. 6 event.

This year’s committee has set $70,000 as the fundraising goal for the event, which raises money for local children’s charities and college scholarships — an increase from past years’ events, which have typically generated around $50,000.

To generate more funds, the Kiwanis Club will increase the number of $100 raffle tickets it sells from 400 to 500 and focus on increasing ticket sales and sponsorships. This year’s grand prize will be $20,000 cash with no car option. The raffle will also offer four runner-up prizes.

The event raises money for local children’s charities and scholarships for students who live in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].