Ranch fund starts 'Pay it Forward' program

The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund is launching a new pilot program in which East County residents can donate to charity while engaging in their normal dining out or shopping activities.

Businesses participating in the “Pay it Forward” program will present patrons with contribution certificate, which allows them to use the certificate to make a contribution to the Community Fund, a nonprofit that raises funds for local charities.

At restaurants, the contribution will be added as a separate line item on the check. At retail merchants, the contribution will be added to the customer’s receipt.

“The intent of the campaign is as much to collect contributions as it is to create name recognition and make people aware of what we do and the organizations we support,” said Keith Davey of the Community Fund. “They can donate a dollar or as much as they want.”

Davey said the Fund is launching the program on a small scale for now and will re-evaluate its success, making appropriate adjustments, in about a month.

Businesses currently participating in the program include: Polo Grill and Bar, MacAllisters Grill & Tavern, Vanessa’s Fine Jewelry and Arts A Blaze Studio. Norman Liquors will begin participating in the program starting this weekend, Davey said.

For information about the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, visit the organization’s Web site, www.lwrfund.org.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].