Ranch Women's Club doles out funds

Ladies in the Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club celebrated a year of fundraising during their Jan. 10 business meeting, as women presented checks totaling $28,000 to local charities.

Sarasota-Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, SOLVE Maternity Home, Hope Family Services and Meals on Wheels PLUS each were awarded $7,000.

As part of the festivities, members also welcomed guest speaker Paul Blackketter, project manager for Benderson Development and chief operating officer for the Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Association.