Children's charities drive Gourmet Lawn Party

Do it for the children.

That’s the No. 1 reason you should plan to attend this year’s Longboat Key Gourmet Lawn Party. The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key organizes the event to benefit local children’s charities.

Need another reason?

For just $25 (or $30 at the gate), you can sample signature dishes from 30 local restaurants, plus beverages.

This year’s luncheon is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Resort at Longboat Key Club Islandside driving range.

Last year’s event raised approximately $50,000, but Kiwanis members hope to top that by raising $75,000 this year.

One way the group hopes to generate additional revenue is by offering additional reserved tables, with 40 tables of 10 available for $300. Tables include upholstered chairs, linen and tableside wine service.

Another new feature of this year’s luncheon will be a table of local authors who will have copies of their books available for purchase and signing.

If you’ve got your eyes on the Kiwanis Foundation raffle prizes, here’s what you could win if you purchase one or more of the 400 tickets, priced at $100.

This year’s grand prize offers a choice of a 2013 Ford Fusion, courtesy of Sarasota Ford, or $10,000 cash. The cash prize is half of that offered in past years — a nudge to encourage the winner to choose the car that’s provided by a premium sponsor.

If you go
When: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: Resort at Longboat Key Club Islandside driving range, 301 Gulf of Mexico Drive
Cost: $25 in advance; $30 at the gate; reserved tables of 10 available for $300

Where to buy tickets
Downtown Sarasota: Observer Media Group, 1970 Main St., Third Floor
Longboat Key: BP Station, 400 Gulf of Mexico Drive; Sun Trust Bank, 510 Bay Isles Road; Ace Hardware, 4030 Gulf of Mexico Drive; Lazy Lobster, 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive
St. Armands Circle: Edward Jones, 443 John Ringling Blvd. (above Starbucks)