The first-time Lakewood Ranch walkathon raised more than $120,000 for Southeastern Guide Dogs.
By
Pam Eubanks
| 1:44 p.m. April 9, 2016
East County
Neighbors
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Supporters of Southeastern Guide Dogs walked around Greenbrook Adventure Park for the organization’s first walkathon fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch. The first-time event raised nearly $123,000, crushing its goal of $60,000.
More than 300 people participated.
East County resident Debbie Bell, of Sabal Harbour, walks with her dog, Zoey.
Pam an Bob Weigert, of Lakewood Ranch, walk with their dogs, Shiloh and Luna, and friend Sharon Thompson, with her dog, Chelsea.
Lindsey Lymbach and Sofia Fonseca, students at Nolan Middle School, show off Sofia's dog, Katie. "We like dogs," Sofia said of why they were participating.
Eli, Bree and Miles Meredith, of Sarasota, attend.
East County resident Shirlee Hardee walks her guide-dog-in-training, Rosie, as part of her training.
Hannah Bryan, of Parrish, sports a dog mask she made.
Former East County educators Andrea and Frank Anderson make sure to participate.
Lakewood Ranch residents and volunteers Victoria and Jeff Gross, are excited about the event. "It's good for Lakewood Ranch and it's good for the whole community," Jeff Gross said. The couple brought their retired guide dog, Bentley.
Amyia Riley, 2, tries out the bounce house.
Lakewood Ranch's Erin Papke takes a break from being the mascot, Scout, with her friend and "handler," Bernice Christian.
