Lakewood Ranch Women's Club gives back to local nonprofits

A fashion show, luncheon with a mystery author and a mistletoe mark generated cash for local nonprofits, to extend the "giving season" just a little bit longer.

Jan. 14, the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club donated $30,000 generated from the events to three groups: HOPE Family Services, SOLVE Maternity Homes and the Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART).

Each group received a check for $10,000.

Prior to the groups receiving the donations, individuals who were impacted by the nonprofits spoke about their experiences with the organizations.

The Martin family has been working with SMART to help their daughter, Kennedy, overcome physical challenges she has suffered from since she experienced a head injury when she was 9 months old.

Kennedy has been working with Jazz, a horse who lives at SMART's facility in East County, and the now-13-year-old thanked SMART and its representative, Gail Clifton, at the event. 

"Jazz inspired Kennedy to work hard to overcome many of her challenges," LWRWC Publicity Chairwoman Monika Templeman said in a press release.