In its second year, the Cheers for Charity giving circle group was ready to have twice as much fun.
After raising $2,000 for charity at last year's Guest Bartending Event, Cheers for Charity was back for its second event at The Ranch Grill in Lakewood Ranch.
The charities this time were Sarasota and Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART), Elks Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Nate's Honor Animal Rescue and Hope Family Services.
Darrin Simone, the owner of The Ranch Grill who hosted the event, was thrilled, especially since he is president of the board for SMART and the Elks' exaulted ruler.
Members of all the organizations benefitting by the event packed The Ranch Grill.
It wasn't all just fun, though. Brownie, a 5-month-old Yorkie Poo at Nate's, needs a $4,000 operation to correct a liver shunt. Anyone who would like to make a donation is asked to contact Nate's as soon as possible.
Audrey Reinisch hugs her dog, Ellie, a 5-month-old shepherd mix she adopted from Nate's Honor Animal Rescue. Reinisch is a kennel technician for Nate's.
Nate's Michaela Oglesby gets a kiss from Brielle, an 8-week-old boxer, pit bull mix.
Carolyn and Brian Kelly supported the effort while Cheers for Charity founder Amanda Tullidge, back, works as a guest bartender.
Gail Clifton, SMART, Laurel Lynch, Hope Family Services, Shirley Taradash, Lakewood Ranch Women's Club, Brandi Ezell, SMART, and Sherwin Taradash, SMART, all enjoy a successful fundraising effort.
Cheers for Charity member Jill Gass visits with Brielle, an 8-week-old boxer, pit bull mix.
Cheryl Rice, a volunteer at Nate's shows off Blakely, an 8-week-old boxer-pit bull mix.
Rick Thorson, Christine DiMarco and Kay Thorson all came to support the Elks' Feeding Empty Little Tummies program.
John Carr of Greenbrook takes a drink from Sierra Butler, who was trying out her bartending skills for Cheers for Charity.
Darrin Simone, owner of The Ranch Grill, enjoys a different kind of customer on Wednesday evening.
Cheryl Eason, a photographer for Nate's, holds Brownie, a 5-month-old Yorkie Poo who needs a $4,000 surgery to repair his liver.
The Ranch Grill owner Darrin Simone shares a laugh with Commissioner Vanessa Baugh.
Cheers for Charity member Annie Breitinger takes another order during the fundraiser.
Cheers for Charity's Erin Vanderveen enjoys her shift as a bartender during the fundraiser.
Cheers for Charity also raised money through a silent auction.
How could anyone resist Ellie, a 5-mont-old shepherd mix who was adopted from Nate's by Audrey Reinisch.
