Lakewood Ranch gals' generosity comes full circle

Seventh annual 'Be my GALentine' event includes a grant to Stillpoint House of Prayer.

  • By Berkley Mason
  • | 9:15 a.m. February 16, 2017
  • East County
  • News
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Members of the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund's six women's giving circles were celebrating their charitable spirit during the seventh annual "Be My GALentine" event at The Lake Club's Grande Clubhouse Jan. 8.

Stillpoint House of Prayer was celebrating as well.

The Women's Charitable Fund, one of the six giving circles, presented a check for $4,000 to Stillpoint House of Prayer, which buys food to feed those in the community who are hungry.

"The grants have an amazing impact," said Julie Smith, a founder of the Women's Charitable Fund.

Every year at the GALentine event, the focus on place on one of the giving circles. Cheers for Charity, the newest giving circle, drew the spotlight this time.

Smith said the event was once again a success. "It's amazing to get all the women together," she said. "I have to push them out the door."

The six giving circles are Cheers for Charity, Giving for Hope, The Lake Club TLC, Sisterhood for Good, Together we Give and the Women's Charitable Fund.

Deb Rossi and Cathi Thomaides explore the food items served at
Deb Rossi and Cathi Thomaides explore the food items served at "Be my GALentine."
Chocolate candy is up for grabs during the
Chocolate candy is up for grabs during the "Be my GALentine" event.
Rae Mulligan and Julie Smith hang out at the GALentine event.
Rae Mulligan and Julie Smith hang out at the GALentine event.
Carrie Star Rummery, Kathy Collums, Violeta Huesman, Tami Guz and Angela Massaro-Fain enjoy their evening at
Carrie Star Rummery, Kathy Collums, Violeta Huesman, Tami Guz and Angela Massaro-Fain enjoy their evening at "Be my GALentine."
Finger foods sit on a table at The Lake Club during
Finger foods sit on a table at The Lake Club during "Be my GALentine" hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund.
Angela Massaro-Fain hangs out with her guest Julie Elderman at the
Angela Massaro-Fain hangs out with her guest Julie Elderman at the "Be my GALentine" event.
Lakewood Ranch' s Diane Vendette and Martine Moscovita enjoy some champagne.
Lakewood Ranch' s Diane Vendette and Martine Moscovita enjoy some champagne.
Jack McClure and Denise DeSchamps mingle.
Jack McClure and Denise DeSchamps mingle.
Bina Kumar and Maria Gaffar enjoy the festivities.
Bina Kumar and Maria Gaffar enjoy the festivities.
Boxes of candy sit on the tables at the
Boxes of candy sit on the tables at the "Be my GALentine" event.
Sydney McSweeney and Elaine Steinfurth, both members of the Women' s Charitable Fund, explore their food choices.
Sydney McSweeney and Elaine Steinfurth, both members of the Women' s Charitable Fund, explore their food choices.
Lynn McNamee and Cathi Thomaides, both members of The Lake Club TLC, enjoy the special event.
Lynn McNamee and Cathi Thomaides, both members of The Lake Club TLC, enjoy the special event.
Jeff Belvo, president of Stillpoint House of Prayer, Diane Brune, Women' s Charitable Foundation, and Sue Belvo, Stillpoint House of Prayer, celebrate the $4,000 grant that was given to Stillpoint at the
Jeff Belvo, president of Stillpoint House of Prayer, Diane Brune, Women' s Charitable Foundation, and Sue Belvo, Stillpoint House of Prayer, celebrate the $4,000 grant that was given to Stillpoint at the "Be my GALentine" event.
Mary Scharf, Lisa Mead and Stephanie Goforth support the
Mary Scharf, Lisa Mead and Stephanie Goforth support the "Be my GALentine event."
Helen Low and Lenore Redler catch up at
Helen Low and Lenore Redler catch up at "Be my GALentine."

 

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