Lakewood Ranch fundraiser benefits Fallen Heroes Memorial
Salt of the Earth organization meets at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
By
Berkley Mason
| 8:50 a.m. July 12, 2017
East County
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East County's Jim Grace, a United States Navy veteran, was enjoying a night of pride, along with a few adult beverages.
"We are quite the patriotic group at Salt of the Earth," Grace said. "It is a bunch of us old military guys who come out to support (veterans)."
A special Salt of the Earth event, which included a comedy show, was held Tuesday night at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing to raise funds to go toward the engraving of names at the 9/11 Fallen Heroes Memorial at Patriots Park in Venice.
About 70 people attended.
Salt of the Earth USA Founder Gene Sweeney reminded those who attended about the importance of their support.
"Everybody here has been responsible for every single name that is on that wall," Sweeney said.
Roughly $3,000 was raised.
Lakewood Ranch's Yardena and Ron Babcock enjoy drinks before the comedy show.
Sarasota Honor Guard Post 3233's Jim Shaffer, Ryan Firestone, Robert Morris, Gary Williams and Al Hickson presented colors at the Salt of the Earth USA fundraiser.
Lakewood Ranch's John and Jackie Breiner spend their date night supporting the Salt of the Earth USA Fundraiser.
East County's Richie Evers and Garrett Lindgren mingle over a beer.
Gene Sweeney, the founder of Salt of the Earth USA, thanks attendees for supporting veterans.
Members of the Sarasota Honor Guard Post 3233 present the American flag.
Sarasota's Tina Fasetti bows her head during a prayer for fallen soldiers.
Ribs catered by MacAllister's Grill & Tavern were a hit.
East County's Jim Grace, Sharon Miles and Jim Miles chat over drinks.
Palmetto's Dylan Huzzard takes in the comedy show.
East County's Mary and Neil Wingard share a laugh before the comedy show.
East County's Rick Buchanan and Venice's Dennis Turner supported the event.
Lakewood Ranch's Kathe Toscano and Carol Sweeney support he Salt of the Earth USA fundraiser.
Palmetto's Dylan Huzzard, Calvin Cole and Jakob Huzzard get ready for the comedy show.
