Cystic Fibrosis Luncheon in Lakewood Ranch kicks off local fundraising efforts

Team Kasten raises funds, awareness for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

By Pam Eubanks
| 12:39 p.m. March 24, 2017

East County
Neighbors

With nearly 200 people mingling at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club March 24, East County’s Sara Kasten didn’t hesitate to put aside her event organizer role on hold for a quick hug and photo with her granddaughter, Carli Kasten, of Panther Ridge.

The luncheon she’d organized with a team of friends, called “Team Kasten,” was pretty much just for her anyway.

“It’s gotten quite big,” said Sara Kasten of the Cystic Fibrosis Luncheon as she looked around the room. “I really believe in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. They are so supportive of cystic fibrosis families.

Carli Kasten, now 15, suffers from the condition.

This year’s luncheon was the biggest one yet, of all five years Sara Kasten has done it in Florida. She did a similar fundraiser when she lived in Illinois, as well.

The luncheon served as a kick-off event for the local Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Great Strides Walk May 7, at Siesta Key Beach.

Carli Kasten poses with her grandmother, event founder Sara Kasten.

Bob and Kelly Hamm, of River Strand, chat with Diane and Howard Germon, of the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.

Lakewood Ranch' s Charisse May and Deborah Jones were on the committee who helped organize the event.

Catherine Sproule and Maryann Falcone, of Country Club East, were eager to support the cause.

Maria Barlaam, Rhonda Portnoy and Cindy Sladek live in Country Club East.

Mary Jo Sherman, font, joins Mary Lou Bollin, of Watercrest (left, back) and Sarasota' s Jeri Jardine (right, back) for lunch.

Sharyn Nassau, of Lakewood Ranch, with Sheila Radman, of Sarasota

Panther Ridge' s Heather Kasten, whose daughter has cystic fibrosis, sits for lunch with friend Maribeth Phillips.

Panther Ridge' s Christine Seaman and her daughter Gina, 16, are neighbors and friends with the Kasten family, whose daughter, Carli, has cystic fibrosis.

Carol Welsch, of St. Louis, Mo., came to support the Kasten family. She is pictured with Lakewood Ranch' s Sue Lamy.

East County' s Helaine Giddens digs into the salad portion of the meal.

Janet Hough won an Alex and Ani brand lobster charm bracelet from the silent auction. Carli Kasten, who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, hands out the prizes.