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Designing Daughters awards 30 local nonprofits

The 2019 Grant Ceremony was hosted Jan. 9 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.


  • By Kayleigh Omang
  • | 8:31 p.m. January 9, 2019
  • Black Tie
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Designing Daughters holds fundraisers throughout the entire year, saving up for one night – the Grant Ceremony. 

At this year's ceremony Jan. 9, 30 nonprofits were awarded with checks ranging from $500 to $5,000. The total amount of funds raised by the women totaled $90,000. 

The nonprofits who receive the grants are chosen by the members of Designing Daughters, narrowed down by the organization's grants committee, then voted on by the members. After the votes are tallied, the grants committee disperses the total funds. 

The evening was celebrated with Designing Daughters and their guests, along with representatives from the 30 nonprofits. Guests enjoyed light bites, wine and beer at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing while they watched each organization collect its check. 

Nonprofits awarded at Designing Daughter's Grant Ceremony

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast
  • Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary
  • Booker Middle School Performing Arts
  • Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota County
  • Child Protection Center
  • Children First
  • Every Child
  • Everyday Blessings
  • Faces of Accomplishment
  • Florida Rescue Farm
  • Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital Foundation
  • Make-A-Wish Southern Florida
  • Mayors' Feed the Hungry
  • Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee County
  • More Too Life
  • Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
  • Mothers Helping Mothers
  • The Roskamp Institute
  • Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy
  • Sarasota in Defense of Animals
  • Sertoma Kids
  • Safe Place And Rape Crisis Center
  • Take Stock in Children
  • Teen Court
  • The Circus Arts Conservatory
  • The Haven
  • The Heat Varsity Dance Team at Manatee School for the Arts
  • UnidosNow
  • The Mark Wandall Foundation

 

President Ashley Guttridge and Elli Baldwin
President Ashley Guttridge and Elli Baldwin
Co-Chairwomen Megan Buchanan and Ashley Markley
Co-Chairwomen Megan Buchanan and Ashley Markley
President Ashley Guttridge welcomes everyone to the Grant Ceremony.
President Ashley Guttridge welcomes everyone to the Grant Ceremony.
Nikki Taylor addresses the audience.
Nikki Taylor addresses the audience.
Founder Shelley Lister received flowers from the grant committee.
Founder Shelley Lister received flowers from the grant committee.
Montana Taplinger addresses the audience.
Montana Taplinger addresses the audience.
Jennifer Rust addresses the audience.
Jennifer Rust addresses the audience.
The Boys and Girls Club received a grant for its summer culinary program.
The Boys and Girls Club received a grant for its summer culinary program.
Children First representatives Megan Wenger and Jessica Rogers smile for a photo.
Children First representatives Megan Wenger and Jessica Rogers smile for a photo.
Make-A-Wish Southern Florida representatives Rebecca Blitz and Nicole Ruth.
Make-A-Wish Southern Florida representatives Rebecca Blitz and Nicole Ruth.
Mothers Helping Mothers received a $5,000 grant.
Mothers Helping Mothers received a $5,000 grant.
Executive Director Brandi Ezell collected the check for Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy.
Executive Director Brandi Ezell collected the check for Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy.
Elli Baldwin congratulates the representatives for Teen Court.
Elli Baldwin congratulates the representatives for Teen Court.
Brad Jones from The Haven collected the $4,500 check.
Brad Jones from The Haven collected the $4,500 check.
The coaches and captains represented The Heat Varsity Dance Team at the Manatee School for the Arts.
The coaches and captains represented The Heat Varsity Dance Team at the Manatee School for the Arts.
UnidosNow is using the grant for adding a STEAM program for its Latina girls.
UnidosNow is using the grant for adding a STEAM program for its Latina girls.
The Mark Wandall Foundation received the most votes from Designing Daughters' members.
The Mark Wandall Foundation received the most votes from Designing Daughters' members.
Jane Thompson with Bob and Diane Roskamp
Jane Thompson with Bob and Diane Roskamp
Stephanie Grepling, Maribeth Phillips and Shelly Van Dusen
Stephanie Grepling, Maribeth Phillips and Shelly Van Dusen
April White and Shelley Lister
April White and Shelley Lister

 

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