The 2019 Grant Ceremony was hosted Jan. 9 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
By
Kayleigh Omang
| 8:31 p.m. January 9, 2019
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Designing Daughters holds fundraisers throughout the entire year, saving up for one night – the Grant Ceremony.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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President Ashley Guttridge and Elli Baldwin
Co-Chairwomen Megan Buchanan and Ashley Markley
President Ashley Guttridge welcomes everyone to the Grant Ceremony.
Nikki Taylor addresses the audience.
Founder Shelley Lister received flowers from the grant committee.
Montana Taplinger addresses the audience.
Jennifer Rust addresses the audience.
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.
Make-A-Wish Southern Florida representatives Rebecca Blitz and Nicole Ruth.
Mothers Helping Mothers received a $5,000 grant.
Executive Director Brandi Ezell collected the check for Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy.
Elli Baldwin congratulates the representatives for Teen Court.
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.
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.
Jane Thompson with Bob and Diane Roskamp
Stephanie Grepling, Maribeth Phillips and Shelly Van Dusen