When Lindsey Ryan looks around her community, she is amazed by the philanthropy and deserving organizations that make a difference.
Ryan, the founder of DD's Miracle Minis, a nonprofit that provides equine therapy, was one of 29 grant recipients to be honored at the Sisterhood for Good annual grants ceremony that took place June 25 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing in Lakewood Ranch.
"It's humbling and it's a breath of fresh air in a world where you feel like you're constantly just being shoved bad news," Ryan said. "You're able to see that if you just go out and look for it, there's so much good. The name (Sisterhood for Good) couldn't be more perfect. To be part of it is an honor."
Antonia Rolle, president and CEO of Project 180, said its $7,000 grant will go towards providing medical, dental and vision insurance for women returning from incarceration.
"It's funny how something like a prescription, a painful tooth or glasses can be the thing that keeps you from succeeding," Rolle said. "I just want to say 'thank you' to everyone who believes in second chances."
Founder Angela Massaro-Fain said with 129 applications, she is proud Sisterhood for Good was able to give 29 grants this year. It is the fourth year in a row giving over $150,000.
"That has been very exciting and moving for me," Massaro-Fain said. "We hope to continue, as we go into our 16th year, to do even more next year."Â
Sisterhood for Good's Glo Reber presents Harbor58's Ari Gibbons and Annie Wilson a grant for $7,500 to go towards a mentoring program for foster kids.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Sisterhood for Good's Sheryl Cobb presents Celia Kane, program director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, a grant of $3,000 that will provide 20 mental health sessions to members of Our Mother's House, a two-year transitional living program.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Lindsey Ryan, the founder of nonprofit DD's Miracle Minis, says the $4,000 grant was already used in order to host and provide equine therapy to grieving children from the Mark Wandall Foundation.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Sisterhood for Good's Allison Imre Perkowski presents a $2,500 grant for nonprofit Jackson's Gift to Christine Carruthers, a member of the Jackson's Gift board of directors.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Monica Rider, the chief medical director at MCR Health, says the $5,000 grant will be able to cover 100 dental screenings and cleanings for uninsured children within Manatee County.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Sisterhood for Good Founder Angela Massaro-Fain and Founding Member Kathy Collums say they are grateful to be able to give over $150,000 in grants for the fourth year in a row.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Sisterhood for Good's Darci Jacob presents Lora Carpenter, president and CEO of Beyond the Spectrum, a grant for $2,250 to help children with disabilities attend summer camp.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Jody Jester, executive director of Bridge a Life, says the $7,500 grant will provide trauma-responsive training to Manatee county school resource officers.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Sisterhood for Good's Amy Gorman presents a $7,500 grant for the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Charitable Foundation to Board Member Anne Rollings.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Jenifer Quiles, Sisterhood for Good Grants Co-chair Liz Brookins and Danielle DeJesus celebrate the $3,000 grant for Care Net Manasota Pregnancy Center which will provide basic necessities for 15-20 new moms and babies.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Service Dogs Saving Lives Board Member Ally Hatfield, Sisterhood for Good's Glo Reber and Service Dogs Saving Lives Secretary Yvette Ortiz celebrate the $3,500 grant that will assist in providing support to veterans and first responders.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Kimberlee Peralta, director for Foster the Family, says the $5,000 grant will go toward providing care packages with clothing, hygiene items, shoes and more to children entering the foster care system.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Antonia Rolle, president and CEO of Project 180, says the $7,000 grant will go towards providing medical, dental and vision insurance for women returning from incarceration.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Sisterhood for Good's Patty Kane presents a $5,000 grant to Tim Boyd, director of Guardian Angels of Southwest Florida. The grant will help cover the cost of food, household items and more for foster families.
Madison Bierl is the education and community reporter for the East County Observer. She grew up in Iowa and studied at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University.
