Bradenton's Trey Johnson finishes his swing during the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Golf Tournament, which raises funds for local nonprofits.
Photo by Madison Bierl
East County
Neighbors
Share
Eighty-three golfers gathered at Colusa Country Club on May 8 for a bigger reason than chasing pars and birdies.
They wanted to give back to their community.
The second annual Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Golf Tournament was held to raise money for the many grants given by the nonprofit to area nonprofits.
The tournament, which was sponsored by Lennar, included meals, swag bags and prizes to those participating.
In its 26 years, the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation has given out more than $1.8 million to local nonprofits.
Kate Mulligan, the executive director of the foundation, said the tournament is the foundation's second largest fundraiser of the year.
"It's terrific because we're trying to reach new people and tell them about the work that we do," Mulligan said. "The great thing about the foundation is that when you give us a donation, you're supporting so many different kinds of organizations in the area instead of just one."
Lakewood Ranch's Gennaro Daniello started golfing a year ago and was glad to participate in the tournament. He said he always prefers to support local (nonprofits) instead of larger nonprofits.
Bradenton's Mark Sturdivant, and Cortez's Mark Ponicsan, Scott Johnson and Tom Bailey, await the start of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Golf Tournament May 8.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Bradenton's Eddie Enriquez watches the flight of his ball during the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Golf Tournament at Calusa Country Club May 8.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Marcus Sanchez, Eddie Enriquez, Jay McCollough and Trey Johnson showed up at Calusa Country Club in support of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Lakewood Ranch's George Prince and David Stuhlfire exchange stories at Calusa Country Club prior to their participation in the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Golf Tournament.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Cortez's Kat Cox, Dani Ponicsan, Katelyn Grant and Laura Davis prepare to tee off in the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Golf Tournament that will benefit local nonprofits.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Lakewood Ranch's JB Sassano and Paul O’Leary say they love supporting local causes.
Photo by Madison Bierl
The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation's Kate Mulligan, Kayla Harris, Keith Pandeloglou, Lisa Lawler and Victoria Campbell await the arrival of the 83 golfers at Calusa Country Club.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Kate Mulligan, the executive director of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation, thanks the presenting sponsor Lennar for donating meals and supplies for the tournament.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Lakewood Ranch's Jay McCollough is among the 83 golfers to participate in the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Golf Tournament at Calusa Country Club May 8.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Lakewood Ranch's Gennaro Daniello and Palmetto's Evin Martinez prepare to tee off in the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Golf Tournament.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Cortez's Katelyn Grant takes a shot May 8 at Calusa Country Club during the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Golf Tournament.
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.
