Philanthropy

A Philanthropy Committee was created by the LWRWC Board in 2014 to coordinate the LWRWC philanthropic activities. Eileen Buzzard is serving as the 2024 Philanthropy Chair.

The LWRWC is proud of its many philanthropy efforts. In January 2024, the Women’s Club donated $62,100 to its current adopted Charites: HOPE Family Services, SMART Riding Therapy, SOLVE Maternity Homes, and Children’s Guardian Fund bringing the Club’s total charitable donations to over $650,000 to date.

In addition to raising and donating money, the dedicated members of the LWRWC collect children’s books for the Book Nook at HOPE, sponsor and support a Little Free Library in James L Patton Park, and knit and crochet blankets and sew quilts for the adopted charity organizations. LWRWC gives a Woman’s Community Service Scholarship each year to a LWR High School Senior. Various ongoing opportunities are offered for members to be involved in local causes individually.

Blankets 4 Babies

Blankets 4 Babies was founded in the Spring of 2017. The purpose is to give a special blanket to children in need because every child deserves their own special blanket!

To date, Blankets 4 Babies has donated over 700 beautiful blankets and quilts to various organizations including SOLVE, HOPE, Children’s Guardian Fund, Manatee Sheriff’s Office, and Mothers Helping Mothers.

At the Blankets 4 Babies monthly meetings, women get together and knit, sew, quilt and crochet, using their talents and generous spirit to create unique blankets made with love. They meet the fourth Tuesday of every month at Town Hall from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Donations of new blankets can be brought to LWRWC general meetings, monthly luncheons, and Blankets 4 Babies meetings. For more information, please contact the 2024 Blankets 4 Babies Chair, Daria Olson >>

LWRWC Community Service Scholarship

The Scholarship Committee was formed in 2015 and offers an annual $1,000 merit-based scholarship to a female Lakewood Ranch High School senior who will pursue a degree in higher education and who has demonstrated commitment to community service, especially in a leadership role.

Applications can be found on the LWRWC website and at the Lakewood Ranch High School website beginning in November of each year.  Application deadlines are the end of January. Contact the current LWRWC Scholarship Chair, Cheryl Breining >> for more information abut this committee.