Lakewood Ranch Community Fund Gala Raises Money to Support Local Charities

Online, April 28, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The "Geishas, Blossoms & Buddhas Gala" on April 9, 2011, transformed the Fête Ballroom at Polo Grill into an exotic locale with a wandering Geisha girl, a traditional Taiko drummer and stunning Asian decor.

"Our community has proven that this event is one they look forward to and will continue to support for years to come," said Gala Co-Chairs Barbara Najmy and Ron Masseo. "We are already working on plans for next year's event, so stay tuned for details."

Guests were greeted at the door by the pulsing beat of a Taiko drum, a 2,000-year-old art that was performed in the castles and shrines of ancient Japan. Guests were photographed with a mysterious and elegantly dressed Geisha girl, and mesmerized by the fiery beauty of a candle dancer. The elaborate, chef-manned food stations served up savory flavors from around the world, including an Asian appetizer station, a Japanese hibachi griddle, a Chinatown chef station and a "sweets stop" featuring Mandarin bananas flambe and traditional Thai iced coffee and Asian teas.

After guests enjoyed the best foods of Vietnam, China, Japan and Thailand, many of them took part in vigorous bidding on valuable raffle prizes. Barbara Najmy was the lucky winner of the Special Chance Drawing: Her husband purchased a $100 raffle ticket, and she went home with a one-of-a-kind, 15-carat golden citrine cocktail ring with sapphires and diamonds, custom designed by Vanessa Baugh of Vanessa Fine Jewelry and valued at $15,400.

Following dinner, local entertainer Jonathan Cortez packed the dance floor, and the Gala stretched well into the night. The Gala's Presenting Sponsor was GE Appliances, which has contributed over $235,000 to the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund since 1998. The Community Sponsor was Grapevine Communications Advertising Agency, and the Platinum Sponsor was MGA Insurance Group.

Since 2002, the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund has distributed 167 grants totaling more than $635,000 to 69 non-profit organizations. In 2010, the Fund distributed $56,811 to 14 organizations.

About the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund
The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund was created as a charitable fund under the larger umbrella of the Manatee Community Foundation. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life in and near Lakewood Ranch by promoting philanthropy, connecting the charitable interests of donors with the on-going needs of the community, and granting funds. Some of the fund's 2010-2011 grant recipients include Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast, Cancer Support Community, Foundation for Dreams, Manatee Children's Services, Meals on Wheels PLUS, and the Food Bank of Manatee County, to name just a few. For more information, visit www.lwrfund.org.

Grapevine Communications is a full-service, award-winning advertising, marketing and public relations firm based in Sarasota, Florida, and serving clients nationwide. The firm was awarded the 2010 Frank G. Berlin, Sr., Small Business Award by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. For more information on Grapevine Communications, contact Jamie M. Smith at 941-351-0024 or email [email protected].

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