January 2026 News

BOARD CHAIR CORNER | Jeff Toale

Happy New Year!

I hope your 2025 holiday season was most enjoyable and filled with joy, hope, family, friends, and colleagues!  

Now we welcome the new year and all that it offers. Before we get into the new year, I would like to share the good news of the grand finale event of our 25th anniversary celebration, the Soirée at the Ranch! We made over $100,000 which put us in the position to grant $250,000 this coming year! Thank you again to everyone who made this event and fundraiser possible! 

In 2026, we have a number of exciting events and activities that will take place. We begin with Polo with the Pros on February 8 at the Sarasota Polo Club. In addition to everything polo, we will also announce and recognize the Junior Humanitarian of the Year. If you know of a high school student who embodies the spirit of philanthropy in their daily lives, please click here for more details. Also read about the prior year’s recipients in this newsletter – you will be quite impressed. 

Then explore the calendar section where all the upcoming exciting events and activities are listed and detailed. We hope to see you there! 

The Board Walk features our board of directors and in this edition, we will begin the new year with me. I am humbled to have this opportunity to share with you. 

The Builders Give Back program features Neal Signature Homes this month. Please read about this community pillar and view and enjoy the photos of their models. 

The Community Business Partners features Robert Toale and Sons Celebration of Life Center. They have been a great supporter of the foundation and served as a sponsor for the Soirée at the Ranch. You might also recognize the last name is the same as mine. Please read about this long-standing partner. 

We salute the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarter grant recipients this month and we wish them a prosperous new year. We will announce the 4th quarter 2025 grant recipients in the new year. We will hold the Recognition and Refreshments event March 5, 2026 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing to recognize all the 2025 recipients!

And now to the Dash Digest for a conversation with Dash, the turtle. Dash served as the mascot for the 25th anniversary celebration and made a huge impact where ever he appeared. Dash was present in his bow tie for the Soirée at the Ranch and he had a great time! Dash is going to retire now and is headed down south to enjoy the warmth and hang out on the beach! We wish Dash the very best and thank him for a great year and being our mascot! 

Now, let’s Open the Door… on a new year of opportunities, enjoy! 

Jeff Toale

Chair of the Board

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Polo with the Pros
Sunday, February 8, 2026

Read more.

Recognition and Refreshments
Thursday, March 3, 2026

Read more.

Casino Night at Gold Coast
Thursday, April 2, 2026

Read more.

 

Golf Tournament at Calusa Country Club
Friday, May 8, 2026

Read more.

 

Events are posted on our website as details become available. 

2026 JUNIOR HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

In 2023, the Junior Humanitarian of the Year Award was established. As with the tradition of the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year named after C. John A. Clarke, the Junior Humanitarian was created to honor a youth that embodies the spirit of philanthropy in their daily lives. 

If you know of a high school student who demonstrates this spirit, please nominate them. Nominations are open till January 19, 2026. 

In 2024, we honored Amy Kwakye-Amoah, an outstanding senior at the Out-of-Door Academy in Lakewood Ranch, along with two finalists, Brayan Hernandez-Valez and Marcela Hymes. 

The 2025 recipient was Cecile Visa. Cecile commented on humanitarianism, “It is important in a world that is so integrated now. A lot of people have stopped seeing the value of [humanitarianism]. Even the smallest actions can have an impact.” Among the ways Visa gives backs is her role as president of the Thunder Grant Committee, which awards funds raised during the school year to important student organizations. 

The 2026 Junior Humanitarian will be announced and then recognized and honored at the February 8th Polo with the Pros event. 

THE BOARD WALK - JEFF TOALE

Born in Sarasota, Florda, I have seen Lakewood Ranch grow from a small neighborhood to the sprawling, active, and lively community we all enjoy today. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of South Florida, I completed my mortuary science degree at St. Petersburg College and now serve as vice president of business development at Robert Toale and Sons Celebration of Life Center in Lakewood Ranch. My greatest passion is helping families through difficult times by providing unique personalized experiences including celebrations. 

As I reflect on the success of the foundation over the last year, I could not be prouder of the hard work our team has put in and what we have been able to accomplish. Our events have been fun, entertaining, and successful as we have raised over $155,504 throughout the year. Our board has focused on guiding the foundation and through our dedicated committee work, we find ourselves in a great position to grow next year. Our executive director, Kate Mulligan, has been working tirelessly to put the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation in the forefront of our beautiful community. Not to mention, we have been able to grant over $125,000 throughout the year to local nonprofits, thus improving our way of life in the Ranch.

As we look forward to 2026, I can’t wait to start impacting our community. We will boldly increase our annual granting to $250,000 to local nonprofits. These funds are granted after nonprofits submit an application and then are vetted by our wonderful grants committee, who analyze the needs and assess priorities in the area. We already have a few events planned for early for 2026, so be sure to check out our events section on LWRCF.org. Please consider joining, supporting, or volunteering with us. I hope to see you throughout the year. Become engaged!

–Jeff Toale 

BUILDERS GIVE BACK

The Builders Give Back program is an initiative launched by the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation (LWRCF) along with Lakewood Ranch Communities and a selection of community’s premier builders.  

For every new home closing, participating builders donate to LWRCF in the new homeowner’s name. Lakewood Ranch Communities, the developer of Lakewood Ranch, then matches each contribution.

With a “live here, give here” approach, the work of LWRCF is to support the nonprofits making an impact in Lakewood Ranch, as well as in Manatee and Sarasota counties. The Builders Give Back program allows new residents to experience the giving culture of Lakewood Ranch right when they move in, while also benefiting LWRCF. By introducing new homeowners to local philanthropy through this program, we hope to ensure support for LWRCF in the future.

We thank each of the builders and greatly appreciate their participation in and support of the program. We look forward to another great year in 2026! 

And now we feature Neal Signature Homes. Please read about this community pillar and view the beautiful photos of their models. 

The Art of Fine Living — Perfected by Neal Signature Homes

For decades, Neal Signature Homes has been defining the art of fine living in Southwest Florida and right here in Lakewood Ranch. Elegant, thoughtfully crafted, and made to fit your life, a Neal Signature home sets the standard for luxury living. Thoughtfully designed floorplans offer spacious living, refined finishes, and seamless indoor-outdoor living — every residence embodies timeless Florida style with a sophisticated edge. 

You will discover so much more than just a place to live — it is an expression of your lifestyle. From stunning kitchens to spa-inspired bathrooms, soaring ceilings to expansive outdoor spaces, every detail is carefully considered to balance beauty, function, and comfort. These homes are designed for entertaining, relaxing, and making memories with family and friends — while providing a sense of calm and retreat at the end of each day. With personalized options and thoughtfully curated features, a Neal Signature home is a unique reflection of its owners’ taste and lifestyle. 

Step beyond your door and discover communities that place you at the heart of it all — moments from fine dining, boutique shopping, pristine beaches, and the best of Florida’s natural beauty. Wander along tree-lined streets, connect with neighbors in inviting gathering spaces, or spend an afternoon exploring nearby parks and coastal escapes. Life with Neal Signature Homes is about elegance with ease — where every day is filled with warmth, connection, and possibility. 

Built on decades of experience and a dedication to excellence, Neal Signature Homes delivers a personalized experience where design, quality, and attention to detail come together in perfect harmony. 

With Neal Signature Homes, exceptional living is not just a dream, it is your everyday reality. 

Experience the luxury of living well with Neal Signature Homes
The Portofino Plan offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a 3-car garage
Neal Communities designs homes that blend beauty, comfort, and functionality for effortless Florida living.

Open the Door... to learn more about the Builders Give Back program. Email us at info@LWRCF.org.

COMMUNITY BUSINESS PARTNERS

The Community Business Partners program is dedicated to supporting and partnership with the foundation to continue to give grants to local nonprofits who are making a positive difference in Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding areas. Your business and its participation help to foster philanthropy in the community. There are many different ways to give back and we are pleased to provide a variety of opportunities to fit any budget.

This month we feature Robert Toale and Sons Celebration of Life Center at Lakewood Ranch. Robert Toale and Sons Celebration of Life Center at Lakewood Ranch is committed to providing unique personalized experiences. As the area’s trusted provider of services, they also offer a flexible space which can allow for all of life’s celebrations. Their pre-planning counselors provide peace of mind through advanced planning. Visit rtslwr.com to learn more. Robert Toale and Sons is a proud supporter of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation. 

Let’s Open the Door… and learn more about how your business can become involved. Visit our website at LWRCF.org or email info@LWRCF.org.

GRANT RECIPIENTS

This month we honor the 2025 grant recipients to date, which include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarters. A total of $92,660 has been granted to these deserving nonprofit organizations making a positive impact in our community. The 4th quarter recipients will be identified in the new year.

1st Quarter Grant Recipients 

·      Avenue 941 Inc. 

·      Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota and DeSota Counties

·      Epilepsy Services

·      Forty Carrots of Sarasota Inc. 

·      Local Relief Inc. 

·      Meals on Wheels Sarasota

·      Sarasota Orchestra 

·      State College of Florida Foundation Inc. 

·      Take Stock in Children Manatee County 

2nd Quarter Grant Recipients 

·      Bailes Consulting Services

·      Children’s Guardian Fund

·      Hope Family Services

·      One Stop Cares

·      Samaritan Counseling Services

·      Manatee Habit for Humanity

·      Meals on Wheels Plus-Manatee

3rd Quarter Grant Recipients 

·      Beyond the Spectrum

·      Florida Center for Early Childhood

·      Foster the Family

·      Neuro-Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s 

·      Stillpoint Mission Inc.

·      The Mark Wandall Foundation

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The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the state or going to the department’s website www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. Registration #CH66420.

© 2026 Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

25th Anniversary $250,000 Goal

$100,000 Raised!

$250,000 40%

Celebrating 25 years of giving to our community. Please help the Foundation secure the next 25 years! Your donation increases grants to deserving nonprofits in our community!

Donate Now

25th Anniversary $250,000 Goal

$100,000 Raised!

$250,000 40%

Celebrating 25 years of giving to our community. Please help the Foundation secure the next 25 years! Your donation increases grants to deserving nonprofits in our community!

Donate Now
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