June 2026 News

BOARD CHAIR CORNER | Keith Pandeloglou

As I step into the role of Board Chair for the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation, I am incredibly honored and energized for the year ahead. Our Foundation has a strong history of bringing people together to create meaningful impact throughout our community, and I look forward to building on that momentum alongside our dedicated board, volunteers, donors, and partners.

This year, we are especially focused on expanding the long-term impact of legacy giving and donor-advised opportunities, strengthening collaboration among local nonprofit organizations, and creating more educational and leadership opportunities that help our nonprofit community grow and thrive together.

We believe that when organizations collaborate, donors engage strategically, and community leaders continue learning from one another, we create a stronger and more connected future for everyone in our region.

Thank you for your continued support of our mission. I am excited for what we will accomplish together in the year ahead. Let’s Open the Door…

Keith Pandeloglou

Chair of the Board

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Come join us for all of our upcoming events and activities! Mark your calendar and purchase tickets as each event is limited. See you there!

The Soirée at the Ranch

Thursday, October 1, 2026

Get Tickets Here.

Events are posted on our website as details become available. 

SPECIAL FEATURE

Your Observer

By Madison Bierl  | May 11, 2026

Eighty-three golfers gathered at Colusa Country Club on May 8th for a bigger reason than chasing pars and birdies. They wanted to give back to their community.

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

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. 

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

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. 

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

THE BOARD WALK - VICTORIA CAMPBELL

This month’s Board Walk features Victoria Campbell. Victoria is a powerhouse in the real estate market and read her message and get to know. 

Victoria Campbell is a leading real estate advisor serving the Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch areas, proudly helping clients with their buying and selling needs. Having lived in the area for over 30 years, Victoria has had the unique opportunity to watch Lakewood Ranch grow from its early beginnings into one of the most sought-after master-planned communities in the country.

Her connection to the community runs far deeper than real estate. Victoria is passionate about helping create a place where people truly love where they live — a community built on connection, support, and giving back. She believes that strong communities are created not only through beautiful homes and neighborhoods, but through people who care about one another and invest in the future of the area.

That commitment to community service is deeply rooted in her family. Victoria’s father was one of the founders of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation, created with the vision of giving back and supporting the community as it continued to grow. Inspired by that legacy, Victoria is proud to continue supporting the Foundation and its mission of strengthening and enriching the lives of those who call Lakewood Ranch home.

With extensive local knowledge, strong community ties, and a genuine passion for helping others, Victoria is dedicated to helping her clients not only find the right home, but also become part of a community they are proud to call home. 

Let’s Open the Door… and give of your time, talents, and treasures to help make Lakewood Ranch the best community it can be! 

–Victoria Campbell

BUILDERS GIVE BACK

The featured builder this edition is AR Homes (Nelson Homes). Their focus is to not only build luxury custom homes; but to build relationships. Please read about AR Homes and get to know them. 

For years, AR Homes® Sarasota (Nelson Homes) has been building luxury custom homes throughout Lakewood Ranch, the nation’s top-selling multigenerational master-planned community. As part of the AR Homes® network, Nelson Homes is known for delivering a highly personalized homebuilding experience centered around craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and attention to detail.

From personalized floor plans and luxury outdoor living spaces to modern kitchens, open-concept layouts, and elevated architectural details, each home is designed to blend functionality with high-end living. The team works closely with homeowners throughout every stage of the process, from initial design conversations to the final walkthrough, with the goal of creating homes tailored to the way clients want to live today.

Gold Cup Award, AR Homes

AR Homes® Sarasota (Nelson Homes, Inc.) earned the 2025 AvidCX Builder Gold Cup Award for excellence in customer satisfaction. This achievement reflects the team’s continued commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and delivering an elevated custom homebuilding experience.

Under the leadership of franchisee Ashley Miller, AR Homes® Sarasota continues to focus on creating homes that complement the lifestyle and continued growth of the Lakewood Ranch community. “Lakewood Ranch has been home to AR Homes® since the very beginning, and that legacy is something we’re incredibly proud of. We don’t just build custom homes here; we build relationships. Every client brings us a vision, and we take that seriously in every detail of every home we create,” said Ashley Miller, Franchisee, Nelson Homes.

For more information about AR Homes, please visit https://www.arhomes.com/builder/nelson-homes-inc/

COMMUNITY BUSINESS PARTNERS

This month, Pineapple Kitchen is our featured Community Business Partner, and they are ready to expand to a national brand. Please read their story and stop by or send them a congratulations and encouragement as they make a BIG move! 

What began as a small storefront in Lakewood Ranch is now poised for a national stage. Local entrepreneurs Mike and Jenny Schenk, founders of Pineapple Kitchen, are preparing to expand their brand beyond the local community with a forthcoming product launch on Amazon.

“We originally started as a small product-based business with a storefront,” says Mike. “We hosted tastings and open houses—it was a very personal way to introduce people to what we were creating.”

Owners Mike and Jenny at the table.

That space quickly became more than retail. It served as a creative hub where the couple tested recipes, launched their first interactive experiences, and introduced early culinary programs. “Everything started under one roof,” adds Jenny. “Food, experiences, and education.”

As demand grew, the limitations of the location became clear. “We outgrew the space,” Jenny explains. “It wasn’t the right location, and it restricted how much we could expand. Closing it was a strategic decision to move forward.” That decision led to rapid growth across multiple areas of the business.

GRANT RECIPIENTS

Their interactive mystery dinner experiences—now produced under a separate brand, Pineapple Kitchen Mysteries—have expanded into larger venues, private events, and a new home base at the Courtyard by Marriott Sarasota University Town Center.

At the same time, their youth culinary program, Pineapple Kitchen Kids, has grown through a partnership with State College of Florida, allowing them to serve more families across the region. Now, the couple is focused on bringing their original product vision to a broader audience.

“We’re preparing to launch our products nationally,” Mike says. “What started locally is now being built to reach homes across the country.” Their gourmet offerings are centered around what they call “easy entertaining”—helping people create elevated, memorable moments at home. While each part of the business operates under its own platform, the vision remains unified.

GRANT RECIPIENTS

Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Sun Coast

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, we believe every child has incredible potential—and that potential is unlocked through the power of connection. Thanks to the generous support of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation, we can create more life-changing, one-to-one mentoring relationships that inspire young people to dream bigger and reach higher. 

Olivia and Nicole participated in a Big Brothers Big Sisters scrapbooking event, where they added photos and meaningful reflections of their family, dreams, and passions. In their year together as a match, they’ve enjoyed spending time at our mentoring center and exploring the community while building a strong and joyful connection.

This grant will strengthen both our school-based and community-based mentoring programs, where mentors and Littles are matched in relationships grounded in trust, encouragement, and possibility. In schools, mentors provide steady support and positive reinforcement, helping students build confidence, stay engaged, and believe in their own abilities. In the community, those same relationships grow deeper—opening doors to new experiences, perspectives, and opportunities that broaden horizons and inspire growth. 

Funding will support the recruitment and training of dedicated mentors, thoughtful matching with youth, and ongoing guidance to ensure every relationship thrives. It will also expand outreach efforts, allowing Big Brothers Big Sisters to serve more young people who are waiting for a mentor. 

Big Brother Nick and his Little Ashton. At the end of the school year, Ashton’s class held a special time to showcase the work they had completed all year—and Nick made sure he was there cheering him on.

Because when a young person is supported, encouraged, and inspired, they don’t just succeed—they soar. Together, we are building a future filled with confidence, connection, and limitless possibility—one mentorship at a time. 

By investing in one-to-one mentoring, the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation is helping strengthen families and build a more connected, resilient community. 

Andrea, a high school Big Sister working with students at Alta Vista—Mia, Kailey, and Samantha—has spent the year supporting them through reading activities, arts and crafts, and outdoor play. A participant in the program since last year, Andrea shares that working with these second graders has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast

For over 58 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has created meaningful, enduring, professionally supported mentoring relationships that empower youth to reach their full potential. Our evidence-based programs drive positive outcomes, including educational success, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and stronger relationships. This past year, we served more than 1,600 youth across a 10-county region. Learn more at www.bbbssun.org. 

Safe Children Coalition

The Safe Children Coalition’s Youth Prevention Services YPS program provides free community and school-based counseling to youth ages 10 to 17 in Manatee, Sarasota, and DeSoto Counties who are experiencing conflict or instability at home. Through early intervention, the program helps strengthen communication between youth and their parents or guardians while preventing challenges from escalating into more serious concerns.

Building on more than 30 years of success, the program focuses on equipping youth with practical, self-guided tools they can use beyond counseling sessions. These tools empower them to manage emotions, build resilience, and make positive choices in their daily lives.

In 2024, Safe Children Coalition expanded its impact with the launch of Youth Intervention Services YIS, extending behavioral counseling to youth with more complex needs. This includes youth involved with the Department of Juvenile Justice, those at risk of removal from their homes, and those in need of more intensive support.

With this funding, youth are provided with a Calming Kit that includes journals, fidget tools, sensory items, stress relief supports, and guided breathing exercises and muscle relaxation cards. These kits serve as a hands-on resource to help youth practice coping skills and stay grounded as they work toward their goals.

Suncoast Therapeutic Equine Partners

Suncoast Therapeutic Equine Partners (STEP) is a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit serving veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those navigating trauma or grief. Through our equine-assisted programs, we create a supportive space where people can build confidence, develop life skills, and connect in a way that feels real and meaningful. Our goal is to make these experiences accessible and to reach those who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

In the saddle, where freedom is felt and smiles come easy.

We are very thankful to the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation for their generous $10,000 grant. With these funds, we purchased a horse trailer that is already making a difference in how we serve our community.

Growing in independence, confidence, and focus.

The trailer allows us to bring our programs out into the community and reach individuals who are unable to travel to our facility. It also helps us grow our outreach efforts and connect with more local organizations. In addition, the trailer is important for the safety and care of our horses. It gives us a reliable way to transport them for veterinary needs, emergencies, or when relocation is necessary.

Meeting goals, defying limits, and proving what determination can do.

The trailer allows us to bring our programs out into the community and reach individuals who are unable to travel to our facility. It also helps us grow our outreach efforts and connect with more local organizations. In addition, the trailer is important for the safety and care of our horses. It gives us a reliable way to transport them for veterinary needs, emergencies, or when relocation is necessary.

Thank you for your support, donations, and volunteering to help the Foundation achieve its vision and mission: to use the power of giving to serve our community and enhance the quality of life in and near our community by responding to local needs, granting funds, and building lasting relationships. Our core values are community, innovation, and transparency.

Let’s Open the Door… and give of your time, talents, and treasures to help make Lakewood Ranch an even better place to live and work!

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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.

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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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