March 2026 News

BOARD CHAIR CORNER | Jeff Toale

Welcome to March! 

 

I must say, this new year has flown by, and we have completed our first big event! Our first major event of 2026, Polo with the Pros, was held on Sunday, February 8th at the Sarasota Polo Club — and it was a huge success. We are appreciative of everyone who attended, sponsored, and supported the event. Because of you, the Foundation continues to strengthen local initiatives across our community. Be sure to read all the details in the Special Feature following the calendar. 

This month’s newsletter also introduces two exciting updates within the Foundation: the addition of our new part-time team member, Kayla Harris, and the launch of our Nonprofit Leadership Collaborative, designed to bring nonprofit leaders together for shared learning, collaboration, and increased collective impact.

Please read about these exciting happenings in the Foundation later in the newsletter. 

Looking ahead, we invite you to join us for the Recognition & Refreshments Event on March 5th from 5:30–7:30 PM at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. This special evening will highlight our 2025 grant recipients and celebrate the organizations making a difference — view the details in the calendar section and plan to attend. You do not want to miss any of these events! 

Our Board Walk feature this month is Lorri Kidder, Treasurer and Chair of the Grants Committee of the Foundation, and audit partner with Carr, Riggs, and Ingram (CRI). Please read about Lorri and get to know her! 

We are also proud to feature John Cannon Homes as this month’s Builder Give Back member. With nearly 40 years of excellence in custom home building, John Cannon Homes has been a valued early partner in supporting our community initiatives. Please read about John Cannon Homes and get to know them for their outstanding custom homes. 

The Community Business Partners this month are Carr, Riggs, and Ingram (CRI), IBusinessSolutions, and Out-of-Door Academy. Please read about these powerhouse firms. 

Our featured Grant Recipient this month is Foster the Family. Their work exemplifies the compassion and commitment that define our nonprofit partners. Please read their article and learn more about this worthy organization. 

Additionally, the Foundation’s Grants Committee recently approved $43,000 in funding to seven deserving nonprofit organizations, including:

  • Ability to Include Inc. 
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast
  • Big Waters Land Trust
  • Jewish Family and Children’s Services of the Sun Coast Inc. 
  • Safe Children’s Coalition
  • Suncoast Communities Blood Bank
  • Suncoast Therapeutic Equine Partners

We encourage you to read more about how these organizations will use the funding to create a measurable impact throughout our community. Congratulations to each of them; these organizations will be featured individually in upcoming newsletters.

As always, thank you for being part of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation family. Please enjoy the newsletter, and let’s continue to Open the Door… to these exciting Foundation events and activities. We invite you to join us by sharing your time, talents, and treasures as we work together to strengthen our community.

Jeff Toale

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!

Recognition and Refreshments
Thursday, March 3, 2026

Read more.

Casino Night at Gold Coast
Thursday, April 2, 2026

LWRBA Lakewood Ranch Block Party, Friday, April 10, 2026

Read more.

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

Read more.

The Soirée at the Ranch 2026

TBD

Events are posted on our website as details become available. 

POLO WITH THE PROS IMPACT

On behalf of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation, thank you to everyone who supported Polo with the Pros at the Sarasota Polo Club on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

With beautiful weather and an incredible community turnout, the afternoon was a meaningful celebration of generosity, service, and connection. Guests enjoyed an exciting polo exhibition, a delicious lunch provided by Curated Catering & Events, and the opportunity to engage directly with professional players and fellow supporters of the Foundation’s mission.

Because of your generosity, funds raised from this event will directly support local nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening our community and enhancing the quality of life throughout Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding area.

HONORING THE 2025 JUNIOR HUMANITARIANS

A highlight of the afternoon at the Polo with the Pros Event was the presentation of the 2025 Junior Humanitarian Awards, recognizing outstanding young leaders who demonstrate exceptional commitment to service and community impact.

Pictured below (front row, left to right):

  • Audrey Luke, Out-of-Door Academy
  • Tom Bergerat, Out-of-Door Academy — 2025 Junior Humanitarian of the Year
  • Mia Polseno, Parrish Community High School
 

Each recipient was honored with a scholarship award for their leadership, volunteerism, and dedication to making a difference.

Also pictured is a rider carrying the American flag following the singing of the National Anthem, as well as a professional polo player instructing an attendee on proper mallet technique — a memorable moment that brought guests closer to the sport and added to the spirit of the day.

Our sponsors for the event were Williams Parker, Attorneys at Law, and Northern Trust, whose partnership helped make this event possible. Thank you to all who attended, supported, and contributed to the success of Polo with the Pros.

NEW STAFF MEMBER, KAYLA HARRIS, MARKETING & EVENTS ASSISTANT

The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation is pleased to welcome Kayla Harris as our new Marketing and Event Assistant. Kayla brings over five years of marketing experience with a focus on brand strategy, digital marketing, and event promotion. She earned her undergraduate degree in Marketing from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania in 2020 and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Digital Strategy Marketing from the University of Florida.

In her role with the Foundation, Kayla supports marketing initiatives, event planning, and strategic outreach efforts designed to increase visibility and strengthen community engagement. Please join us in welcoming Kayla to the Foundation.

INTRODUCING THE NONPROFIT LEADER COLLABORATIVE

Our goal at the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation (LWRCF) has always been to support the incredible work organizations are doing in our community, not only through grant funding but also by helping strengthen them in meaningful ways. That is why we’re excited to introduce the Nonprofit Leader Collaborative, a new monthly gathering for nonprofit leaders that we have partnered with. 

The Nonprofit Leader Collaborative is designed to be a space where leaders can:

  • Connect with fellow nonprofit leaders and share challenges, ideas, and insights
  • Explore more ways LWRCF can help your nonprofits beyond funding
  • Identify opportunities for additional support, such as:
  • Promoting upcoming fundraisers or events
  • Helping connect organizations with donated toys, food, supplies, and more
  • Hosting workshops with grant writers or fundraising experts to provide hands-on guidance
 

The NFP Leader Collaborative will be held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 4:00 PM. There is no cost or obligation; this is simply an opportunity to collaborate and explore more ways to continue strengthening the impact of organizations serving our community. We hope you will consider joining us!

THE BOARD WALK - LORRI KIDDER

This month we feature Lorri Kidder, currently the foundation’s Treasurer and Grants Committee Chair. Please read about Lorri and get to know her! 

I am Lorri Kidder. I am an audit partner at Carr, Riggs & Ingram and I have been in public accounting for over 35 years. I am a CPA specializing in audits of financial statements and specifically in the nonprofit arena. I have been serving on the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation (LWRCF) Board since 2022 as the Treasurer and the Grants Committee Chair since 2025. I am committed to this organization as it serves the nonprofits in the Lakewood Ranch community. There are so many in need and LWRCF can provide much needed assistance. 

On my own, I could not make a dent in the financial need within the LWR area. What I love about LWRCF is that individuals can make a monthly donation that fits their budget and combined with other donations as well as the fundraising events we host, we can provide assistance to several nonprofit organizations a year. The grants committee reviews grant applications to ensure they meet the criteria to receive a grant award. The committee then reviews and ranks the grant applications and determines which organizations to recommend to the Board to receive grant funding. The LWRCF Board approves the awards.   

 

I strongly encourage you to get involved in our LWR community. Please visit LWRCF.org to Open the Door… and learn more about the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation and how you can assist those in need in our community by volunteering on one of our committees and I encourage you to sign up to be a monthly donor! 

–Lorri Kidder

BUILDERS GIVE BACK

The Oulina, Lakewood Ranch's first modern-architecture home

John Cannon Homes Introduces the Oulina: A Modern Landmark in Lakewood Ranch 

John Cannon Homes continues its legacy of luxury custom homes in Lakewood Ranch with the Oulina Model, the first modern, flat-roof luxury residence. Located in the exclusive Kingfisher Estates neighborhood at Waterside, this striking home sits on the shores of Kingfisher Lake and represents a bold evolution in design while maintaining the craftsmanship and livability John Cannon Homes is known for. 

COMMUNITY BUSINESS PARTNER: CoworkLWR

The interior of the Oulina Model, Lakewood Ranch

The Oulina offers 4,727 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, featuring four bedrooms, four- and one-half bathrooms, and a four-car garage. Clean lines, expansive glass, and dramatic ceiling details define the home’s contemporary aesthetic, while still creating a warm inviting interior ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The open-concept great room seamlessly connects the chef’s kitchen and dining area, allowing natural light and lake views to take center stage. 

The lanai of the Oulina with both pool and Kingfisher Lake views

Designed for flexibility and comfort, the home includes a private study, bonus room, exercise room, and a luxurious primary suite with a spa-inspired master bath and serene courtyard. Every space reflects John Cannon Homes’ attention to detail, from custom cabinetry and high-end finishes to innovative architectural elements. Outdoor living is a signature highlight of the Oulina. A resort-style outdoor living area features a full kitchen, pool, and ample space for entertainment, all overlooking Kingfisher Lake. Adding to its uniqueness, the home includes a private dock, offering direct access to the lake and enhancing the home’s connection to Waterside for dining and entertainment. 

John Cannon Homes is proud to be one of the first builders to participate in the Builders Give Back program, furthering their deep commitment to the Lakewood Ranch community. As an engaged Community Business Partner, the company supports local initiatives that make a lasting impact where we live, work, and build. 

To learn more about John Cannon Homes and available properties in Lakewood Ranch, visit JohnCannonHomes.com. 

For those who value consistency and community, dedicated desks offer a permanent workstation in a professional environment, which is perfect for focused work with the flexibility to collaborate when needed.

We’ve also expanded our virtual office services to meet growing demand from local and remote businesses alike. Members enjoy a professional business address, secure mail handling, and optional access to meeting rooms and workspace without the need for a daily physical presence.

Whether you’re scaling a business, transitioning from home, or simply looking for a more professional setup, our new space was built to support your next phase.

Availability is now open, and interest is strong—reach out at 941-322-7199 or info@coworkfl.com to learn more or schedule a tour.

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.

COMMUNITY BUSINESS PARTNERS

Our Featured Community Business Partners this month are Carr, Riggs, and Ingram (CRI), IBusinessSolutions, and Out-Of-Door Academy. Please read about these nationally recognized firms and get to know them.

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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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