BOARD CHAIR CORNER | Jeff Toale Greetings and Happy Thanksgiving! We have much for which to be thankful and that is certainly the case for the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation (LWRCF). We have enjoyed great events throughout the year celebrating our 25th anniversary! And now, we approach the grand finale event, the Soiree at the Ranch! The Soiree at the Ranch is a formal attire evening which will begin with a reception with drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres while enjoying fundraising games. Following the reception, we will enjoy a sit-down dinner with red and white wine bottles at each table, then our program will begin which will include recognizing and honoring the C. John A. Clarke Community Humanitarian of the Year, Rex Jensen. We will end the evening with a live auction of several extremely interesting and exciting experiences. This is an event you do not want to miss! Get your tickets here and we look forward to seeing you there! The foundation is proud to announce Rex Jensen, CEO of Schroeder Manatee Ranch, developer of Lakewood Ranch, is the C. John A. Clarke Community Humanitarian of the Year. Please read the information about Rex and this prestigious award established to recognize C. John A. Clarke’s lifelong dedication to humanitarian ideals. The Board Walk this month features our board member Dr. Connor Wolfe. Please read about Connor and get to know him. Neal Communities is the highlighted member of the Builders Give Back program. Please read their rich history and see the gorgeous model homes they offer. We certainly thank them for their support of the foundation and the community. Our Community Business Partner this month is The Wellness Way. You may recognize Dr. Connor Wolfe as he is the featured board member. Please read about this company whose goal is to  challenge our community’s view on health care and build a stronger, healthier environment. The grant recipients of the first quarter 2025 that are featured this month include Forty Carrots and Local Relief. Please check out their articles and photos. They are great organizations and supporters of the community! We also want to recognize grant recipients of the second quarter 2025. Featured this month are Hope Family Services and One Stop Cares. Please view the positive impact these organizations are making in our community. And last but certainly not least is The Dash Digest. See what Dash has been up to and make sure you meet him at the Soiree at the Ranch! We have also turned our eyes to the new year 2026 and will host a number of events and activities. Check out the calendar in the newsletter or on the website. Now, let’s Open the Door… to the November newsletter and all the great information that helps make the foundation an incredible organization! Jeff Toale Chair of the Board Donate Now Calendar Soiree at the Ranch Grand Finale 2025 Headline Sponsor—Lakewood Ranch Country Club When: Thursday, November 13, 2025, 5:30-8:30 pm Where: Lakewood Ranch Country Club, 7650 Legacy Boulevard, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 This is the grand finale event of our 25th anniversary celebration and you do not want to miss it! It’s a formal attire event beginning with a reception and a reception and fundraising games including Heads or Tails, Last Bidder Standing, and a diamond earrings raffle. Then the program begins and dinner is served. We will Open the Door… and welcome all our guests to this exciting event and recognize and honor Rex Jensen, the 2025 Humanitarian of the Year. You will enjoy a delicious sit-down dinner with all the trimmings along with wine at the tables. A live auction of unique and high-end experiences will take place which include a private chef experience + Pineapple Kitchen Party; Buccaneers + polo luxe package; The Players at TPC Sawgrass; a year of date nights, and a 7-day Cortona, Tuscany trip for four! Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available; secure yours today by calling 941-208-6799 or by clicking here. Polo with the Pros Sunday, January 25, 2026 Read more. Recognition and Refreshments Thursday, March 5, 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. THE C. JOHN A. CLARKE COMMUNITY HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR 2025 REX JENSEN, CEO OF SCHROEDER-MANATEE RANCH, THE DEVELOPER OF LAKEWOOD RANCH The prestigious C. John A. Clarke Community Humanitarian of the Year Award was established in recognition of C. John A. Clarke’s lifelong dedication to humanitarian ideals and his commitment to upholding the highest ethical, moral, and professional standards. Each year, the foundation honors an individual who has—or individuals who have—made outstanding, sustained, and selfless contributions to community enrichment, exemplifying the same spirit of service and dedication that defined Mr. Clarke’s life. The board of directors of the foundation is proud to announce Rex Jensen as the Community Humanitarian of the Year 2025. Rex Jensen is CEO of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, the developer of Lakewood Ranch. Over the past three decades, Rex has quietly but profoundly-shaped the lives of tens of thousands of people by fostering the growth of not just a development, but a true community. His work has never been about accolades or attention. It has been about creating a place where people feel like they belong, both today and for generations to come. Under Rex’s leadership, Lakewood Ranch has become a model for livability with thoughtful infrastructure, walkable villages, healthcare services, green spaces, vibrant programming, and a deep sense of connection that permeates every aspect of the community. He has approached community building through a rare, long-term lens, ensuring that every decision made today also honors the needs of tomorrow’s residents. Education has also been central to his vision. Rex has been a steadfast advocate for expanding educational access and opportunities not only within Lakewood Ranch, but across the broader two-county region. He has also prioritized inclusive spaces for worship, welcoming faith communities of all kinds. Rex has been a tireless advocate for and on behalf of Lakewood Ranch, both in public and behind the scenes, to