Lakewood Ranch Community Fund generates more support

When former Schroeder-Manatee Ranch President and CEO John Clarke entered the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund special event Aug. 14, he was hoping to find out more about the direction of the fund.

Like many of the other people invited to the special event hosted by Short Par 4 and the Hidden Ranch social club (which is planning to open soon), Clarke said he was impressed with what he heard and saw.

Clarke, who founded the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund in 2000, was met by several Community Fund board members, including President Mark Clark.

"It is great that he still is engaged," Clark said of the founder.

"There is (energy) in this room, and that is exciting," Clarke said of the board members.

Clark talked to him about events and programs, such as the Builders Give Back program where area builders are donating funds to the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund for each home they sell, as well as handing out information about the fund to the buyers.

"We started (the community fund) with that," Clarke said. "It was our first funding. But it sort of died."

Short Par 4 owner Martin Haas and CFO Todd Stires have been impressed with the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund and they wanted to help by hosting the event.

"We want to find ways to give back," Haas said.

The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund received its 501(c)3 exemption in 2021, splitting from the Manatee Community Foundation. 

Northern Trust, a financial services company, will handle its funds.

"I absolutely love it," said Northern Trust Managing Director Chris Romine of doing business with the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund. "They want to go to the next step."

Northern Trust Senior Vice President Jim McClure added, "Anytime you can take someone who wants to help in a community and has the resources, who would not want to be involved? We are going to manage their fund and we're thrilled to help."

The evening included food and adult beverages, along with fun on a putting green and shots into a golf simulator.