Laurel Civic Association successfully raised more than $50,000 to meet the terms of The 50-50-50 Challenge, a pledge made by the William E. Schmidt Foundation to match donations up to $50,000 made in 50 days to recognize the 50 th anniversary of Laurel Civic. By the November 5, 2019 deadline, Laurel Civic had raised $58,191, unlocking the $50,000 from the Schmidt Foundation as well as an additional $10,000 from Gulf Coast Community Foundation for meeting the goal. The inaugural gift of $10,000 was made by Stephen and Janine Marrone. Additional gifts were made by the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, the Allen Wirtz Nobbe and Jo Bowen Nobbe Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Venice Presbyterian Church, and individual donors in the community. “Laurel Civic has been helping families for decades,” said Michael D. Fluker, Executive Director of Laurel Civic. “What began as an association to help bring streetlights and city water to the community has grown into a valuable resource to help low-income families meet the challenges in their lives. This was an extraordinary opportunity to provide Laurel Civic with much needed resources to continue to provide valuable programs to adults and children in the community. We are so grateful to everyone who committed to helping us reach our goal.”  This year, Laurel Civic marks the 50th anniversary of its founding and the 30th anniversary of its incorporation as a not-for-profit community organization that provides services to low-income families and at-risk children through programs that educate, provide positive social interactions, and lead to self-sufficiency.

For further information, contact Margaret Ann Behrends at Laurel Civic, 941-483-3338 or mabehrends@laurelcivic.net