Lake Club Women’s Charitable Foundation raising money to help women, children and families

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (WWSB) - A group of local women is working to make a difference for women, children and families across Sarasota and Manatee counties, and an upcoming fundraiser will help them continue that work.The Lake Club Women’s Charitable Foundation was founded in 2014 and has grown into an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on charitable giving, volunteer service and community outreach.Barbara Najmy, founder and chair of the foundation, and Jennifer Alokeh, vice-chair, joined ABC7’s Summer Smith on ABc 7 News at Noon and Madison Glaser on ABC7’s 1pm streaming show, to talk about the organization and its upcoming fundraiser, Casino Royale: A License to Give.Najmy said the organization supports numerous nonprofits throughout the community, with money raised through events helping fund its grant program.The foundation reports it has more than 100 active members and has provided funding to more than 75 local nonprofit organizations. It says it has awarded $289,975 in grant