In 2018 alone, the Service Club distributed $116,000 to 31 organizations across the
county, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, The Early Learning Coalition
of Manatee County, Foundation for Dreams, Inc., Manatee Children’s Services,
Pace Center for Girls, Turning Points and Young Life - just to name a few. “Each
organization completed an extensive application and was visited by one or two
Service Club members who learned more about each charity,” explains Schmoll.
“This information was then shared at a Grants Committee meeting where a nal
determination of the grants was made.”
Krista Bloomberg, current president of the Service Club of Manatee County,
reects on the long, passionate history of the organization. “In 1927, it all began
with a vision: to serve local underprivileged children,” she says. “Our founding
members set out to change children’s lives by providing lunches for local children
in need. Sadly, today this indigence extends far beyond lunches.” Today, 21 percent
of Manatee County children under the age of 18 are living in poverty.
“Assisting me in achieving our goal are 39 amazing women,” Bloomberg adds.
“Each one has a specic objective, and each brings a diversity of thought, talent,
and passion to our Club. I am extremely proud of our Service Club Active
and Sustaining Members who continue to strengthen this legacy and honor
those women who served before us.”
For the Love of Children:
Elegant Gala for a Great Cause
For the past 53 years, Service Club of Manatee County has held an annual
Charity Antiques Show, which has been the chief source of funds for the
organization’s grants. Now named For the Love of Children Gala, this fundraising
event has evolved into an elegant evening gala, featuring catered food and drink and a
one-of-a-kind silent auction.
This year, For the Love of Children will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at the Manatee
Performing Arts Center in Bradenton. This sophisticated celebration will showcase delicious
dishes from Pier 22, an open bar, a six-piece band, dancing, a live auction, a wine rafe, and
a silent auction with an array of unique offerings up for bid. Tickets cost $100 per person and
seating will be limited to 325 people. Purchase tickets online at ManateeServiceClub.com or
email manateeserviceclub@gmail.com.
“Once again, all money raised through this event will be donated to groups responding to the
needs of Manatee County children,” emphasizes Schmoll. “We hope you will join us in support of
the local children’s charities of Manatee County by purchasing tickets to our Charity Gala,
visiting our Hidden Treasure’s Booth located at the Manatee Performing Arts Center,
making a donation, or becoming a corporate sponsor.”
“In addition to the funds raised at the gala, the Service Club also receives grants
from several community organizations who support our mission and our process
of distributing these funds to children,” Schmoll explains. “Many businesses and
individuals also contribute in the form of sponsorships which range from $500 to
$10,000. The Service Club is grateful to these donors and the trust they place in
our process to fund organizations that benet the county’s children, from birth to 18
years of age.”
Bloomberg says the Service Club of Manatee County could not survive and thrive
without the generous support of local donors. “I am honored to lead and work with such
an amazing team, but nothing we do would be possible without a strong community
supporting our mission,” Bloomberg adds. “Thank you for your continued support!”
• For more information or to purchase tickets to the For the Love of Children
charity gala, visit ManateeServiceClub.com.
/ManateeServiceClub.com
/ManateeServiceClub.com
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