The primary objective of Esplanade Gives Back is to provide our residents with an opportunity to promote philanthropy and social well-being through community involvement. We are focusing on a central theme of providing relief to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our “Umbrella" includes four (4) organizations because they are truly worthy causes that some of our clubs and individual residents are already supporting: Esplanade Gives Back, Charity Drives, Crafts for Causes, Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

There is so much that can be accomplished when the community comes together in order to benefit worthwhile causes. Let’s have some fun while contributing to great causes! Please Yvonne Martin at martinym999@gmail.com to join us!

Our residents are such special people! We are all invested in making this area a better place to live, which is what Esplanade Gives Back is all about. The “Esplanade Gives Back” sub-group, which is part of the Lifestyle Group, leads several giving back activities each year. In addition, our absolutely fabulous neighbors lead their own events through our Resident Led Clubs and Special Interest Groups, and individuals around the neighborhood who see a need and jump into action! Please celebrate these accomplishments, and thank those highlighted.
 

Labor Day Diaper Drive

The Labor Day Diaper Drive in support of the Food Bank of Manatee County was a huge success: 6,500 diapers, 635 ounces of formula, and 14,750 wipes, along with 3 bins of food. There are not many resources in the community that focus on collecting and distributing diaper, wipes, and formula to those in need.

Canasta Tournament for LWRMC

We were excited to have hosted a Canasta Club Virtual Tournament for this cause.  The Canasta Club supported this initiative by organizing a 2-night Tournament to raise funds.  Everyone at the tournament had a great deal of fun, especially those lucky winners and the group was thrilled to raise $500 for Lakewood Ranch Medical Center!
 

Cooking For Causes

Esplanade’s Lifestyle Group Chairperson, Yvonne Martin, hosted an Empanada Masters Cooking Course that was broadcast to those who signed up to participate.  Not only did everyone who participated get the opportunity to try a new, exciting and delicious dish, the participation fee was donated in-full to Esplanade Gives Back. 
 

Lunches for Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

In 2020, we worked closely with Lakewood Ranch Medical Center to donate over 900 lunches to the front line workers all that were paid for a donated by Esplanade Residents.  It was an absolute honor and pleasure for Esplanade Gives Back and the ICON Team, to show their appreciation and sincere thanks to the medical staff at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center for their bravery and commitment to the Lakewood Ranch community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic by providing a meal for their staff and we would like to once again thank everyone who made a donation through one of our initiatives and to all of you who donated your time to deliver lunches during a very busy holiday season.
 

Habitat For Humanity

Manatee County Habitat for Humanity is thankful for the many donations and volunteer hours we have received from the Esplanade Community. Gurn Freeman, our Esplanade resident, serves on the Board of Directors for this great organization. Manatee County Habitat for Humanity is driven by the vision that everyone deserves a safe place to live. To that end, Manatee Habitat partners with the community to build new homes and provide critical home repairs to senior, veterans and disabled homeowners. Since 1994, Manatee Habitat has helped 136 Habitat homeowners build and purchase a home of their own.

In November, we held a drive to collect home goods for Habitat for Humanity. In addition to building homes for Manatee County, residents also collected goods to help out their new homeowners. Karen McElroy, our Director of Retail Operations said “A big thank you to everyone involved in putting together this donation drive. Our stores success is based on projects like this. We greatly appreciate the items that were donated and that continue to get picked up weekly.”

Comfort Cases

Esplanade Golf & Country Club’s has partnered with international non-profit organization, Comfort Cases as part of the “Esplanade Gives Back” program to help provide for youth in foster care in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. $43,000 has been raised by residents Esplanade. The funds will be used to provide 1,250 backpacks provided by Comfort Cases, filled with new pajamas, a new blanket, health & hygiene kit, a book and “stuffy”.

Adopt A School

Manatee Elementary School is a partnership school serving students from pre-K to 5th grade. This school consists of approximately 570 students, 90% minority, of which 77% are considered economically disadvantaged and qualify for free school meals. Some of these students arrive with a heavy burden of hunger, homelessness, poverty, violence, mental health issues, illnesses and so much more.

As a community, we are in a position to provide this school and these young children with the resources they need to not only help pave the way for academic success but to also give hope during their dark days.
 

May 23rd saw the 'Adopt A School' Kickoff Event at Manatee Elementary. We provided  the children with a fun day they will never forget. There was movies and popcorn and giant inflatables to play on and games throughout the day.

Together, we can make an incredible difference one child at a time.

DONATE HERE

 

 

We as a community look forward to many many more charity drives in the future and we will keep you updated how you can help.