Lakewood Ranch Main Street concerts, events raised $753,844 for charity in 2015

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- When the Paisley Craze Band takes the stage Friday night for the free Music on Main concert series, it will be doing more than playing pop, rock and '60s classics.

It will also be extending a helping hand to Monsters Lacrosse Academy, the latest recipient of proceeds from the free outdoor concert series at Lakewood Ranch Main Street from 6-9 p.m. the first Friday of every month.

A different band performs each month and a different charity receives proceeds from drink sales.

In 2015, Main Street charity events, including the concert series, and special events such as the JDRF Walk (for juvenile diabetes), Tour De Cure and Suncoast Grand Prix Car Show raised approximately $753,844.

"Community events not only help charities raise money for their causes but also showcases what Main Street merchants have to offer. The events allow the community to come together and enjoy a spirit of camaraderie. The events not only have an economic impact but also a social impact," said Amanda Zipperer, property manager for Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

During 2015, Music on Main fund recipients included Foundation for Dreams, Take Stock in Children of Manatee, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and the Alzheimer's Association.

Planned recipients in 2016 are Turning Points, Southeastern Guide Dogs, Easter Seals Southwest Florida and Animal Network.

Any 501(c)(3) organization can apply to be the Main Street charity of the month at lakewoodranch.com/musiconmain.

Here's how it works: The

charity receives the net proceeds from the sale of beer. The sales price is set by Main Street and the charity is responsible for paying the wholesale cost of the beer to Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. The cost of the first three kegs of beer is waived as a donation to the charity from Gold Coast Eagle. The charity may also sell wine and water and 10 percent of vendors profits will be sent to the charity directly after the event, according to the web page.

There is a benefit beyond the dollars Music on Main raises, said Elena Cassella, director of development and interim executive director of Foundation for Dreams.

"Every dollar helps. We are very grassroots, and the dollars we are able to bring in helps with operations and programs," Cassella said. "Music on Main also provided an opportunity to network with people who might not know us. The contacts are invaluable. You never know who might come back to help. There is quite a ripple effect."

James T. Bruen, a board member of Turning Points, which assists Manatee County's homeless population, said he would agree. Bruen was among the Turning Points staff and volunteers who helped with beer sales in January.

"It was a chance to casually engage with people walking up and down the street," Bruen said.

And to net a couple of thousand dollars for Turning Points, he said.

James A. Jones Jr., East Manatee reporter, can be contacted at 941-745-7053 or on Twitter @jajones1.

This story was originally published February 4, 2016 at 11:52 PM with the headline "Lakewood Ranch Main Street concerts, events raised $753,844 for charity in 2015 ."