Religion briefs

MANATEE -- The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee's Women's Giving Circle has awarded $40,000 in grants to 10 organizations in Israel benefiting women and children.

The Women's Giving Circle is made up of women in the Sarasota-Manatee area dedicated to funding projects designed to improve the lives of women and children in Israel.

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee initiative consists of area women who are dedicated to funding projects designed to improve the lives of women and children in Israel.

These organizations and programs were awarded grants: Friends for the Community in Israel, American Friends of the Jordan River Village Family, NATAL: Israel Trauma Center for Victims of Terror and War, First Hug Association, Orr Shalom, Yad Ezra V'Shulamit, Ethiopian National Project, Tenufa Bakehila (Building Hope), The Jewish Agency for Israel, Health and Community Service and Crossroads Jerusalem.

"It's very exciting to be a part of Ma'agal Nashim," says Karen Bernstein. "It is a great way to be with like-minded women and it is my hope that more women will join. We can make a difference in the lives of women and children."

Information: Contact Ilene Fox at 941-343-2111 or ifox@jfedsrq.org.

Retirement wealth talk set at Longboat Island Chapel

LONGBOAT KEY -- The Longboat Island Chapel takes on an earthly topic discussion during its Lunch and Learn series from noon-2 p.m. April 20.

Lunch is included for those attending "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Annuities" presented by Johanna Gustafsson, wealth management adviser, first vice president and portfolio manager; and Christopher Pinckney, senior financial and portfolio adviser with Merrill Lynch, The Gustafsson Pinckney Group.

Guest Cecilia Remy, director, retirement specialist with Merrill Lynch, The Gustafsson Pinckney Group, will also speak.

RSVP: Monday deadline by calling 941-383-6493 or emailing maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org.

-- Herald staff reports

This story was originally published April 15, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Religion briefs ."