Eight grants totaling $1,514,900 support food purchases, transportation, operations, and sustainable growing
The Live Well Foundation of South Lake has awarded eight grants totaling $1,514,900 to strengthen access to nutritious food throughout South Lake County. The funding includes a three-year investment in Second Harvest Food Bank and seven direct awards supporting local food assistance programs. “These grants address the practical needs behind food access, from purchasing groceries […]
Stories of Impact – Special Olympics Florida
East Ridge students made their mark on the statewide stage through a season of Unified sports that brought competitive achievement, connection and school pride. With support from a Live Well Foundation of South Lake grant, Special Olympics helped create opportunities for students to participate in tennis and track and field, developing their skills and working […]
Stories of Impact – Community Health Centers
When six-year-old “JoAnne” visited Community Health Centers’ Four Corners location, she was often quiet. One of five children, she attended appointments alongside her siblings but rarely had much to say. JoAnne needed two teeth removed because they could not be restored. She also needed space maintainers following the extractions. For a young child, the treatment […]
Stories of Impact – Hope Preparatory Academy
Hope Preparatory Academy is strengthening its ability to provide that care through improvements to the Nathaniel Community Gymnasium, which serves as an emergency shelter for South Lake County residents. With grant support from the Live Well Foundation of South Lake, the Academy purchased and installed a fully operational gym divider curtain system. The curtains allow […]
Lake & Sumter Style 40 over 40 – Donna Kirtland
Donna Kirtland’s career has taken her through technology, education, fundraising and philanthropy, but one thread has remained constant: using leadership to create opportunities for others. Today, the 54-year-old serves as executive director of the Live Well Foundation of South Lake, where she works alongside a 12-member community board to guide investments aimed at improving health and […]
South Lake Chamber Ends Clermont Cops’ Winning Streak at Battle for Hope
The South Lake Chamber of Commerce took home the championship belt at Find, Feed & Restore’s Battle for Hope fundraiser Saturday evening, (Sept. 26), ending the Clermont Police Department’s five-year run as champion. Chamber board members and staff faced off against officers in an interactive game show, hosted by Keith McManus, that called for contestants to dance, sing, act […]
Stories of Impact – South Lake Cares
For South Lake Cares, helping a neighbor often begins with meeting an immediate need. For Andrea, that first connection became part of a journey toward safety and independence for herself and her young son. When South Lake Cares met Andrea through its Buses n’ Backpacks program in 2023, she was navigating abuse and working to […]
Stories of Impact – Espiscopal Children’s Services
Episcopal Children’s Services recently hosted a Field Day with a special guest: Olympic sprinter Noah Lyles. The event was the perfect showcase of how engaged the children have become with physical activity, full of energy, movement, and the kind of joy that comes from kids simply getting to play. Just as meaningful as the activities […]
Stories of Impact – Lake-Sumter State College
Elizabeth’s path through Lake-Sumter State College’s nursing program reflects perseverance, growth, and a clear commitment to patient care. Driven by a passion to help others, Elizabeth immersed herself in rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical training, including valuable experience in the program’s Dedicated Education Unit. There, she strengthened her clinical judgment, confidence, and ability to deliver […]
Live Well Foundation of South Lake Opens 2026 Grant Cycle Focused on Mortality and Life Expectancy
The Live Well Foundation of South Lake (LWFSL) will open its fall 2026 Critical Issue Targeted Grant cycle the week of July 13, focusing on mortality and life expectancy in South Lake County. This is the third of four grant cycles the Foundation is running in 2026, and it invites eligible 501(c)(3) organizations to apply […]