The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Community groups benefit from Lutz Guv’na money

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Nearly $12,000 raised

By Steve Lee

Sports Editor

LUTZ — Suzin Carr wears the sash as Lutz Guv’na, but she is far from the lone winner in that annual fun-filled race that benefits community organizations.

Carr said the fund-raiser total of nearly $12,000 surpassed the expectations of many, including the Lutz Civic Association, which organizes the annual race.

Lutz Guv’na Suzin Carr, pictured with Marilyn Bedke of the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Women’s Club, recently signed a proclamation for United Nation’s Day. Special to The Laker/Lutz News.
Lutz Guv’na Suzin Carr, pictured with Marilyn Bedke of the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Women’s Club, recently signed a proclamation for United Nation’s Day. Special to The Laker/Lutz News.“They were happy for $5,000 because of the economy,” Carr said. “They got 12, which was close to previous years.”Carr, who won the race, helped raise money for the community with candidates Kay Taylor, Michelle Mitchell and Shael Morgan. Carr lauded the 65 businesses that contributed to the cause.

“Those local businesses know they’re important and that the Lutz community supports them,” Carr said.

The money was recently dispersed to numerous community and nonprofit groups. The largest amounts of $2,500 were doled out to the Old Lutz School and Lutz Fire Department. Volunteers man both organizations.

“We are grateful that so many of the local businesses helped us out,” said Eleanor Cecil, of the Lutz Civic Association. “Actually, many local businesses get excited about the Lutz Guv’na race because it is local and adds a lot of fun in the community.”

As for the remaining money, increments of $300 went to several Cub Scouts and Girl Scout troops, as well as the Civil Air Patrol, Friends of the Lutz Library, Joshua House, Junior Master Gardeners, Learning Gate Community School, Little Women of Lutz, Lutz Leaguerettes, Lutz Patriots, Lutz Elementary and Maniscalco Elementary.

The Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Women’s Club, Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Lions Club and Sports Support Association each received $250.

Additionally, each candidate designated an organization to receive a percentage of money they generated. Taylor gave additional money to the Lutz Fire Department and Old Lutz School House; Carr chose Learning Gate; Mitchell contributed to Joshua House; and Morgan picked Martinez Middle School.