The holiday season brings out the best in our team. Each year, staff members take it upon themselves to create meaningful ways to give back, turning personal passions into community impact. From supporting local children and families to caring for animals in need, these employee-led efforts reflect the heart, generosity, and dedication of the people who make up our team.
Shifts That Give: Jay and the Lock ‘N Key Restaurant Bartending Team’s Holiday Toy Drive
Each holiday season, Jay and the bartending team turn everyday shifts into an opportunity to give back by raising money for a toy drive benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Englewood. Throughout the season, the team sets aside a portion of their tip money every shift to help support kids in need.
At the end of the campaign, Jay matches the team’s total contributions and brings a group together to shop for toys, turning their hard work into a hands-on experience that directly impacts local children. This year, the effort received additional support from Southwest Comfort Solutions.
Thanks to the combined generosity of the bartending team, Jay’s matching contribution, and community partners, the 2025 drive raised an incredible $3,000, bringing joy to children and families during the holiday season. Jay has been a proud Stars Behind the Jars member since 1988 (and, yes, an unapologetic Swiftie).
Jingle & Mingle: A Growing Holiday Tradition
Now in its fifth year, Jingle & Mingle, hosted by Ashlee Kuykendall and Kristin Marinola, has grown from a small gathering into a meaningful holiday tradition. What began with just a handful of attendees now brings together more than 50 people, all with a shared goal of giving back.
Over time, the event evolved to focus on sponsoring local families with children in Englewood elementary and middle schools. Hosted annually at SandBar Tiki & Grille, the evening features festive games, including a holiday themed Jeopardy with categories highlighting Christmas, Ashlee, Kristin, and Manasota Key Group, along with generous raffle baskets donated by attendees.
This year alone, Jingle & Mingle raised $1,700 for local families, making a meaningful impact during the holiday season. Adding to the fun, Ashlee continued her 12 Shifts of Christmas tradition, while Kristin celebrated 30 years with the Manasota Key Group, making this year’s event even more special.
One Paw at a Time: Chef Ashley Esposito’s Holiday Pet Drive
Started in 2023, Chef Ashley Esposito’s holiday pet toy and supply drive has quickly become a heartfelt tradition inspired by her lifelong love of animals. Hosted annually at Lock ‘N Key Restaurant, the drive supports local animal rescues during the holiday season.
Each year, Chef Ashley selects a different organization to benefit. In 2023, donations were given to the Charlotte County Animal Welfare League, followed by E A R S in Englewood in 2024. Contributions come from family, friends, and the local community, with both an in-person donation box and an Amazon wishlist available to make giving easy for everyone.
Ashley’s passion for rescue is deeply personal. Her home is filled with rescue pets, including her cat Milo, Shepherd mix Donna Jo, and Border Collie mix Forrest, as well as extended family rescues Cow, Chicken, and Cheeto. With shelters often overcrowded and resources stretched thin, her goal is simple to help animals in need, one paw at a time.
We are so proud of our amazing team and the wide-reaching impact their generosity is having on the Englewood, Florida community.
All of us at Manasota Key Group wish our neighbors and friends a safe, happy, and prosperous new year! We can’t wait to see you at Lock ‘N Key Restaurant, SandBar Tiki & Grille, and Magnolias on the Bay (reopening date announced soon!) out on beautiful Manasota Key.
