Goodwill Manasota helps keep the spirit of '45 alive
Goodwill Manasota hosts dinner for veterans to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII.
By
Amanda Morales
| 7:57 p.m. August 15, 2015
Sarasota
Neighbors
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To the tune of Count Basie’s “One O’clock Jump,” the dance floor of Robarts Arena came to life Saturday evening for the Goodwill Manasota Spirit of ‘45 Dinner.
A crowd of more than 500 included veterans and their guests who were in attendance to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII in 1945. The theme of the night was a welcome home party set in the 1940s complete with performances by swing dancers and the Sarasota Jazz Project.
Goodwill Manasota employees had fun with the theme dressing in chambray button down shirts with red bandana headbands.
Veterans of all services were welcomed to spend an evening reliving the memories of the day that Japan surrendered. Jean White served in the Navy between the years 1944 to 1945 in Washington D.C. on a research project with Northwestern University to improve the aim of guns on planes. She recalls where she was when the announcement was made that WWII was over.
“I was home on leave with my mom and dad so I didn’t get to celebrate,” White said. “We were happy the war was over. We were very sad that we had to drop the bomb and I still feel sad about it.”
John Wilcher and Jacqueline Spencer share a moment on the dance floor.
Beverly Haraldsen and Earl Hampsher take a turn on the dance floor.
Bill Sayers, Arthur Wright, Rose Sayers and Joyce Wright
Goodwill Manasota President and CEO Bob Rosinsky
Capt. Rob O'Neil
Chuck Gross dances with his niece Dona Stewart.
Goodwill Manasota Director of American Veterans and Their Families initiative and veteran herself C.J. Bannister dances with Buck Best.
Cliff Bermann spins C.J. Bannister, director of American Veterans and Their Families initiative for Goodwill Manasota.
Guests fill the dance floor at Robarts Arena.
Danny Bilyeu gives the invocation for the event and thanks veterans for their contributions.
Dona Stewart brought a photo of her parents Gladys and John Elmer. The photo was taken while John was on leave from the Navy during WWII.
Helaina and Carmen Amadio enjoy the music at the Goodwill Manasota Spirit of '45 Dinner.
Hugh Fleming holds his hat over his heart for the "Star Spangled Banner."
Jean White holds a photo of her taken while she served in the Navy during WWII.
Kathy Jordan, Kelly Davis, Goodwill Manasota Foundation Vice President Veronica Brandon Miller, Lou Ann Linn, Kelly Gardner and Mary LeMay all dressed as Rosie the Riveter.
Lloyd Ostiguy, Gail Hall, Beverly Haraldsen and Earl Hampsher
Sarasota Jazz Project performed hits from the 1940s under the direction of George McClain.
