RWC celebrates 65th anniversary with style

The traditional gift for a 65th anniversary is a sapphire, but anything other than the color red wouldn't have fit in with the decor for the event celebrating the Republican Women's Club of Sarasota Friday at Michael's On East. 

An estimated 140 guests were in attendance for the occasion to toast to the club's success over the years. Collected memorabilia was on display from throughout the years included a voting booth used in the 2000 Elections complete with an unused ballot to commemorate the hanging chad debacle that resulted in electing George W. Bush as president. 

Other artifacts included campaign posters, buttons and T-shirts for previous candidates like Sarah Palin, Mitt Romney and Barry Goldwater.  Yearbooks for the club traced back the history of the group. 

The club owes its start to two women, Annamae Sandegren and Helene Morris who were the driving forces for founding the club 65 years ago. Current President Peggy Wells thanks the two for their initial start of the club that owes it's longevity to the support of elected officials. 

"The club has grown to participate locally and nationally," Wells said. "It's great and we have such a good rapport with government officials."

Many local, state and party officials were present for the occasion including Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera and Republican Party of Florida Vice Chairman Joe Gruters. Rep. and Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, Blaise Ingoglia was the keynote speaker for the gathering. 

"I think it's a testament to the leadership of the club and the continued support of the community," Wells said.