Creativity uncorked at Payton Wright Foundation event
Guests enjoyed wine and beer, food and art.
By
Pam Eubanks
| 9:43 p.m. October 13, 2016
East County
Neighbors
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The Payton Wright Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families affected by pediatric brain cancer, hosted a new fundraiser, “Palette: Where Creativity is Uncorked,” Oct. 13, at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. More than 50 guests enjoyed wine and beer tastings, heavy hor d’oeuvres and an art raffle for works completed by local and famous artists such as Michael Israel.
Amy Mann, of Sabal Harbour, and Casey Porter, of Tara, register guests. Mann's husband, Dave, serves on the foundation's board and Porter was Payton Wright's cousin.
Craig and Jeanine Livingston lost their son, Eddie, to pediatric brain cancer — how they met Payton Wright Foundation co-founder Patrick Wright.
Ralph Hernandez, of Creekwood, is the operations manager for Badger Bob's Service, an event sponsor.
Kathleen Gratz of CBiz, joins Christine Robinson, a fellow Sarasota resident.
Heritage Harbour's Brian Porter, Payton Wright's uncle, poses with foundation supporter Steve Bordes, of Lakewood Ranch.
Although it was a drive from Osprey, Jim and Erin DeNiro make sure to attend. Their daughter, Olivia, rows with the daughter of Payton Wright Foundation co-founder Holly Wright, Sydney, not pictured.
Artist Tom Ruthz paints live at the event so guests can see an artist in action. He likes to add splashes of color — influences from his native Brazil — to his work.
"This is a great organization," said April Shinn, with her husband, Steve, of Palmetto.
Wine representative Ashley Goldstein, of Sarasota, pours wine for LTD.
Dr. Bob Morelli, of Clearwater, cared for Payton Wright when she first came to the emergency room at All Children's Hospital more than a decade ago. He and his wife, Nena, came from Clearwater.
Richard and Valerie Schatz, of Sarasota, put tickets in to win paintings they like.
Guests had a variety of paintings and other artwork from which to choose.
Susan and Larry Wade, of The Lake Club, have known the Wright family since moving to the area about six years ago.
Payton Wright's Uncle Brian Porter catches up with Tammy Overgaard, of Sarasota, and his girlfriend, Christina Lubin, of Bradenton. Overgaard heads up the Payton Wright Foundation's annual golf tournament.
Payton Wright Foundation co-founder Patrick Wright thanks artists, guests and sponsors in attendance.
