Lakewood Ranch women dance night away

Twentieth annual event benefits three local charities.

  • By Pam Eubanks
  • | 9:46 p.m. December 6, 2017
  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • Share

A group of friends gathered on the dance floor at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, and Deb Simmons could not help smiling as she watched them, one by one, jam their way across the dance circle.

Simmons herself continued dancing from the sideline until her turn, barely pausing for conversation as she awaited her turn.

“I love dancing,” she said with a grin. “I gotta get back in there. I’m missing out.”

Simmons was one of more than 100 Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club members and guests to attend the 20th annual Holiday Jazz Supper Club Charity Fundraiser Dec. 6.

Guests enjoyed a three-course dinner, silent auction and a cabaret show by The Players Centre for Performing Arts before an hour of dancing.

Proceeds from the event benefited the club’s charities of the year — SOLVE Maternity Homes, Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy and HOPE Family Services.

Deb Simmons cannot keep off the dance floor.
Deb Simmons cannot keep off the dance floor.
Guests Lacie Van Alstine and Alex Coletti represented Che Bella, an event sponsor.
Guests Lacie Van Alstine and Alex Coletti represented Che Bella, an event sponsor.
Joan Lawrence dances with her husband Hal Cohen.
Joan Lawrence dances with her husband Hal Cohen.
Diane and Vincent Vendette enjoyed the event for the first time.
Diane and Vincent Vendette enjoyed the event for the first time.
Julia Dennis, of Country Club West, and Diane Wagner, of Esplanade, catch up as the event starts.
Julia Dennis, of Country Club West, and Diane Wagner, of Esplanade, catch up as the event starts.
Bob and Trish Newman check in. Trish Newman was in charge of programming for the club this year.
Bob and Trish Newman check in. Trish Newman was in charge of programming for the club this year.
Andy Heeren, Sandy Rossi and Bob Spadaccia came to support charity.
Andy Heeren, Sandy Rossi and Bob Spadaccia came to support charity.
Paula Reich and Elaine Vaughn are all smiles.
Paula Reich and Elaine Vaughn are all smiles.
Left to right: Eileen Buzzard, Nick Drizos, Dana Cornell, Brandi Ezell, Peggy Kerwin, Laurel Lynch, Monika Templeman and Patti Wrobel.
Left to right: Eileen Buzzard, Nick Drizos, Dana Cornell, Brandi Ezell, Peggy Kerwin, Laurel Lynch, Monika Templeman and Patti Wrobel.
The Players Centre for Performing Arts actors Amanda Heisey, Kathryn Parks and Jeffery Kin performed five songs from the musical
The Players Centre for Performing Arts actors Amanda Heisey, Kathryn Parks and Jeffery Kin performed five songs from the musical "Cabaret."
Patty Gieringer, Sue Spadaccia and Candi Russell converse during happy hour.
Patty Gieringer, Sue Spadaccia and Candi Russell converse during happy hour.
Member Bunni Taber brought friend Darlene Stewart.
Member Bunni Taber brought friend Darlene Stewart.
Linda and Ozzie Patzmann hit the dance floor.
Linda and Ozzie Patzmann hit the dance floor.
Sami Ranajee poses with friend Rene Moyer and mother Lilly Chaddha.
Sami Ranajee poses with friend Rene Moyer and mother Lilly Chaddha.
Elaine and Joe Vaughn, married 56 years, dance to
Elaine and Joe Vaughn, married 56 years, dance to "Can't Help Falling in Love."
Helen and Robert Low enjoy a slow dance. Helen Low chaired the silent auction for the event.
Helen and Robert Low enjoy a slow dance. Helen Low chaired the silent auction for the event.

 

Latest News

Longboat Key Police Deputy Chief Frank Rubino (left) accepts a framed display of medals, patches and pins that demonstrate his 45-year career in law enforcement.
  • December 13, 2025
Longboat deputy chief with 45 years of experience to retire
The building at the corner of N. Boulevard of the Presidents and Madison Drive may be the location of a revived Shore Restaurant on St. Armands Circle.
  • December 12, 2025
Shore Restaurant could return to St. Armands
Part of the renovation of Fruitville Library is a new History Center, replacing a building in Osprey a document calls "aging and inadequate to house the county's collections of historic artifacts.''
  • December 12, 2025
Fruitville Library renovations begin with Dec. 18 closure
Former Sarasota City Attorney Robert Fournier has drafted an updated noise ordinance for the city, which was approved by the City Commission on first reading.
  • December 11, 2025
City asks: How much noise is too much?

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content