- April 23, 2024
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Co-Chairs Penny and Don Heinrich
Jennifer Howe with Bob and Pam Clinkingbeard
Guests had the chance to purchase elephants for $100 to support the American Cancer Society (and get a free bottle of Siesta Key Rum) at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Sumei and Jefre Congelosi
Alan Epstein and Joyce Peak
The theme was ' Circus of Yesteryear' at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Joe and Chris Butch
Sue Sgro and Katy Carrigan
Adam and Jamie Still
Elizabeth Boyers and Linda Domenico
Guests got to try on several real circus costumes from the Feld Entertainment Studios Costume Shop at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Steve Altier, Marsha Pancue, Dr. Alan Valadie and his son, Mitchell Valadie
Laura and Kevin Meserve
Lisa and Dr. Charles Loewe
Daniel Christopher and Otto Ruefli
The Wall of Bravery at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios honored those who have lost their battle with cancer as well as those who continue to fight.
Jeff Blssey, Michelle Bruvack, Jillian Bromby and Nathan Clary
Lorrie Liang and her daughter, Olivia Liang
The theme was ' Circus of Yesteryear' at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Emily Karr, event organizer, with Lisa Honig
Chris Karr and Laura Stern
The theme was ' Circus of Yesteryear' at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Robert and Angie McHugh
Brad Shellgren, Courtney Robinson and Alissa and Mark Rivera
Guests got a sneak peek of what the dining room would look like in the form of a miniature replica during cocktail hour at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Amy and Nate Bradshaw with Brian and Hannah Carley
April Monteith and Braulio Grajales
Bello Nock performs a clowning routine at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Tony Domenico, Joan Domenico, Linda Domenico and Steve Foster
Marissa Lesselroth, her daughter (and cancer survivor) Gianna Lesselroth and Lydia Bailey
The theme was ' Circus of Yesteryear' at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Dania Castellucci shows off her ‘20s-style BCBG gown that went along with the ' Circus of Yesteryear' theme at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Jeff and Maradith Meyer with Michelle and Keith Senglaub
The theme was ' Circus of Yesteryear' at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Stephanie Hansum and her sister, Kim Hansum
Jeremy and Veronica Miller
The theme was ' Circus of Yesteryear' at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Laura and Brad Jones
Bruce Lesser and Sally Schule
Gianna Lesselroth thanks Dr. Charles Loewe for his generous donation at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Michael and Nicole Mei
Lauren Fitzgerald and Lulu Soder
Phil and Kim Mancini, Tom and Linda Doan, Renee Phinney and Donna and David Koffman
Tim and Nicole Parker
Bello Nock climbs to the top of a pole to “open the curtains” at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Bello Nock climbs to the top of a pole to “open the curtains” at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Bello Nock climbs to the top of a pole to “open the curtains” at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Guests watch Bello Nock climb to the top of a pole at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Matt and Chelsea Mautz
Lindsay Martin and Sarah Seay
Dr. Phyllis Stephenson-Blackburn and Alan Blackburn
Bello Nock performs a clowning routine at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Bello Nock performs a clowning routine at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Bello Nock performs a clowning routine at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Bello Nock performs a clowning routine at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Greg and Jennifer Steube
Logan Lesselroth gets to pick the winning raffle number at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Annaliese Nock performs a high-wire routine at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Annaliese Nock performs a high-wire routine with “Daniel the Daring” at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
Bello Nock performs a high-wire routine at the Big Top Gala on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios.
The second the ringmaster started speaking, everyone knew something spectacular was about to happen. It seemed out of place, the lamp post-esque pole he stood next to, which stood several feet high at the back of the reception room — and guests were about to discover its purpose.
Renowned circus performer Bello Nock appeared, and when it was determined that he couldn’t open the curtain to the dining room, most could anticipate his next move. Bello climbed to the top of the tall post, as if it were as easy as climbing a flight of stairs, and after clowning around a bit, he opened the curtains and unveiled the breathtaking dining room/circus ring on the other side.
The 332 event-goers at the Big Top Gala — Circus of Yesteryear enjoyed a memorable evening on Feb. 25 at Feld Entertainment Studios to raise money for the American Cancer Society. After perusing the silent auction table, posing in the photo booth and trying on several authentic circus costumes from the Feld Entertainment Studios costume shop, they headed to the dining room for the main event.
What ensued was an evening of clowning performances by Bello (with a special appearance by Honorary Chairwoman Jennifer Steube), high-wire acts by the Amazing Annaliese and the Daring Daniel, a live auction led by Michael Klauber and a video recounting the touching story of cancer survivor Gianna Lesselroth to remind guests how impactful their donations could be.
The now 4-year-old Gianna was less than 5 months old when she was diagnosed with pre B infantile acute lymphoblastic leukemia in December 2012. On Sept. 24, 2015, after trying and failing to find her a donor, her now 6-year-old brother Logan underwent a risky blood cell stem transplant surgery to help his sister.
Gianna has been cancer-free since Oct. 17, 2015.
To read more about the Lesselroths and a Lakewood Ranch resident who was particularly inspired by their story, click here.
