Soap opera stars shine at Samantha's Friends fundraiser
Several actors, pageant queens and local philanthropic supporters gathered for the event on July 9 at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club.
By
Niki Kottmann
| 3:45 p.m. July 9, 2017
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There were many special guests at Samantha’s Friends: Black Diamonds, both four-legged and two-legged.
The annual fundraiser for Samantha's Friends — a nonprofit organization that provides service canines to people challenged by disabilities such as autism, stroke and combat injuries— was held on July 9 at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club. The brunch is always attended by several soap opera stars, and this year the guest list included Days of our Lives stars Martha Madison, Eric Martsolf, Jordi Vilasuso and Christopher Sean.
Martsolf was recognized for taking part in his fifth Samantha's Friends fundraiser, despite missing one flight and getting his second flight canceled the first time he came out for the event.
"Who knew that my worst flying experience would turn into one of my favorite charitable experiences?" Martsolf said.
Festivities included a canine parade, live and silent auction and fashion show featuring styles from Panache’, Jackie Z Style Co. and Ansley Z Kids Co.
Entertainment was provided by Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap and Danielle White, one of five winners of “American Idol” spinoff “American Juniors.”
Samantha Bozza and Alice Bozza
Kelli Jaco struts down the runway.
Kayla Goldman, Karen Palmer, Joan Kahl and Diane Alejars
Adam Jaco waves to the crowd as he walks the runway.
Amy Whitworth, Barbara Wilver and Kari Kron
Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap waves to guests from the runway.
Sal Corrente and Barbie Tsagaris
Martha Madison makes her grand entrance.
Erin Mooney, Nancy Fish-Mooney, Diane Lee and Millie Dallapé
Danielle White laughs as she is introduced.
Chris and Suzy Glover
Jordi Vilasuso laughs as he makes his grand entrance.
Charles Ratliff and Robin Gruters
Christopher Sean pretends to get stuck in the doorway before he steps onto the runway.
Kelly O’Brien with her daughter, Fallon O’Brien, and Lisa Frankel
Eric Martsolf waves to guests from the runway.
Christopher Sean and Diane Brounstein
Alice Bozza points to her daughter, Samantha Bozza, before she stands up to welcome guests to her event.
Orioles game tickets were among several items in the silent auction.
Dana Dalton Judge performs a song for guests to start the event.
A piece of artwork depicting a blue violet was one of several items in the silent auction.
Martha Madison and Sandy McLaughlin
Benjamin, a 6-year-old ambassador dog, stayed alert throughout the event.
Adam Jaco, Martha Madison, Eric Martsolf, Jordi Vilasuso and Christopher Sean laugh as they announce the silent and live auction winners.
Martha Madison and Jordi Vilasuso laugh as Christopher Sean shows off the auction item that featured a photo of his face: an oversize throw pillow.
Announcers laugh as Eric Martsolf takes a photo of Jordi Vilasuso and Christopher Sean showing off Sean’s face pillow.
