Friendship Center Gala takes guests around the world in one evening
Friendship Around the World was held on March 12 at Michael’s on the Bay.
By
Niki Kottmann
| 8:21 p.m. March 12, 2017
Black Tie
Share
Adventure was in the air March 12 when travelers (supporters of The Friendship Centers) landed at Michael’s on the Bay for an evening of entertainment, fine dining and fun.
Event-goers began their evening with drinks and globally-inspired hors d’oeuvres along the bay, all set to the sounds of Skip’s Dixie Mix, who performed a packed set of Dixieland and jazz-style tunes. Afterwards, everyone adjourned to the banquet room for dinner — but not before a surprise entertainment act.
Soon after guests were seated, two people disguised as servers broke out into song. Wendy James Brown and Hunter Brown’s performance featured an international medley of songs and was made possible through a collaboration with the Manatee Performing Arts Center.
Guests were then introduced to their sombrero-donning emcee for the evening, Friendship Center volunteer Skip Cohen, before hearing from event Co-Chairwoman Renee Hamad.
Later in the evening, guests also heard a patient story from Kim Russell, got a medical perspective from Drs. Pat and Bob Gussin, took part in a paddle raise and enjoyed Renesito Avich’s performance of “Tres Cubano.”
Maria El Shahawy, Dr. Mahfouz El Shahawy and Co-Chairwoman Renee Hamad
Amanda Cattaneo Ross, Marty Katz and Johnette Cappadona
Mimi Edlin and Jonathan Katz
Althaia Vitikos and Lily Stark
Milca Rivera and Kendall Peacock
Bobi Sanderson and Dr. James Griffith pose in the photobooth at Friendship Around the World on March 12 at Michael’s on the Bay.
Barbara and Frank Fleischer with Fred and Jan Burtnett
Johnette Cappadona and Jane Icely
Friendship Around the World was held on March 12 at Michael’s on the Bay.
Dr. J. Peter and Carol Fegen with Sue and Paul Remy
Kathleen Gurney, Georgina Clamage and Jan Tomlinson
Jim and Kathy Silverberg dance during cocktail hour at Friendship Around the World on March 12 at Michael’s on the Bay.
Tom Tomlinson, Mel Srybnik and Larry Clamage
Fran Collins, Marie Hoffman, Dawn Cafaro and Wanda Elder
Friendship Around the World was held on March 12 at Michael’s on the Bay.
Nelle Miller, Patricia and Roger Courtois, Marlo Turner and Lauren Hughey
Nancy and Russ Bobbitt
Nancy Pastore sings with the band Skip’s Dixie Mix at Friendship Around the World on March 12 at Michael’s on the Bay.
Dr. David and Joann Nevins with Sunny and John O’Flynn
B. J. Creighton and Gila Meriwether
Wendy James Brown performs before dinner at Friendship Around the World on March 12 at Michael’s on the Bay.
Brian Lipton and Gerri Aaron
Rob and Jennifer Rominiecki
Emcee Skip Cohen shows off his “udder” hat while welcoming guests to Friendship Around the World on March 12 at Michael’s on the Bay.
Betty Schoenbaum
Harold Ronson and Molly Schechter
Hunter Brown performs before dinner at Friendship Around the World on March 12 at Michael’s on the Bay.
