Children First supporters dip their toes in the sand
The nonprofit held its annual Rockin’ Lobster Beach Party on Nov. 4 at Sharky’s On The Pier.
By
Niki Kottmann
| 10:05 p.m. November 4, 2017
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Child First supporters traded their heels and dress shoes for sandals on Nov. 4 for the annual Rockin’ Lobster Beach Party.
The beachside tent at Sharky’s On The Pier was the epitome of simple elegance, and as soon as the last ray of sunlight disappeared above the Gulf of Mexico, it was replaced by colorful event lights that kept the party going.
After enjoying a sunset cocktail hour, guests continued to buy raffle tickets and bid on silent auction items such as a river tour of Myakka River and a Panama getaway.
Once guests sat for dinner, they chose either a theme-appropriate lobster or a steak (for the less seafood-skilled) and listened to a presentation by Children First clients Josh Proctor and Marissa Blackburn. The couple had a baby in high school, but Blackburn was able to stay in school by transferring to Riverview High School for the Cyesis Teen Parent Program. Proctor got a full-time job to support Blackburn and their daughter, and while the two of them were gone during the day their daughter received child care from Children First.
The event concluded with marshmallow roasting and s’more making on the beach before a lantern release over the water.
Chairs Adrienne and Keith Johnson, Jackie and Jim Rolfes, Lisa and John Giglio and Pat Martin
Paul Haywood and Charmaine Tincher
Joelle and Craig Steinhoff with Eric and Christine Robertson
Mike and Donna Pachota with Cheri and Justin Pachota
Zach and Robin Shapiro
Each table was adorned with simple yet elegant floral centerpieces.
Roy and Natalie Fung
Alan Amero and Andria Piekarz
Rockin’ Lobster was held on Nov. 4 at Sharky’s On The Pier.
Ken and Samantha Putz
Barbara Miller, Kara and Bill Morgan and Jeanne and Rich David
Children First Events Manager Samantha Kingsley welcomes the crowd.
Kristen Taylor, Asa Thomas, Lainey Dunn and Sarah Macrae
Renee Phinney, Carol Sirard and Glen Rieth
Josh Proctor and Marissa Blackburn share their experience with Children First.
Irwin and Susan Singer, Michael and Andree Keebaugh, Jolene and Ed Graham and Michele Kaleida
Christopher Collins and Nicole Murby
Jenny and Michael Infanti pose in the photobooth.
Rana Weerasooriya, Karen Mercurio, Alison McMillen, Kerry Bettley, Co-Chairwoman Lisa Giglio, Monica Hunek and Amy Staas
Matt and Diana Straeb
Guests at Rockin’ Lobster got to choose lobster or steak for their entree.
Lori Sparrow with Jim and Michelle Butler
Franklyn and Rodger Skidmore
Doreen Clyne, Peter and Joanne Powers and Craig Tuley roast marshmallows on the beach for dessert.
Tim Meyers, David Shapiro and Doreen Clyne
Mike Pachota, Joe Dalton and Wayne Roberts
Version 3.0 performs at Rockin’ Lobster.
Sharon and Greg Betterton with Jim and Lisa Collins
Peter and Joanne Powers
Guests watched the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico before sitting for dinner.
Lainie and Jim Van Winkle
Paul Warner, Raquel Franzen, Kathy Warner and Darrick Jordan
Lance Bergmann dances with Kathleen Sullivan.
Paula Murray, Margaret Good, Kay Mathers, Heidi Scholten and Megan Heller
Linda Shinsky and Harry Wainright
Felice Schulaner, Children First President and CEO Philip Tavill, Dana Duckman and Dennis Rees
George Adley, Andy Douberly, Deborah Blue, Co-Chairman Jim Rolfes and Gary Larson
