- April 26, 2024
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Honorary Chairwoman Gerri Aaron, Bunny Skirboll and Honorary Chairwoman Betty Schoenbaum
Co-Chairs Faith Goldman and Paul Tarantino
Jeremy Lisitza and Phil King
The centerpieces decorated the tables.
Each place was given a plate of desserts.
The speaker was former NFL linebacker and Superbowl champion Keith O'Neil.
Bunny and Mort Skirboll
Keith O'Neil was doing book signings for his novel, "Under My Helmet."
Ashley Brown and Hermione Gilpin
Co-Chairwoman Faith Goldman opens the luncheon.
Bunny Skirboll addresses the audience.
Compeer Sarasota surprised founder Ann Hartka with a present, cake, flowers and balloons for her 100th birthday.
Ann Hartka founded Compeer Sarasota eight years ago when she was 92 years old.
Bunny Skirboll presents Honorees Norman and Sam Savin with an award.
Program Director Lynn Buehler speaks.
Keith O'Neil talks about his journey with bipolar disorder.
Paul Tarantino closes the luncheon.
Gwen and Tom Watson with Pat Anderson
Ashley Brown, Marlene Hauck and Don Oswalt
Paul Tarantino and Coastal Behavioral Healthcare President and CEO John H. (Jack) Minge, III
Compeer Sarasota hosted Crossing the Goal Line: A Match for Every Friend on April 9 at The Francis.
The luncheon started with a speech from Compeer Founder Bunny Skirboll, followed by Honorees Sam and Norma Savin, whose son is in the Compeer Sarasota program.
Then, keynote speaker Keith O'Neil took the stage. O'Neil is a former NFL linebacker and 2007 Super Bowl champion with the Colts as well as an author who lives with bipolar disorder. Now, he's also an advocate for mental illness awareness. At the luncheon, he gave a powerful, moving speech about growing up with dreams of playing in the NFL like his father and brother, and how living with insomnia and anxiety — later deemed symptoms of bipolar disorder — affected his journey as a professional athlete.
The luncheon wrapped up with a volunteer and Compeer match speech to show the benefits of becoming a Compeer volunteer.
