The Firefly Gala was hosted April 21 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
By
Kayleigh Omang
| 8:53 a.m. April 22, 2018
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"Whatcha say?”
Pop singer Jason Derulo performed April 21 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, for Forty Carrots Family Center’s annual Firefly Gala, that’s what.
Each year, the Dart Family Foundation presents a lead performer for the center’s gala.
The evening began with cocktails in the hotel gardens, with silent auction bidding underneath a colorfully lit tent. After the social hour, the rain started and guests made their way to the dinner tent to dine and stay dry.
Forty Carrots Family Center, which helps families through parenting education, mental health resources and early childhood education, raised more than $100,000 during its paddle raise and live auction.
After dinner, guests made their way into the ballroom, where they wiggled all night to Derulo’s music. Festivities continued early into the morning with an after-party in the other half of the ballroom.
Executive Director Michelle Kapreilian and Chairwoman Ariane Dart
Dave and Layla Smith
Mette and Michael Milland with Greg Twarowski
Korin Green and Marcus Johnson
Liz Diaz and Nicole Behar
Silent auction items were displayed under the tent during cocktail hour.
Sofie Wachtmeister and Jenna Landis
Kristin and Ray Dweck
Brian Mariash and Veronica Brady
Heather Dunhill, Elizabeth Melendez Fisher and Brad Good
Dylonn Cole with Bart and Joe Price
Diane Fields and Jaclyn Brunckhorst
Tomeika Hunter Koski with David and Susan Macrae
John and Jill Raleigh
The dinner tent was lit up with green lights.
The sponsor tables were elegantly decorated.
Guests enjoyed a salad, entree and dessert for dinner.
Flowers adorned each of the tables.
Roger Capote and Tony Pinho
Jeff and Mary Swartz
Ernesto De Olivera and Ana Lucic
Matt Camphyno and Renee Phinney
Melanie Jeffrey, Stacie Baer and Clara Renardus de Villanueva
Destiny Beckham, Sarah Macrae, Adelle Bethel and Allison Scibelli
Kate Eassa and Randy Macpherson
Ryan Clarke and Jennifer Mitchell
Matt Camphyno and Renee Phinney with Minta and Jim Getzen
Jennifer Dawes and Krista Toomre
Executive Director Michelle Kapreilian thanks guests for coming.
Chairwoman Ariane Dart thanks the sponsors.
Dessert featured a tart trio.
Laura Stuart Wood, Susan Malloy Jones and Clara Ramos
Hello Gorgeous had a Jason Derulo themed photo booth at the after party.
Chairwoman Ariane Dart introduces Jason Derulo.
Jason Derulo is a multi-faceted entertainer.
Jason Derulo's most well-known hits include "Whatcha Say," "Talk Dirty," "Ridin' Solo," and "It Girl."
Chairwoman Ariane Dart takes a photo with Jason Derulo on stage.
Last year's entertainer was Flo Rida.
Jason Derulo also had many dancers on stage with him.
After the concert, guests enjoyed an after party.
Jason Derulo entertained guests with both his music and his dance moves.
