• Alternate Text
  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Key Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Key Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Goodwill throws a colorful New Orleans Mardi Gras experience

The Goodwill Mardi Gras Gala was held Feb. 8 at Michael's On East.


  • By Kayleigh Omang
  • | 7:59 p.m. February 8, 2018
  • Black Tie
  • Share

Stepping into the ballroom of Michael's On East took you to New Orleans with the smell of cajun food, upbeat jazz music and green, gold and purple beads thrown around. 

Goodwill Manasota hosted the Mardi Gras Gala on Feb. 8 at Michael's On East. 

In the courtyard, guests lined up to view the raffle baskets, purchase drinks and take photos in the photo booth. Inside, a buffet of cajun food was open. Later in the evening, there was a live auction and the announcement of the raffle drawing winners. 

Co-Chairmen Ryan Inskeep and Brent Greeno
Co-Chairmen Ryan Inskeep and Brent Greeno
The paddles for the auction, which were shaped like a jester hat,  had the guest's name and table number on them.
The paddles for the auction, which were shaped like a jester hat, had the guest's name and table number on them.
The room was colorful with balloons and multicolored lights among the green and purple tables.
The room was colorful with balloons and multicolored lights among the green and purple tables.
Veronica Brandon Miller and Bob Rosinsky
Veronica Brandon Miller and Bob Rosinsky
The photo booth featured many fun and colorful props.
The photo booth featured many fun and colorful props.
Lindsey Stevens and Paul Bova
Lindsey Stevens and Paul Bova
Out & About Sarasota also gave guests entertainment during the cocktail hour.
Out & About Sarasota also gave guests entertainment during the cocktail hour.
Liliana Musat and Evlin Ramiresz from Michael's On East served the shrimp gumbo.
Liliana Musat and Evlin Ramiresz from Michael's On East served the shrimp gumbo.
Co-Chairman Ryan Inskeep, Phil Mancini and Co-Chairman Brent Greeno
Co-Chairman Ryan Inskeep, Phil Mancini and Co-Chairman Brent Greeno
Honorary Chairs Julie and Jaime  DiDomenico
Honorary Chairs Julie and Jaime DiDomenico
Brian and Brittany Veldheer
Brian and Brittany Veldheer
Helen Welsh and Don Lockett
Helen Welsh and Don Lockett
Jennifer Moss Wilson and Sharon Kunkel
Jennifer Moss Wilson and Sharon Kunkel
Laurel Cowiveau with Lora and Bill Howell
Laurel Cowiveau with Lora and Bill Howell
Nine raffle baskets were available to those who got raffle tickets by purchasing beads.
Nine raffle baskets were available to those who got raffle tickets by purchasing beads.
Kim Livengood and Glen Rieth
Kim Livengood and Glen Rieth
Bennett Wachob and Jaime Estes
Bennett Wachob and Jaime Estes
Green, gold and green highlighted the Michael's On East ballroom.
Green, gold and green highlighted the Michael's On East ballroom.
Clare and Paul Kirchman
Clare and Paul Kirchman
Mark and Tiffany Hamilton
Mark and Tiffany Hamilton
Emma Burke and Patrick Jolly
Emma Burke and Patrick Jolly
The Out & About Sarasota team, Chacha, Tyler and Heather, dressed up for the mardi gras occasion.
The Out & About Sarasota team, Chacha, Tyler and Heather, dressed up for the mardi gras occasion.
Lenore Blitz, Barbara Wheatley and Michelle Brault
Lenore Blitz, Barbara Wheatley and Michelle Brault
Cindy and Michael Brown
Cindy and Michael Brown
In spirit of St. Louis and the mardi gras, the buffet-style dinner was filled with traditional cajun food.
In spirit of St. Louis and the mardi gras, the buffet-style dinner was filled with traditional cajun food.
Jason Barth and Andi Watson
Jason Barth and Andi Watson
John and Shon Ewens
John and Shon Ewens
Robyn Faucy and Marty Katz
Robyn Faucy and Marty Katz
Marilyn Billib and Jacqueline Moore
Marilyn Billib and Jacqueline Moore
Chris Leach and Michelle Nolan
Chris Leach and Michelle Nolan
Donna Evans and Dawn Bear
Donna Evans and Dawn Bear
Sagar Mehta, Doug Welty and Nick Altier
Sagar Mehta, Doug Welty and Nick Altier
Patra Jordan and Joshua Beadle post for photos in the photo booth.
Patra Jordan and Joshua Beadle post for photos in the photo booth.
Robert Stanell and Abigail Altier
Robert Stanell and Abigail Altier
Vanessa Carusone and Jacqueline Moore
Vanessa Carusone and Jacqueline Moore
David and Marie Jacaruso
David and Marie Jacaruso
Karen Cadou, Janet Arena and Stella McDaniel
Karen Cadou, Janet Arena and Stella McDaniel
Gary Christensen, Emanuel Leon, Allison Angle, Kathryn Witting, Sarah Colandro, Mike Bryant and Brandon Linder
Gary Christensen, Emanuel Leon, Allison Angle, Kathryn Witting, Sarah Colandro, Mike Bryant and Brandon Linder
Reeny Kaney and Chris Tanner
Reeny Kaney and Chris Tanner

 

Latest News

Under Southwest Florida Water Management District's Phase III restrictions, water fountains can only run four hours per day.
  • April 5, 2026
Manatee County among 14 Southwest Florida counties under water restrictions
St. Regis at Longboat Key is a gulf-facing resort and condo development on the barrier island of Longboat Key. The Unicorp-developed property opened in 2024 at the former site of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.
  • April 4, 2026
St. Regis on track to receive permanent certificate of occupancy, eyes tennis courts
The Fruitville Townhomes site plan to replace the vacant former Sarasota Lanes bowling center.
  • April 4, 2026
Fruitville bowling alley submits plans to redevelop into 4-story townhomes
Deputies shoot and wound armed man
  • April 3, 2026
Deputies shoot and wound armed man

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content

The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest in Black Tie

Sheila Weiss, Michael Goldman, Dr. Helene Lotman, Ellen Goldner, Marion Levine and Sasha Rosin make up the Hope in Bloom committee.
  • April 3, 2026
JFCS celebrates 40 years of service at Hope in Bloom
The co-chairs are Darci Jacob (ninth year), Vickie Smith (fourth year) and Carolyn Castro (first year).
  • March 28, 2026
SPARCC Runway 2026 reassembles a kaleidoscope of lives and fashion
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation President Stacey Corley with panelists Dr. Kelly Hamel, Dr. Sarah Kimball and Dr. Angela Boldo
  • March 28, 2026
Women & Medicine educates guests on women's health
Drayton Saunders acceps a Champion For Children award for MSC Foundation and President and CEO of Safe Children Coalition Brena Slater
  • March 27, 2026
Safe Children Coalition names 2026 Champions for Children
Terri King, Rocky and Liza Pappas
  • March 23, 2026
USF enjoys picture-perfect day for Brunch on the Bay
Lauren Athas, event Chair Lauren Christensen, Nati Shabat and Katie Biter
  • March 23, 2026
ODA supporters take Banyan Ball to Club Paraiso

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.


The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now