The annual Southeastern Guide Dogs fundraiser was hosted July 8 at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club.
By
Kayleigh Omang
| 3:09 p.m. July 8, 2018
Black Tie
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Dogs and humans alike gathered July 8 in the ballroom of the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club to celebrate Samantha's Friends.
The organization was founded in honor of Samantha Bozza, who suffered a brain aneurysm at 15 years old. Samantha's Friends helps those with disabilities gain independence and receive assistance from a service animal. Proceeds from the evening benefitted Southeastern Guide Dogs.
The morning started with Samantha's story, which prompted many tears from audience members. Followed by a song sung by Miss Florida 2007 Kylie Williams. Also in attendance were soap opera stars from "Days of our Lives" and "The Bold and Beautiful."
Alice and Samantha Bozza
Samantha and Alice Bozza thank guests for coming and tell Samantha's story.
Proceeds from the night went to Southeastern Guide Dogs.
Levi, a Southeastern Guide Dog ambassador, poses for the camera.
Miss Florida 2007 Kylie Williams sings a song she wrote about supporting the Marine Corps.
Guests were able to buy Bears Who Care with actor Eric Martsolf's face on them.
Celebrity and Disney items were available through the silent auction.
Carolyn Gasper and Samantha Bozza
Jan Buncik and Susan Halbert
Fallon O'Brian and Kathy Gosciewski
Caellan Curtis and Robyn Faucy
Kyle and Deborah Jesse
Disney-themed centerpieces were available on a donation basis.
Susie Morales, Christopher Sean and Steven Ferguson
Melissa Howard and Craig Bozza
Eric Martsolf, Martha Madison and Bryan Dattilo
Brian Dattilo helps Patrika Darbo give out the raffle items.
Hayley Muzzillo and Megan Baers
Eric Martsolf and Kari Schmitz sell Bears Who Care on stage.
Kyle Jesse shows off the birthday cake.
For Samantha's birthday, she was surprised with a cruise with Eric Marsolf, Christopher Sean and Bryan Dattilo.
Samantha Bozza thanks her mom, Alice.
Eric Martsolf signs bears for guests.
Eric Martsolf dances with Adam Jaco.
A Rick Springfield-signed guitar was purchased in the live auction for $800.
