Easterseals spreads happiness over lunch

The Easterseals Happiness House Abilities Shining Through Community Partnerships Luncheon was held March 6 at Michael's On East.

  • By Kayleigh Omang
  • | 11:49 a.m. March 6, 2018
  • Black Tie
  • Share

The atrium of Michael's On East was bustling with guests and students at the Easterseals Happiness House Abilities Shining Through Community Partnerships Luncheon March 6 at Michael's On East.

Easterseals students met guests and partook in various activities such as painting, music and games. Guests mingled throughout cocktail hour, visiting with friends, taking photos in the photo booth, viewing the works made by the students and buying raffle tickets for a chance to win a car. A silent auction was also available for bidding throughout the hour. 

After cocktail hour, guests took their seats in the ballroom for the welcome. A video from Easterseals was shown as well as a live vocal performance by Easterseals children. 

 

Co-Chairs Terri Klauber, Brian Mariash and Melissa Howard
Co-Chairs Terri Klauber, Brian Mariash and Melissa Howard
Honorary Co-Chairwoman Sandy Buchanan and Executive Director of Easterseals Tom Waters
Honorary Co-Chairwoman Sandy Buchanan and Executive Director of Easterseals Tom Waters
Angie Pantazis, Andee Odina, Julie Dejnowski and Melissa Evans
Angie Pantazis, Andee Odina, Julie Dejnowski and Melissa Evans
Russell Brugueire and Matt Topous
Russell Brugueire and Matt Topous
Laverne Green, Diane Pathek, Elaine Gustafson and Hedda Matza-Houghaton
Laverne Green, Diane Pathek, Elaine Gustafson and Hedda Matza-Houghaton
Orchids, along with paintings and photographs made by the students, centered the tables.
Orchids, along with paintings and photographs made by the students, centered the tables.
The orchids were donated by an anonymous donor.
The orchids were donated by an anonymous donor.
Ashley Sweeney, Angie Pantazis, Andee Odina, Jenn Strickland, Julie Dejnowski and Melissa Evans
Ashley Sweeney, Angie Pantazis, Andee Odina, Jenn Strickland, Julie Dejnowski and Melissa Evans
Cheryl and Brian Green
Cheryl and Brian Green
Alfred Rose and Richard Russ
Alfred Rose and Richard Russ
Betty Doyle, George Pfeiffer, Honorary Chairwoman Ginger Judge, Kathy Levines and Sister Lucia Haas
Betty Doyle, George Pfeiffer, Honorary Chairwoman Ginger Judge, Kathy Levines and Sister Lucia Haas
Bob Blalock, Executive Director Tom Waters and Cody Brady
Bob Blalock, Executive Director Tom Waters and Cody Brady
Co-Chairwoman Terri Klauber, Beth Knopik and Michelle Senglaub
Co-Chairwoman Terri Klauber, Beth Knopik and Michelle Senglaub
Britt Riner plays with toy cows with Damon and Hannah Warne.
Britt Riner plays with toy cows with Damon and Hannah Warne.
Kelsey Gilmartin and Elisabetta Divirgilio
Kelsey Gilmartin and Elisabetta Divirgilio
Monica Kelly, Michael Howard and Ron Koepsel
Monica Kelly, Michael Howard and Ron Koepsel
Artwork made by the Easterseals students was on display for guests to view.
Artwork made by the Easterseals students was on display for guests to view.
Dan Hoffe with Sherry and Tom Koski
Dan Hoffe with Sherry and Tom Koski
Gorge Barbados paints a seascape.
Gorge Barbados paints a seascape.
Tammy Karp, Stacie Baer, Donna Koffman and Mickie Davis
Tammy Karp, Stacie Baer, Donna Koffman and Mickie Davis
Doug Elmore, Jay Miller and Michael Howard
Doug Elmore, Jay Miller and Michael Howard
A'Laisha and Shannon Crespo
A'Laisha and Shannon Crespo
The seasonal herbs and produce used in the lunch by Michael's On East come from Easterseals Organic Farm.
The seasonal herbs and produce used in the lunch by Michael's On East come from Easterseals Organic Farm.
Dean Piccirillo and CJ Morris
Dean Piccirillo and CJ Morris
Mary Gratehouse, Murf Klauber and Kim Prock
Mary Gratehouse, Murf Klauber and Kim Prock
Paige, Amy and Steve play music for guests, accompanied by Beverly Boardman.
Paige, Amy and Steve play music for guests, accompanied by Beverly Boardman.

 

Latest News

Government protections remain important in keeping the Myakka River healthy and pristine.
  • April 13, 2026
Some residents say Manatee pulled 'bait and switch' on Myakka River monitoring
Boat lifts flank each side of the canal in a Country Club Shores neighborhood. The town of Longboat Key is preparing to enact a continuous canal maintenance program that would include flat fees and ad-valorem assessments for residents.
  • April 13, 2026
Canal maintenance program up for a vote this summer
County Administrator Charlie Bishop is typically seated at the dais with commissioners during meetings, but he was absent during the discussion about his contract April 7.
  • April 12, 2026
Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop's contract up for renewal
The Ikea franchise system includes 58 retail locations in the United States. There are 412 Ikea stores worldwide in 32 countries.
  • April 11, 2026
Ikea to open at UTC in Sarasota

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content