"SPARCCle in the City was hosted March 16 at The Westin Sarasota.
By
Kayleigh Omang
| 8:46 p.m. March 16, 2018
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Women in long sequin gowns put a little sparkle into Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center's gala on March 16 at The Westin Sarasota.
SPARCC's "SPARRCle in the City" gala is the organization's annual gala, which is a big contributor of the funds needed to support SPARCC's mission. The organization aims to provide services for domestic and sexual abuse survivors. These survivors, most of whom have gone through intimate partner violence, use SPARCC for no-cost resources such as legal assistance, crisis counseling and emergency shelter.
Before dinner, guests mingled on the sixth floor of The Westin Sarasota, sipping cocktails and trying hors d'oeuvres before the dinner bell rang, signaling guests to head into the ballroom. From there, guests heard from SPARCC President and CEO Jessica Hays and Co-Chairwoman Barbara Gardner.
The night continued with a live auction, donation opportunity, silent auction and last but certainly not least, a chance to dance to "Big Night Out."
Co-Chairwoman Lynne Koy and Barbara Gardner with SPARCC President and CEO Jessica Hays
Jessica and Nathan Hays
The Westin Sarasota ballroom was nicely decorated in white and gold accents.
During cocktail hour, raffle tickets were sold for a 7-day Holland America cruise.
"Big Night Out" played music during cocktail hour and after the gala for dancing.
John Revisky and Dena Prose
Megan and Tad Kitchner
Ron and Micki H. Gamer
Charles Murray and Pandora Strasler Murray
Maryann Carlson, Debbie LaMarca and Co-Chairwoman Barbara Gardner
Marilyn Buzzard, Patty Grossman and Donna Danner
Before the dinner, guests were able to view the silent and live auction items.
Ozzie and Linda Patzmann
Donna Baker and Karin Jones
Tim and Diane Muldon with Michael and Coral Pleas
Nati Shabat
Clare Therieau and Eric Thelen
Jim Doyle and Co-Chairwoman Barbara Gardner
Ozzie and Linda Patzmann, Patty Grossman, Donna Danner and Dave Grossman with Marilyn and Bob Buzzard
Rhonda and Jeff Callahan
A "Wall of wines," which included a large variety of fine wines, was the first auction item.
Marshall Fernandez and Carole Krouse
Guests were offered jerk chicken with mango relish on papaya before dinner.
Jeff Hedlof and Carolyn Rummel
Roland Moser and Nati Shabat
Joan Castellani and Co-Chairwoman Barbara Gardner
Olivia Thomas and Roxie Jerde
Courtney and Paul Tarantino
Carol and Larry English with Hank and Melinda Foster
Five silent auction items were available for bidding during cocktail hour.