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Sarasota Memorial Health Foundation and Saks Fifth Avenue Sarasota honor fighters

The 20th anniversary of Key to the Cure was held OCt. 11 at Saks Fifth Avenue Sarasota.


  • By Kayleigh Omang
  • | 11:36 p.m. October 11, 2018
  • Black Tie
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There's glitter on the floor after the party ... 

OK, so it may not have been New Years Eve, but on Oct. 11, Saks Fifth Avenue Sarasota was sparkling in glitter and pink from floor to ceiling. 

Key to the Cure, the traditional start to season, hosted 900 guests in the high-end retail store to benefit Sarasota Memorial Health Foundation.

In a 13-year long partnership between SMHF and Saks, the two host Key to the Cure year after year to support those affected by breast cancer. Unlike years prior, the organization forwent chairpersons this year to instead honor women who are currently fighting breast cancer. 

The evening was also a celebration of Key to the Cure's 20th anniversary. The upbeat music welcomed guests upon arrival, encouraging a little dancing from the start. Inside the store, champagne was poured and light appetizers were tasted as attendees socialized. For many, this was the first time they have seen old friends since season ended last May.

SMHF will be continuing to spread the awareness of breast health through their Breast Health Symposium Oct. 13 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

SMHF Director of Community Engagement Sally Schule and Saks Fifth Avenue Sarasota General Manager Terri Najmolhoda
SMHF Director of Community Engagement Sally Schule and Saks Fifth Avenue Sarasota General Manager Terri Najmolhoda
SMHF President Mason Ayres
SMHF President Mason Ayres
Key to the Cure volunteers
Key to the Cure volunteers
Key to the Cure models
Key to the Cure models
Guests were given a bag of macarons as they left at the end of the night.
Guests were given a bag of macarons as they left at the end of the night.
Appetizers were served throughout the event.
Appetizers were served throughout the event.
Fighters Nancy, Marne and Christina
Fighters Nancy, Marne and Christina
Renee Phinney and Sheena Maini
Renee Phinney and Sheena Maini
Katie Jones, Heather Saba and Kyla Weiner
Katie Jones, Heather Saba and Kyla Weiner
Guests could purchase a mini boxing glove and two raffle tokens.
Guests could purchase a mini boxing glove and two raffle tokens.
Models hold signs encouraging guests to spend their $25 gift cards that night.
Models hold signs encouraging guests to spend their $25 gift cards that night.
For each purchase made that night, 10% of the total went to SMHF.
For each purchase made that night, 10% of the total went to SMHF.
Karina Pesch and Louise Ginsberg
Karina Pesch and Louise Ginsberg
Champagne was poured for guests throughout the evening.
Champagne was poured for guests throughout the evening.
Upstairs guests could enjoy the VIP lounge.
Upstairs guests could enjoy the VIP lounge.
Enya Neyens and Victoria Ferrara
Enya Neyens and Victoria Ferrara
Shari and Doug Phillips
Shari and Doug Phillips
Roses decorated the tables.
Roses decorated the tables.
Boxing gloves adorned the food table.
Boxing gloves adorned the food table.
Key to the Cure is hosted in October for breast cancer awareness month.
Key to the Cure is hosted in October for breast cancer awareness month.
A candy table had many pink candies for guests.
A candy table had many pink candies for guests.
Dessert options were mini cakes and candy.
Dessert options were mini cakes and candy.
Iris Starr, Kaitlyn Moore, Sandy Moore and Debbie Plotts
Iris Starr, Kaitlyn Moore, Sandy Moore and Debbie Plotts
Julianna, Jade and Michelle Castillo
Julianna, Jade and Michelle Castillo
Sally Schule takes a photo with friends.
Sally Schule takes a photo with friends.
Ashley Guttridge and Lauren Fitzgerald
Ashley Guttridge and Lauren Fitzgerald
Haley Mcelraby, Nikita Braddy and Charlotte Trattner
Haley Mcelraby, Nikita Braddy and Charlotte Trattner
Jan Grzep and Debbie Hamilton pose with boxing gloves in the HelloGorgeous Photobooth.
Jan Grzep and Debbie Hamilton pose with boxing gloves in the HelloGorgeous Photobooth.
Dr. Barbara Fleener and Dr. Erin Brosious, MD
Dr. Barbara Fleener and Dr. Erin Brosious, MD
Key to the Cure shirts were for sale.
Key to the Cure shirts were for sale.
Kaylea Schule and Kerri Cowles
Kaylea Schule and Kerri Cowles
Drs. Amir and Mietra Harandi with Kim and Dr. Paul Choniak
Drs. Amir and Mietra Harandi with Kim and Dr. Paul Choniak
Peyton Robertson, Connor Andrew, John Trickey, Jerry Whitfield and Lexi Huelsman
Peyton Robertson, Connor Andrew, John Trickey, Jerry Whitfield and Lexi Huelsman
Elisabeth Waters, Lissa Murphy and Umbreen Khalidi-Majeed
Elisabeth Waters, Lissa Murphy and Umbreen Khalidi-Majeed
Lexi Huelsman and Brian Mariash
Lexi Huelsman and Brian Mariash
Abigail, Jose Tabarez, MD and Katherine Keeley, MD
Abigail, Jose Tabarez, MD and Katherine Keeley, MD
Jaime and Adam Still
Jaime and Adam Still
Guests took photos with the Observer's Instagram board for a fun photo opportunity.
Guests took photos with the Observer's Instagram board for a fun photo opportunity.
Jazz music lit up the dance floor.
Jazz music lit up the dance floor.
Elisa Carlisle and Rita Thibalt danced until the evening was over.
Elisa Carlisle and Rita Thibalt danced until the evening was over.
Camila Wysocka, Tamara Page, Christina Bonilla, Jenny Wilkins and Dr. Ramierza Diaz
Camila Wysocka, Tamara Page, Christina Bonilla, Jenny Wilkins and Dr. Ramierza Diaz

 

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