Suncoast Charities for Children kicks it country style

The Thunder by the Bay "Born to be Wild" Kickoff Party was held Feb. 8 at the White Buffalo Saloon.

  • By Kayleigh Omang
  • | 8:00 p.m. February 8, 2019
  • Black Tie
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Motorcycles lined the front of the White Buffalo Saloon Feb. 8 for one reason – the Thunder by the Bay Kickoff Party. 

Unlike years prior, the "Born to be Wild" kickoff party was moved to the White Buffalo Saloon, changing the vibe from motorcycle chic to a country throwdown. The White Buffalo Saloon closed its doors for the party so guests could enjoy the entire saloon. The evening included a buffet, drinks, silent auction baskets, a live auction and Harley Davidson motorcycles on display. Soul Circus Cowboys also played for guests to dance and kick up their boots. 

The annual Thunder by the Bay motorcycle festival, benefitting Suncoast Charities for Children, is a weekend of live music, bike shows and fireworks. This year's dates are Feb. 15 through 17. 

 

 

Jill Raleigh, Kat Hughes, Emily Walsh, Executive Director Lucy Nicandri and Victoria Johnson
Jill Raleigh, Kat Hughes, Emily Walsh, Executive Director Lucy Nicandri and Victoria Johnson
Joe Furtaw, Joe and Amy Harris, Theresa Cummings, Beaner Zoniga and Pat and Jill Bruenning
Joe Furtaw, Joe and Amy Harris, Theresa Cummings, Beaner Zoniga and Pat and Jill Bruenning
Donnie McDonough with Lorrane and Larry Ziff
Donnie McDonough with Lorrane and Larry Ziff
David Shinn, Kimmy McNary, Robyn Knoll and Andy Maleszka
David Shinn, Kimmy McNary, Robyn Knoll and Andy Maleszka
Jim and Bernie Gottschalk
Jim and Bernie Gottschalk
Brian Goetz and Lauren Fitzgerald
Brian Goetz and Lauren Fitzgerald
Hans Plangger, Nico and Victoria Loomis
Hans Plangger, Nico and Victoria Loomis
Mindy Aderman and Elisa Rillen
Mindy Aderman and Elisa Rillen
Guests could purchase Thunder by the Bay memorabilia.
Guests could purchase Thunder by the Bay memorabilia.
The silent auction included many gift baskets.
The silent auction included many gift baskets.
The live auction included guitars.
The live auction included guitars.
Stan and Lisa Eding
Stan and Lisa Eding
Couples slow danced to Soul Circus Cowboys.
Couples slow danced to Soul Circus Cowboys.
Maureen Dahl and Rick Gress
Maureen Dahl and Rick Gress
Hagen Brody and Philip Tavill
Hagen Brody and Philip Tavill
Cheryl Lowe and Randy Wilson
Cheryl Lowe and Randy Wilson
Billy McKnight from Soul Circus Cowboys sings on stage.
Billy McKnight from Soul Circus Cowboys sings on stage.
The Soul Circus Cowboys performed throughout the night.
The Soul Circus Cowboys performed throughout the night.
Tracy Lineham and Erin Guzzo
Tracy Lineham and Erin Guzzo
Rod Guzzo, Andy McDonald and Greg Lineham
Rod Guzzo, Andy McDonald and Greg Lineham
Tara and Gregg Marsh
Tara and Gregg Marsh
Motorcycles sat outside the saloon.
Motorcycles sat outside the saloon.
The kickoff party was previously held at Michael's On East.
The kickoff party was previously held at Michael's On East.

 

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