• Alternate Text
  • Loading

  • Valentine's Day Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Key Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Key Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Valentine's Day Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

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
  • Share

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.

 

Latest News

Capt. A.J. Grande operates a "six pack" fishing charter business who often picks up and drops off customers at Nora Patterson Park.
  • February 5, 2026
Permits will be required for charter boat operators using county parks
District 2 Commissioner Penny Gold walks in a parade in 2021.
  • February 5, 2026
Longboat commissioner appointed to National League of Cities committee
The house at 3638 San Remo Terrace overlooks the north Siesta Key bridge.
  • February 5, 2026
Rock star sells Sarasota estate for $7.5 million
Philip DiMaria says “there is a great opportunity here for St. Armands to evolve and become incredible again.”
  • February 5, 2026
Urban planner shares bold ideas to solve flooding on St. Armands

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content

The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest in Black Tie

Jeff and Lisa Silvershein with Natasha and Colin Reisner
  • February 2, 2026
Elon Gold headlines premiere of Catskills After Dark
Circus Arts Conservatory CEO and President Jennifer Mitchell and Terri Klauber with Sherry and Tom Koski
  • February 1, 2026
Circus Arts Gala sings through the rain
Lori Jaress, Dave Scott and Sarasota Police Foundation President Jeff Birnbach
  • February 1, 2026
SRQ Blue and White Gala honors those who serve
Barb Archbold, Matthew Glover and co-Chair Carla Koeffler
  • January 31, 2026
Sarasota Opera Gala entertains with Winter in Paris
Erica Cristea, Monica Palmer, Patricia Cullen and Morgana Robson
  • January 26, 2026
Good times uncorked at annual Forks & Corks Grand Tasting
Xavier Koffman and Margot Andrich
  • January 26, 2026
Inspiring Hope Dinner shines a light on mental wellness

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.


The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now