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Caring hearts support mothers and infants program at First Step Sarasota

The Caring Hearts Luncheon was hosted Feb. 20 at Michael's On East.


  • By Kayleigh Omang
  • | 1:32 p.m. February 20, 2019
  • Black Tie
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The Mothers and Infants program at First Step Sarasota gathered some of its most caring hearts Feb. 20 at Michael's On East.

The annual Caring Hearts Luncheon is a celebration for over 450 babies born drug-free. The day also honored First Step Medical Director David Panting, who received the Caring Heart of the Year Award. 

A silent auction and raffles kept guests busy for the first part of the morning. Then, guests took their seats in the ballroom for lunch and the program. 

Teri Andrews, Co-Chairwomen Marisa Merlino and Robyn Didelot and Barbara Cruz
Teri Andrews, Co-Chairwomen Marisa Merlino and Robyn Didelot and Barbara Cruz
President and CEO David Beesley and Peter Abbott
President and CEO David Beesley and Peter Abbott
There were both silent auction items and chance raffle items on display during the social hour.
There were both silent auction items and chance raffle items on display during the social hour.
Ryan Mast, Russell Brown, Billy Ray Drake, Bobby Lopez Jade Stoothoff and Jon Forbes
Ryan Mast, Russell Brown, Billy Ray Drake, Bobby Lopez Jade Stoothoff and Jon Forbes
Work by a Palm Aire Country Club group, Flying Knitting Needles, was on display so guests could see the handcrafted baby blankets and hats members made for clients.
Work by a Palm Aire Country Club group, Flying Knitting Needles, was on display so guests could see the handcrafted baby blankets and hats members made for clients.
The ballroom was decorated in red and hearts to fit the caring hearts theme.
The ballroom was decorated in red and hearts to fit the caring hearts theme.
Guests could purchase a centerpiece for their child, grandchild or donate it to the program.
Guests could purchase a centerpiece for their child, grandchild or donate it to the program.
Each guest received a Caring Hearts Luncheon coffee mug.
Each guest received a Caring Hearts Luncheon coffee mug.
Barbara Tarshis, John Walker, Autumn Roppolo, Jacqueline Barbieri and Laurenrose Esposito
Barbara Tarshis, John Walker, Autumn Roppolo, Jacqueline Barbieri and Laurenrose Esposito
Katie Burke, Vanessa Podhurst and Laurie Cheiffetz
Katie Burke, Vanessa Podhurst and Laurie Cheiffetz
Conni Wheeler and Patti Schimmel
Conni Wheeler and Patti Schimmel
Marcia McCarthy, Anne Silver and Lynne Bennett
Marcia McCarthy, Anne Silver and Lynne Bennett
Several baskets were donated to (and given out in) the chance raffle.
Several baskets were donated to (and given out in) the chance raffle.
Isabella Batalla, Kimberly Treharpe and Kayleigh Petramale
Isabella Batalla, Kimberly Treharpe and Kayleigh Petramale
Polly Allen and Joan Mathews
Polly Allen and Joan Mathews
Vickie Tiutyama and Kameron Hodgens
Vickie Tiutyama and Kameron Hodgens
Wendy Mann Resnick and Sheila Weiss
Wendy Mann Resnick and Sheila Weiss
Mia Gosselin and Elizabeth LaBoone
Mia Gosselin and Elizabeth LaBoone
Ashley Mora and Ron Turner
Ashley Mora and Ron Turner
Christina Krug and Jovieana
Christina Krug and Jovieana
Deja and Andrea Bilderback
Deja and Andrea Bilderback
John Walker and Ivan Nelson
John Walker and Ivan Nelson
Cheryl Hollawell, Stephanie Depasquale, Jovieana, Sharon Viner and Christina Krug
Cheryl Hollawell, Stephanie Depasquale, Jovieana, Sharon Viner and Christina Krug

 

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