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Old and new friendships blossom for Friendship Center supporters

Blooming Friendships was hosted Jan. 24 at Michael's on the Bay at Selby Gardens.


  • By Kayleigh Omang
  • | 4:08 p.m. January 24, 2019
  • Black Tie
  • Share

Michael's on the Bay at Selby Gardens was so bright and colorful Jan. 24, it radiated positivity and happiness. 

The Friendship Center's annual dinner, Blooming Friendships, brought guests in for an evening of dining and fun. During cocktail hour, both the ballroom and the terrace stayed busy with mingling guests, but the real party was at the photo booth. Guests waited in line to have their turn with the props and sequin backdrop. 

After the cocktail hour, everyone sat down for the salad course while they were welcomed, with Brent Greeno following the welcome with a live auction. Dinner was served with a bit of entertainment from Keith and Nancy Carman. 

President and CEO Erin McLeod then led the mission moment, informing guests on the ways the Friendship Center helps seniors with isolation and loneliness, hunger, case management and medical and dental issues amongst others. 

Guests were encouraged to stay after the program was finished to chat with old friends, make new ones and dance the night away. 

Co-Chairwomen Andi Munzer and Bunny Skirboll
Co-Chairwomen Andi Munzer and Bunny Skirboll
President and CEO Erin McLeod, Carol Hochberg and Craig McLeod
President and CEO Erin McLeod, Carol Hochberg and Craig McLeod
The decor was bright and colorful.
The decor was bright and colorful.
April Crumley and Chami Warnakulasuriya
April Crumley and Chami Warnakulasuriya
Gerri Aaron and Marvin Albert
Gerri Aaron and Marvin Albert
Lee Williams and Danielle Dupont
Lee Williams and Danielle Dupont
Sharon Prizant and Neal Colton
Sharon Prizant and Neal Colton
Pat Zagony and Elena Uttaro
Pat Zagony and Elena Uttaro
Harriette and Jack Howitt
Harriette and Jack Howitt
Edward Greis, Eddie Bauer, and Chad and Stephanie Goble
Edward Greis, Eddie Bauer, and Chad and Stephanie Goble
William Taft, Christine Schlesinger, Shannon Seyder, Teresa Taft and David Kotok
William Taft, Christine Schlesinger, Shannon Seyder, Teresa Taft and David Kotok
Decorative flowers were dusted on the salads.
Decorative flowers were dusted on the salads.
President and CEO Erin McLeod with Molly Schechter
President and CEO Erin McLeod with Molly Schechter
Pat Gussin and Lee Randall
Pat Gussin and Lee Randall
John and Laura Leeming with Nathan and Molly Johnson
John and Laura Leeming with Nathan and Molly Johnson
Kameron Hodgens and Matthew Barry
Kameron Hodgens and Matthew Barry
Hannah Weinberg, Nancy Milbauer and Debby Hamburg
Hannah Weinberg, Nancy Milbauer and Debby Hamburg

 

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