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Catholic Charities Ball celebrates 30 years

The 30th annual event was held Jan. 26. at The Westin Sarasota.


  • By Katie Johns
  • | 12:40 a.m. January 27, 2019
  • Black Tie
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The Triton Ballroom of The Westin Sarasota was dyed elegant shades of blue Jan. 27.

The 2019 Catholic Charities Ball brought 300 supporters to the hotel ballroom for the 30th annual event, which benefits the Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc.

Prior to dinner, eventgoers mingled among silent auction items, including jewelry and wine, while enjoying hors’ d’oeuvres and cocktails.

As 7 p.m. drew closer, the ballroom doors were opened and guests were transported to a room lit with candles and full of flowers and blue-hued decor. Patrons were welcomed by the sounds of Soul Sensations, and as they ventured to their seats, a few couples braved the dance floor before the program began.

Following a welcome address and invocation by Catholic Charities CEO Philomena Pereira and the Rev. Robert Dziedziak, a live auction was held. Later, supporters enjoyed dinner and dancing as Soul Sensations kept the party going.

The gala served as a celebration for the success stories that have transpired within Catholic Charities and supports funding to continue the organization’s mission going forward, event organizers say.

 

Chairwomen Mary Kenealy-Barbetta, Jane Norton and Julie Delaney
Chairwomen Mary Kenealy-Barbetta, Jane Norton and Julie Delaney
Multi-colored bouquets center each table.
Multi-colored bouquets center each table.
Luigi and Lorraine Cersosimo and Karen Brady
Luigi and Lorraine Cersosimo and Karen Brady
Gene and Suzanne Dolecki
Gene and Suzanne Dolecki
Rick and Barb Gibbons, Karen Trautman and Alan Rose
Rick and Barb Gibbons, Karen Trautman and Alan Rose
Jenni and Paul Hudson and Eleana Hall
Jenni and Paul Hudson and Eleana Hall
Multi-colored bouquets adorn each dinner table.
Multi-colored bouquets adorn each dinner table.
Arline and Barry Napiecek and David and Lee Manchester
Arline and Barry Napiecek and David and Lee Manchester
Richard Kuzmich and Bay Nguyen
Richard Kuzmich and Bay Nguyen
Cakebread Cellars chardonnay was just one option of wines that were available to bid on during the silent auction.
Cakebread Cellars chardonnay was just one option of wines that were available to bid on during the silent auction.
Chairwomen Mary Kenealy-Barbetta, Jane Norton and Julie Delaney
Chairwomen Mary Kenealy-Barbetta, Jane Norton and Julie Delaney
Jenn and Jamie Gage
Jenn and Jamie Gage
During cocktail hour, guests bid on jewelry as part of the silent auction.
During cocktail hour, guests bid on jewelry as part of the silent auction.
Julie and John Flaherty, co-chairwoman Julie and John Delaney
Julie and John Flaherty, co-chairwoman Julie and John Delaney
Mariamma and George Thomas
Mariamma and George Thomas
Co-chairwoman Jane and Sam Norton
Co-chairwoman Jane and Sam Norton
Kathleen and Edward Cahill
Kathleen and Edward Cahill
This was the 30th annual Catholic Charities Ball.
This was the 30th annual Catholic Charities Ball.
Jim Norris, Marlene and Jacques Bes Vazeille and Marcia Norris
Jim Norris, Marlene and Jacques Bes Vazeille and Marcia Norris
During cocktail hour, guests bid on jewelry as part of the silent auction.
During cocktail hour, guests bid on jewelry as part of the silent auction.
Blues flower petals decorate high-top tables during cocktail hour.
Blues flower petals decorate high-top tables during cocktail hour.
Jay and Veronica Brady and Linda and Charles Baumann
Jay and Veronica Brady and Linda and Charles Baumann
Neil Mann and Bridget Speiss
Neil Mann and Bridget Speiss
Dennis and Rebecca Murphy
Dennis and Rebecca Murphy
Kate Shaver, the Rev. John Hoang and Dave Shaver
Kate Shaver, the Rev. John Hoang and Dave Shaver
Al and Sue Sonnizzo, Tara Kelly, Richard Crowell and Jean and Vincent Cipriano
Al and Sue Sonnizzo, Tara Kelly, Richard Crowell and Jean and Vincent Cipriano
Blue hues and flowers adorn each dinner table.
Blue hues and flowers adorn each dinner table.
Soul Sensations perform as guests arrive at their seats.
Soul Sensations perform as guests arrive at their seats.
Debbie Erspamer and Will Haull
Debbie Erspamer and Will Haull
Soul Sensations provided live entertainment throughout the evening.
Soul Sensations provided live entertainment throughout the evening.
Blue hues and flowers adorn each dinner table.
Blue hues and flowers adorn each dinner table.
Jenn and Jamie Gage shared a dance before dinner.
Jenn and Jamie Gage shared a dance before dinner.
Will Haull and Debbie Erspamer take on the dance floor before dinner.
Will Haull and Debbie Erspamer take on the dance floor before dinner.
Soul Sensations provided live entertainment throughout the evening.
Soul Sensations provided live entertainment throughout the evening.
Will Haull and Debbie Erspamer take on the dance floor before dinner.
Will Haull and Debbie Erspamer take on the dance floor before dinner.

 

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