Sarasota Grand Prix Festival kicks off festivities with bayfront party
The festival kicked off with a party benefiting Suncoast Charities for Children July 3.
By
Harry Sayer
| 10:00 p.m. July 3, 2019
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The Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival celebrated the start of its patriotic festivities with a Kickoff Party July 3 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
The Kickoff Party — a Grand Prix Festival staple — had guests donning their most tropical and patriotic clothes for a Jimmy Buffet-themed night of drinks, dancing and food. The Caribbean Chillers, a Jimmy Buffet cover band, played classic tunes to match the occasion. Supporters bid on live auction prizes including VIP tickets to a Red Sox vs. Yankees game, a Caribbean getaway and tickets to see Jimmy Buffett play in Las Vegas.
The party benefited Suncoast Charities for Children, which provides grants for local nonprofits including The Haven, Special Olympics Florida, Children First, Loveland Center and The Florida Center For Early Childhood.
The 35th annual festival runs through July 7 and ends with powerboat races at Lido Beach.
Suncoast Charities for Children Executive Director Lucy Nicandri, Robyn Knoll and Suncoast Charities for Children Assistant Executive Director Sarah Catell
Heather Kobobel and Andy McDonald
Diana Giasson, Jack Cox, Stephen Hazeltine, Michelle Hazeltine, Reed Giasson and Melissa and Kelly Caldwell
Tom Hargrove and Katie Smith with Joanna Walsh and Daniel Walsh
Steve Powell, John Saputo, Pat Bruenning and Joe Terrone
Victoria Loomis and Nico Loomis with Hans Plangger
Lou and Jodi Pisillo with Eric Jayne and Claire Hurban
Larry and Lisa Perkins, Steve Schwartz and Kelsey Hoover
Scott Antritt and Dena Vega
Olivia and Allison Barron
Tom and Gina Delong
The Hammerhead Offshore Racing team
Patty Denvir and Lori Lockhart
Robyn Knoll and Jennifer Godfrey
Tom Houser and Melanie Brunemann
Guests picked out a number of different desserts.
Rolo Miles with Tracy and Dr. Bruce Kruglick
Scott Ferguson with Bernie and Jim Gottschalk
Becca Stokes, Matt Stokes, Nancy Brooking and Ken Stokes
Pat and Jill Bruenning
Cassandra Sanchez, Roberto Trejo and Christine Moore
Jamie and Amy Wood with Chris Cox
Lamar and Diane Brantley with Susan and David Taiz
Suncoast Charities for Children Executive Director Lucy Nicandri, Tom Barwin and Julie Brown
Ed Bertha, Monica DeSomma, Ken Stokes, Kim Burns and Denise Equinda
