• Alternate Text
  • Loading

  • Holiday 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
  • LWR 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
  • LWR 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
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Glamor and goodwill at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club

Diamonds & Champagne Gala supports Foundation for Dreams


  • By Andrew Atkins
  • | 9:00 a.m. March 17, 2019
  • East County
  • News
  • Share

Guests radiated glamour at the second annual Diamonds & Champagne Gala March 14 at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club.

The event, which was organized by the Women's Council of Realtors Manatee, benefitted Foundations for Dreams.

AnnaMaria Carleton, the program director for Foundation for Dreams, said the event raised awareness for her organization and raised much-needed funds.

Sherry Grooms, the president of the Women's Council of Realtors Manatee, said the work Foundation for Dreams does is personally important to her.

"I have friends who have children with disabilities," she said. "I like to give all kids equal opportunity."

The gala featured live music from Jonathan Cortez of Ace in the Hole Entertainment, a live and silent auction, and a raffle to spend time in a money booth with $1,000 inside.

 

Ashley French, Sherry Grooms, Charlotte Griffin, Debbie Urban and Rebecca Dalton were the key organizers of the gala.
Ashley French, Sherry Grooms, Charlotte Griffin, Debbie Urban and Rebecca Dalton were the key organizers of the gala.
Karen Medford, Karla Jones Wilson, and Beth Beckert enjoyed the festivities.
Karen Medford, Karla Jones Wilson, and Beth Beckert enjoyed the festivities.
Steve Zeris, Christy May, and Peter Pike support the cause.
Steve Zeris, Christy May, and Peter Pike support the cause.
The tables were beautifully set for the occasion.
The tables were beautifully set for the occasion.
AnnaMaria Carleton, program director for Foundation for Dreams, says the event raises awareness.
AnnaMaria Carleton, program director for Foundation for Dreams, says the event raises awareness.
Sandi Spahn, Lauren Dalton, Hope Tomsen, and Bella Barcell.
Sandi Spahn, Lauren Dalton, Hope Tomsen, and Bella Barcell.
Laura Benson and Peter Salefsky led the festivities for the evening.
Laura Benson and Peter Salefsky led the festivities for the evening.
Just under 200 guests attended the event.
Just under 200 guests attended the event.
One attendee was selected to receive a 0.71 carat diamond valued at at least $2,000, which was donated by Estate Coin and Jewelry Galleria.
One attendee was selected to receive a 0.71 carat diamond valued at at least $2,000, which was donated by Estate Coin and Jewelry Galleria.
Jerica Rogers, of Estate Coin and Jewelry Galleria, holds the diamond her business provided for the event.
Jerica Rogers, of Estate Coin and Jewelry Galleria, holds the diamond her business provided for the event.
Jonathan Cortez provided the musical stylings of the evening.
Jonathan Cortez provided the musical stylings of the evening.
Plenty of couples took to the dance floor after dinner.
Plenty of couples took to the dance floor after dinner.
A group from SaraBay Suncoast Realty.
A group from SaraBay Suncoast Realty.
Carolyn Hoff, Argelia Vidal, Richard Bottorff, Whitney Ellis, Tonna Gruber, and Brian Vaugh.
Carolyn Hoff, Argelia Vidal, Richard Bottorff, Whitney Ellis, Tonna Gruber, and Brian Vaugh.
Monique Geathers of Keller Williams Realty of Manatee and Selina Wiggins or Unique Realty of Manatee.
Monique Geathers of Keller Williams Realty of Manatee and Selina Wiggins or Unique Realty of Manatee.
Jon Fierro, who owns White Diamond Landscape, and Jane Dokka, who owns Hana Sushi Lounge.
Jon Fierro, who owns White Diamond Landscape, and Jane Dokka, who owns Hana Sushi Lounge.
Laura and Steward Lawrence of Michael Saunders & Company.
Laura and Steward Lawrence of Michael Saunders & Company.
Lori Bollinger, Pam Ali, and Deborah and Charlie O'Mara of Michael Saunders & Company.
Lori Bollinger, Pam Ali, and Deborah and Charlie O'Mara of Michael Saunders & Company.
Guests mingled in the outdoor space after sunset.
Guests mingled in the outdoor space after sunset.
John Woodcox of CrossCountry Mortgage and Jackie Hinger of First American Title Insurance Company.
John Woodcox of CrossCountry Mortgage and Jackie Hinger of First American Title Insurance Company.
Guests had the opportunity to have their picture professionally taken in front of a Rolls Royce.
Guests had the opportunity to have their picture professionally taken in front of a Rolls Royce.
Some guests arrived in style.
Some guests arrived in style.

 

Latest News

Renovations and construction of new concessions in Concourse B at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport are nearly complete.
  • December 18, 2025
Airport's growth in 2025 sets the stage for 2026 planning
St. Armands Circle was several feet underwater following hurricanes Helene and Milton.
  • December 17, 2025
St. Armands receives $13.5 million to address flooding concerns
Cyclists utilize the bike lanes on Gulf of Mexico Drive along the newly completed Country Club Shores turn lane project portion of the street. The 0.84-mile segment marks the first example of the town’s Complete Streets vision.
  • December 17, 2025
Longboat Key chips away at Complete Street(s) goal
Manatee County administrators address the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Dec. 8. From left to right: Deputy county administrators Corey Stutte, Bryan Parnell, Courtney De Pol and County Administrator Charlie Bishop.
  • December 17, 2025
Convention Center expansion tops 'state of Manatee County' presentation

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 News

Renovations and construction of new concessions in Concourse B at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport are nearly complete.
  • December 18, 2025
Airport's growth in 2025 sets the stage for 2026 planning
Manatee County administrators address the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Dec. 8. From left to right: Deputy county administrators Corey Stutte, Bryan Parnell, Courtney De Pol and County Administrator Charlie Bishop.
  • December 17, 2025
Convention Center expansion tops 'state of Manatee County' presentation
Braden River Library is one of seven locations in the Manatee County Public Library System.
  • December 17, 2025
Library Advisory Board needs 2 new members
Pator Caleb Free's daughter JoJo Free attends Risen Savior Academy.
  • December 16, 2025
Lutheran church brings more Christian education to Lakewood Ranch
Residents line up behind the podium to object to a proposal for Altman Rye Townhomes.
  • December 15, 2025
Planning commission reviews three projects in east Manatee County
Director of Government Relations Stephanie Garrison leads the work session Dec. 3.
  • December 10, 2025
Changing millage review process a top priority among Manatee commissioners

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 © 2025 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