Magical event in Sarasota

Rangoonwala Family Foundation presents "The Haven Has Talent."

  • By Andrew Atkins
  • | 9:30 a.m. March 30, 2019
  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • Share

It was apropos magic was part of "The Haven Has Talent" event March 28 at the Sarasota nonprofit, The Haven, which offers programs and services for adults and children with disabilities.

The Rangoonwala Family Foundation in partnership with Suncoast Charities for Children presented the special event, which opened with a performance from magician Jeff Lovett — Jeff the Juggler — before moving on to a performance from preschoolers, who sang a song about penguins. 

It was a magical kind of day.

"Let's give these guys a bit of a spotlight," said Powerboat P1 CEO Azam Rangoonwala.

The annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix (July 6-7) raises money for Suncoast Charities for Children, which in turn supports The Haven. Last year, Rangoonwala decided to do even more and his foundation presented a similar event at The Haven. It was expanded March 28 to include carnival-style fun, entertainment and food. Clients of The Haven performed skits and songs from their favorite movies.

Prizes and presents were given to all participants.

 

 

Powerboat P1 CEO Azam Rangoonwala, is hugged by preschoolers at The Haven.
Powerboat P1 CEO Azam Rangoonwala, is hugged by preschoolers at The Haven.
Preschoolers find great seats in the front row.
Preschoolers find great seats in the front row.
Suncoast Charities for Children Executive Director Lucy Nicandri dances with Preslie Hutchinson.
Suncoast Charities for Children Executive Director Lucy Nicandri dances with Preslie Hutchinson.
Magician Jeff Lovett works the crowd while Azam Rangoonwala balances two plates while standing on one foot.
Magician Jeff Lovett works the crowd while Azam Rangoonwala balances two plates while standing on one foot.
Preschoolers adored magician Jeff Lovett's performance.
Preschoolers adored magician Jeff Lovett's performance.
Jeff Lovett — who goes by Jeff the Juggler — juggles rings while his wife, Lori Lovett, looks on.
Jeff Lovett — who goes by Jeff the Juggler — juggles rings while his wife, Lori Lovett, looks on.
Azam Rangoonwala tries his hand at being a magician with the help of Jeff Lovett.
Azam Rangoonwala tries his hand at being a magician with the help of Jeff Lovett.
After Jeff the Juggler's performance concluded, preschoolers all got a turn to pet Peanut Butter the rabbit.
After Jeff the Juggler's performance concluded, preschoolers all got a turn to pet Peanut Butter the rabbit.
Haven clients performed to the
Haven clients performed to the "Rocky" theme song and airboxed like champions.
Amy Cross sang
Amy Cross sang "Let it Go" by Idina Menzel from Disney's "Frozen."
Patsy Tellstrom sang
Patsy Tellstrom sang "God Bless America" to the crowd at the talent show.
Powerboat P1 even brought a boat that was on display.
Powerboat P1 even brought a boat that was on display.
Corey Volosin and Hank Fish, of Custom Catering, serve up slices of pizza.
Corey Volosin and Hank Fish, of Custom Catering, serve up slices of pizza.
Tom Houser, of Custom Catering, prepares cotton candy.
Tom Houser, of Custom Catering, prepares cotton candy.

 

Latest News

Food truck regulations were a topic of discussion at the Tuesday, Jan. 20 Longboat Key Town Commission workshop meeting.
  • January 23, 2026
Are food trucks allowed on Longboat Key?
Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is at 6320 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.
  • January 23, 2026
New sandwich shop opens in south Sarasota
The Original Hob Nob Drive-In will open this spring at 1701 N. Washington Blvd. in Sarasota.
  • January 23, 2026
Hob Nob to reopen in Sarasota with new owner
The McCullough Pavilion building is set against the backdrop of the former Sarasota County Administration Center, which will be redeveloped by Benderson Development.
  • January 22, 2026
County approves sale of downtown historic building to architecture-history group

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content