Catholic Charities Ball brings '20s twist to the Ritz

Tim Tebow was the guest speaker at the Feb. 9 gala held at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

  • By Harry Sayer
  • | 10:10 a.m. February 9, 2020
  • Black Tie
  • Share

We've entered a new decade, but you'd be forgiven if you felt transported back to the roaring '20s during the 2020 Catholic Charities Ball on Feb. 9.

The annual event benefitting the Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. committed to its "Puttin' It On At The Ritz" theme and transformed the Ritz Carlton, Sarasota ballroom into a showcase of early 20th-century color, lighting and decor. Guests dressed up in period-appropriate clothing and bid on silent auction gifts during the cocktail hour before filling the ballroom for the dinner.

The night's speaker was a big draw as well. Heisman-winning quarterback and former NFL  player Tim Tebow served as guest speaker for the night and took photos with VIP guests. The night ended with music from the Phase 5 Band. 

Frank Wozniak, Sue Connizzo, Jean Cipriano and Jeanette Wozniak
Frank Wozniak, Sue Connizzo, Jean Cipriano and Jeanette Wozniak
Co-chairwoman Marilee Roberts, Tim Tebow, Gary Roberts
Co-chairwoman Marilee Roberts, Tim Tebow, Gary Roberts
Chairwoman Bridget Speiss
Chairwoman Bridget Speiss
Kathy and Steve Musco
Kathy and Steve Musco
Caroline Such and Karen Brady
Caroline Such and Karen Brady
Susan and George Strickland
Susan and George Strickland
Stuart and Joan Love
Stuart and Joan Love
Suzanne and John Anderson
Suzanne and John Anderson
Marianne and Chris Barlowe
Marianne and Chris Barlowe
Auctioneer Scott Robertson
Auctioneer Scott Robertson
Stacey and David Crawford
Stacey and David Crawford
Stephanie and Xavier Da Costa
Stephanie and Xavier Da Costa
Casey Berkeley and Leila Parks
Casey Berkeley and Leila Parks
The night had a glamorous golden '20s theme.
The night had a glamorous golden '20s theme.
Brian and Barbara Palmer
Brian and Barbara Palmer
Tim and Myrna Murphy
Tim and Myrna Murphy
Rick and Marianne Marziano
Rick and Marianne Marziano
Richard and Bay Kuzmich
Richard and Bay Kuzmich
Laurie and Bill Jarema
Laurie and Bill Jarema
Co-Chairwoman Beth Cannata and Dan Sexton
Co-Chairwoman Beth Cannata and Dan Sexton
Rochel and Arlene Flournoy
Rochel and Arlene Flournoy
John and Annie Begley
John and Annie Begley
Guests picked out jewelry during the cocktail hour.
Guests picked out jewelry during the cocktail hour.
Phil Delaney with Michele and Rick Tromble
Phil Delaney with Michele and Rick Tromble
Laura and Colton Castro
Laura and Colton Castro
Ellen and Jeff Levine
Ellen and Jeff Levine
Champagne glasses were available upon entering the ballroom
Champagne glasses were available upon entering the ballroom

 

Latest News

The Tingley Library in Bradenton Beach, pictured in October 2025, is in need of repairs estimated at $230,000.
  • April 7, 2026
Tingley Library makes plea to community
A rendering of the Mira Mar building set against the backdrop of Mira Mar Residences, the project that will provide revenue to fund the $25 million to $30 million restoration of the historic structure.
  • April 7, 2026
Construction permit issued for downtown Sarasota historic restoration project
Florida Statute 1001.42(4)(f)2 will require high schools, including Braden River High (pictured) and Lakewood Ranch High, to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. unless the district submits paperwork and gets accepted to keep the current start times.
  • April 7, 2026
Manatee County School District might fight starting time mandate
Greenbrook's Tara Poulton is running for Manatee County's District 6 commission seat.
  • April 7, 2026
Lakewood Ranch resident brings government experience to District 6 race

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content