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First Step Sarasota celebrates family program's 25th anniversary

The annual luncheon was held Feb. 19 at Michael's On East.


  • By Harry Sayer
  • | 10:14 p.m. February 19, 2020
  • Black Tie
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First Steps Sarasota celebrated a quarter-decade of helping mothers and infants with its 17th annual Caring Hearts Luncheon on Feb. 19. The organization's Mothers and Infants program has helped deliver 471 drug-free babies to date. More than 300 guests marked that occasion at the Michael's On East luncheon, which recognized the children and families impacted by First Steps Sarasota. Several of the program's mothers and graduates attended the luncheon with their children in tow. 

COO Marlene Minzey and Allie Minzey
COO Marlene Minzey and Allie Minzey
Chairwoman Marisa Merlino, honoree Elizabeth LaBoone and Chairwoman Robyn Didelot
Chairwoman Marisa Merlino, honoree Elizabeth LaBoone and Chairwoman Robyn Didelot
Bonnie Whisman, Jeanne Singer, Phyllis Cox and Mary Beth Evers
Bonnie Whisman, Jeanne Singer, Phyllis Cox and Mary Beth Evers
Patti Schimmel and Anne Marie Tardif
Patti Schimmel and Anne Marie Tardif
B.J. Brooks, Heidi Brown and Peter Fleischmann
B.J. Brooks, Heidi Brown and Peter Fleischmann
Jim Boyd, Jamie Wood, Jack Cox
Jim Boyd, Jamie Wood, Jack Cox
Each seat had photos of children helped by the Mother and Infants program.
Each seat had photos of children helped by the Mother and Infants program.
Judi Kerzner, Elder Soria and Donna Hanley
Judi Kerzner, Elder Soria and Donna Hanley
Laura Josephson, Wendy Norman and Tonia Hutchinson
Laura Josephson, Wendy Norman and Tonia Hutchinson
Olivia Bell and Carole Burkhart
Olivia Bell and Carole Burkhart
Koleen and Eric Hoonhout
Koleen and Eric Hoonhout
Samantha Kingsley and Philip Tavill
Samantha Kingsley and Philip Tavill
Ed and Suzanne Luecke
Ed and Suzanne Luecke
Heather Schank and Jay Miller
Heather Schank and Jay Miller
Diane Settle, Mary Buchanan and Suzinn Edelston
Diane Settle, Mary Buchanan and Suzinn Edelston
Lisa Keith, Kristin Houser and Christine LeBlanc
Lisa Keith, Kristin Houser and Christine LeBlanc
Kelly Romanoff and Erika Quartermaine
Kelly Romanoff and Erika Quartermaine
B.J. Brooks and Jon Thaxton
B.J. Brooks and Jon Thaxton
Aria and Kelsey Pingitore with Marlena and Ryland Llamas
Aria and Kelsey Pingitore with Marlena and Ryland Llamas
Megan Micale, Heather Hawley and Carrie Dennison
Megan Micale, Heather Hawley and Carrie Dennison
Kristen and Klay Kishbaugh
Kristen and Klay Kishbaugh

 

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