• Alternate Text
  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • 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
  • Things to Do
  • 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
  • Things to Do
  • 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
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Embracing Our Differences emphasizes art and diversity at luncheon

The annual luncheon was held Jan. 28 at Michael's On East.


  • By Harry Sayer
  • | 1:45 p.m. January 28, 2020
  • Black Tie
  • Share

Michael's On East was packed for Embracing Our Difference's annual luncheon on Jan. 28.

Hundreds of guests assembled during a lively cocktail hour before heading into the ballroom for a powerful presentation from organization representatives about the power of diversity in art. Dennis McGillicuddy started the program thanking Embracing Our Difference's staff, sponsors, and its many supporters before lunch was served. Students who have faced bullying also spoke to the crowd.

The event coincided with the organization's outdoor art exhibit that showcases various billboard-sized art pieces promoting tolerance, diversity, awareness and goodwill. The Embracing Our Differences exhibit runs through April 5.  

Chairwomen Linda Poteat-Brown and Graci McGillicuddy
Chairwomen Linda Poteat-Brown and Graci McGillicuddy
Executive Director Sarah Wertheimer, Dennis McGillicuddy, co-chairwoman Graci McGillicuddy and Brooks Tracey
Executive Director Sarah Wertheimer, Dennis McGillicuddy, co-chairwoman Graci McGillicuddy and Brooks Tracey
Susie Bowie with William and Betsy Johnston and Alicia Chalmers
Susie Bowie with William and Betsy Johnston and Alicia Chalmers
Angela Hartvigsen, Ben Jewell-Plocher and Brian Hersh
Angela Hartvigsen, Ben Jewell-Plocher and Brian Hersh
Nelle Miller, Giselle Pintchuck, Marilyn Thompson and Bette Zaret
Nelle Miller, Giselle Pintchuck, Marilyn Thompson and Bette Zaret
Heidi Brown, Rachel Bradley, Denise Cotler and Karen Zelden
Heidi Brown, Rachel Bradley, Denise Cotler and Karen Zelden
Dennis Rees and Keith Monda
Dennis Rees and Keith Monda
Susan Gorin and Barbara Brizdle
Susan Gorin and Barbara Brizdle
Tammy Karp and Donna Koffman
Tammy Karp and Donna Koffman
Gila Meriweather, Richard Bergman and Michelle Mitchell
Gila Meriweather, Richard Bergman and Michelle Mitchell
Susan Mallitz, Mark Pritchett and Julie Harris
Susan Mallitz, Mark Pritchett and Julie Harris
Jarred Wilson, Clare Arguedas and Mark Steinwachs
Jarred Wilson, Clare Arguedas and Mark Steinwachs
Veronica Brady and Ronnie Hawkins
Veronica Brady and Ronnie Hawkins
Jamie Warren, Pavitra Ciavardone and Lori Dorian
Jamie Warren, Pavitra Ciavardone and Lori Dorian
Larry Haspell, Helen Hoffenberger and Michael Klauber
Larry Haspell, Helen Hoffenberger and Michael Klauber
Rose Dalsandro, Kristin Fulkerson and CJ Bannister
Rose Dalsandro, Kristin Fulkerson and CJ Bannister
Adrea Suki with Marty and Irene Ross
Adrea Suki with Marty and Irene Ross
Pavitra Ciavardone and Montana Taplinger
Pavitra Ciavardone and Montana Taplinger
Dennis McGillicuddy started the luncheon.
Dennis McGillicuddy started the luncheon.

 

Latest News

Amanda Parrish is serving as the EDC's interim CEO, and Elizabeth Cordes is the director of business recruitment and expansion.
  • April 10, 2026
Manatee County Commission changes course on Bradenton EDC
Drugs, cash and a rifle bullet were among the items found by Sarasota Police in a search of a 31st Way home, resulting in the arrest of Demarius R. Jones, of Sarasota.
  • April 10, 2026
Sarasota man on probation arrested on drug, other charges
Hanami Sushi Cocktails & Grill is at 1525 Fourth St., Suite C, in Sarasota.
  • April 10, 2026
Sushi restaurant opens in Sarasota's Rosemary District
Work proceeds on the fields at 17th Street Park in northeastern Sarasota County. Completion is expected late this year
  • April 9, 2026
Multistate softball tournament coming to 17th Street Park

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 Black Tie

Sheila Weiss, Michael Goldman, Dr. Helene Lotman, Ellen Goldner, Marion Levine and Sasha Rosin make up the Hope in Bloom committee.
  • April 3, 2026
JFCS celebrates 40 years of service at Hope in Bloom
The co-chairs are Darci Jacob (ninth year), Vickie Smith (fourth year) and Carolyn Castro (first year).
  • March 28, 2026
SPARCC Runway 2026 reassembles a kaleidoscope of lives and fashion
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation President Stacey Corley with panelists Dr. Kelly Hamel, Dr. Sarah Kimball and Dr. Angela Boldo
  • March 28, 2026
Women & Medicine educates guests on women's health
Drayton Saunders acceps a Champion For Children award for MSC Foundation and President and CEO of Safe Children Coalition Brena Slater
  • March 27, 2026
Safe Children Coalition names 2026 Champions for Children
Terri King, Rocky and Liza Pappas
  • March 23, 2026
USF enjoys picture-perfect day for Brunch on the Bay
Lauren Athas, event Chair Lauren Christensen, Nati Shabat and Katie Biter
  • March 23, 2026
ODA supporters take Banyan Ball to Club Paraiso

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 © 2026 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.


Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free