Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee brings Hollywood theme to annual fundraiser

After all the prep work had been completed, Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee CEO and President Maribeth Phillips settled back to enjoy her favorite part of the Tropical Nights Goes Hollywood fundraiser March 25 at the Grove in Lakewood Ranch.

"Just being here and seeing everyone having a good time is my favorite time of the night," Phillips said. "Knowing they're here to support Meals on Wheels and the people in Manatee County means a lot to me personally."

The Tropical Nights Goes Hollywood theme had been picked to bring a touch of Hollywood glitz and glamor to the biggest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit.

Guests arrived at the annual affair and strolled down the red carpet to the event space for a social hour full of mixing and mingling. 

Jason Alpert served as master of ceremonies and welcomed the audience at the start of the program before passing things off to Bob Harrigan with ABC-7.

Guests heard words from Phillips, board chair Jackie Barron and board member Joseph Dunn as well.

The evening ended with music and dancing.