Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee brings Hollywood theme to annual fundraiser
Guests embraced the spotlight during the fundraiser at the Grove in Lakewood Ranch.
By
Harry Sayer
| 11:45 a.m. March 26, 2023
East County
Neighbors
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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.
Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee board members line up for a photo at the start of the program.
Photo by Harry Sayer
The night had a Hollywood theme.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Kathryn Chesley and Will McCallister take on some throwback looks.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Ashley Bocuzzi, Kathy Martella, Veronica Brandon Miller and Jeremy Miller mix and mingle at the start og the program.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Andrea Ronchini and Carolina Bernal
Photo by Harry Sayer
Guests bid on silent auction items.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Marie and Joan Gowgiel were having a lovely time at the event.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Joana and Robert Farias were all smiles.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Bob Revels, Tracy Vita, Veenie and Mark Goodson dressed elegantly for the evening affair.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Lynn Turner and Lisa Barnott both sported some dazzling sequined attire.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Guests bid on silent auction items.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Marty and Lisa Tetrick went with the classy black aesthetic.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Lisa and Dan Ferry opted for old Hollywood costumes for the fundraiser.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Victoria and Chuck Jacobson brought a splash of color into the evening.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Leslie Routhier and John Rosenboom went with some lighter shades in their clothes.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Sylvia Day stood out in the crowd with her bright red attire.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Julieta and Elvin Oyola dress their best for Tropical Nights.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Mario Palmer, president and CEO Maribeth Phillips and Carey Palmer. Phillips spent the cocktail hour welcoming an assortment of guests.
