On Nov. 1, under sunny skies with temperatures in the low 80s, Children First presented its 16th annual Flip Flops & Fashion fundraiser at Sharky’s On the Pier in Venice. With a breezy wind at 16 mph, the beach setting was perfect as 350 people entered the tent set up on the sand just mere yards from the gentle, lapping waves of the Gulf of Mexico. The sold-out event raises funds to provide services for children and families.
Children First Vice President of Philanthropy Jessica Rogers addressed the crowd with opening remarks and thanked the many donors and sponsors. Co-chairs of the event were Lisa Budslick and Doris Johnson. As the event progressed, guests dined on salmon or chicken dishes prepared by Sharky’s chefs.
“We have beautiful weather with beautiful people who came out to support a beautiful cause,” Children First Associate Director of Donor Relations Alyssa Simons told the crowd.
The presenting sponsor was Bealls Inc., and Krystel Beall, community outreach and philanthropic coordinator for Bealls, introduced the volunteer models while describing and commenting on the beautiful designs worn during the luncheon. With many more men on the guest list than in previous years, Beall gave a shout-out acknowledging their attendance, which was followed by thunderous applause.
Several vendors were on-site, including Lilly Pulitzer. “This is our first year attending Flip Flops & Fashion, and we are so excited to be here supporting this wonderful cause,” said store manager Jessica Nuzzo.
It did not go unnoticed that a former Tampa Bay Bucs football player was walking the runway, and it was confirmed that it was the Bucs’ former safety, Odie Harris, who played from 1988-90.
Established in 1961, Children First is Sarasota County’s exclusive provider of the Head Start Program.
President and CEO of Children First Philip Tavill with Krystel Beall, and Jessica Rogers, VP Of philanthropy at Children First.
Photo by Janet Combs
Arriving with style, Vanessa Silvana makes her way to the Children First Flip Flops & Fashion event.
Photo by Janet Combs
Event Co-chair Lisa Budslick,Associate Director of Donor Relations Alyssa Simonsleft, and Co-chair Doris Johnson
Photo by Janet Combs
Phillip Lanham and Tracy Knight stop for a photo at the Children First Flip Flops & Fashion event.
Photo by Janet Combs
Heather Xia, Wendy Williams, Janna Kim, Clarice Dokko and Susan Tagle
Photo by Janet Combs
Renee Phinney, Jenn Stutler, Sally Schule, Michelle Butler and Lisa Hyde.
Photo by Janet Combs
Mimi Enos, Jessica Nuzzo and Laura Flood enjoy the event.
Photo by Janet Combs
The 16th annual Children First Flip Flops & Fashion event was held Nov. 1 at Sharky's on the Pier in Venice, Florida.
Photo by Janet Combs
Trinidude Tom of Venice provided Calypso music as guests mingle during the opening hour of Flip Flops & Fashion.
Photo by Janet Combs
Christine Bolebruch, Dorothy Dugan and Beau Oz volunteer for the event.
Photo by Janet Combs
Tatyana Shaitanoff, Wendy Teague and Helene Vu enjoy Flip Flops & Fashion.
Photo by Janet Combs
Aurelie Van den Broek and Patra Slomak man the Bubble Bar at the event.
Photo by Janet Combs
Front: Leslie Jones with tennis friends Joyce Weiss, Teri Sayre and Julie Sparmax. Back: Haven Beach, Lesley France and Marsha Sutter
Photo by Janet Combs
Enjoying the Bubble Bar are Amela Pandza, Elma Pandza, Jules Mackie, Heather Koester and event Co-chair Lisa Budslick.
Photo by Janet Combs
Pat Gelfondand Ruth Wade are members of the New Sarasotans Group, which is donating to Children First in 2023.
Photo by Janet Combs
Annabel Serio, center, poses with models Gabi Charity, left, and Silke Weiss.
Photo by Janet Combs
Leslie Jones, center, celebrates with friends at the Children First Flip Flops & Fashion event.
Photo by Janet Combs
Bealls Inc. employees Steve Maldaonado and Anthony Miller enjoy the show.
Photo by Janet Combs
Doris Johnson, co-chair of the event, with Jessica Rogers, VP of philanthropy.
Photo by Janet Combs
Kate Pachota with her husband, Venice Mayor Nick Pachota. Nick's family, owners of the Venice Pier Group, built Sharky's in 1987.
Photo by Janet Combs
VP of Programs Kathleen Sullivan with Leah Jones, parent speaker of the policy council.
Photo by Janet Combs
Odie Harris, former football starter for the Tampa Bay Bucs, 1988-1990, and his wife, Bianca, walk the runway.
Photo by Janet Combs
Two-year old William, Renee, Brianna, 3, and Ryan Sensenbrenner walk the runway as a family.
Photo by Janet Combs
Katressa Wilson walks the runway with her grandson, Demetrez Buckley, 5, at the Children First Flip Flops & Fashion event.
Photo by Janet Combs
Catherine Daniel and Jackie Strous take the day off to attend Flip Flops & Fashion event.
Photo by Janet Combs
Friends Michaela Macdonald, Suzanne Anderson, Rebecca Guttridge and Laura Walters enjoy the Children First Flip Flop & Fashion event.
Photo by Janet Combs
Krystel Beall, community outreach and philanthropic coordinator for Bealls Inc., and presenting sponsor, introduced the models.
Photo by Janet Combs
Rachel Palazzolo and Sherri Lin purchased boxed note cards made from children's handprints.
