While the evening of Nov. 4 delivered atmospheric conditions worthy of a beach party, the staff at Sharky's on the Pier and Finn's delivered a gastronomic delight at the Children First's 11th Annual Rockin' Lobster.
About 325 guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, a traditional New England lobster dinner and musical entertainment from the Paisley Craze Band. Vice President of Philanthropy Jessica Rogers welcomed everyone, highlighted the number of children served in our community, and gave a heartfelt thanks to all of the volunteers. Board Member Keith Johnson, from continuing sponsor Truist, thanked the many supporters and donors.
Debbie LaPinske, chief customer officer for long-time sponsor PGT Innovations said, "Our PGT family enjoys supporting Children First through these events, as well as serving on their board of directors, and we are all looking forward to a beautiful evening, a fabulous sunset and a great time."
Held under a white tent, guests spilled out onto the beach to enjoy the gentle waves, sunset — and a wedding ceremony down the beach.
Scott Gurr, whose Compound Family Offices in Sarasota is a continuing sponsor, said, "This is always a great event, and we love to help out with such a wonderful cause."
Ending on a sweet note, s'mores were served around a bonfire.
Children First is proud to rank in the top 1% of all Head Start programs nationwide where 94% of preschoolers met or exceeded school readiness goals during the 2022-23 school year.
Rockin' Lobster co-chairs are Bob and Laurin Ripley and Board Member Rebecca Lieberher and her husband Philip, who took a moment to share a photo with Board Chair Brock Leach.
Photo by Janet Combs
The 11th annual Rockin' Lobster was supported by many donors and volunteers.
Photo by Janet Combs
Stephania Feltz and Rod Herschberger on the way to their dinner table with fresh lobsters.
Photo by Janet Combs
Seth Oesterling puts the finishing touches on the lobster dinner plates tonight.
Photo by Janet Combs
Board Member Keith Johnson is with Truist, one of the night's sponsors, and he thanked the many donors and supporters.
Photo by Janet Combs
Children First Vice President of Philanthropy, Jessica Rogers, recognized all of the volunteers while addressing the guests.
Photo by Janet Combs
The Paisley Craze Band provided background and dance music. Keyboardist Dave Mankes, guitarist Bob Deilman, vocalist Donna Lamoureaux, drummer Bob Lunergan and bassist Marty Bednar
Photo by Janet Combs
Lacy Ray, Jessica Rogers, Jacqueline Ray and Tom Cunningham catch up just before dinner.
Photo by Janet Combs
Kate Reed and Kristie Skoglund are all smiles at the dinner table while waiting for the Maine course of lobster.
Photo by Janet Combs
Kathleen Louis and Linda Parchen enjoy salad before the lobsters make their debut.
Photo by Janet Combs
Board Chair Rev. Brock Leach and CEO and President PhilipTavill enjoy the sunset together.
Photo by Janet Combs
Paul Cox and Linda Bair are having a wonderful time together enjoying the nighttime beach air.
Photo by Janet Combs
Stephania Feltz, and Nichi and Jim Martin are looking forward to dining on fresh lobster tonight.
Photo by Janet Combs
Renee Phinney and Glen Rieth
Photo by Janet Combs
Laurie and Kevin Garcia, John and Stephanie Andersen, Eric and Jill Larson
Photo by Janet Combs
Karyn and Dave Cravens, Caryn and Steve-O Patterson, Kim Schuerman and Cathy Brown are enjoying new and old friendships on the beach at Rockin' Lobster.
Photo by Janet Combs
Cheryl and Mark Reina and Michael and Dawn Baers are having a lot of fun near the pier at Sharkys in Venice, Florida.
Photo by Janet Combs
David Pilkington gives his wife, Carol, a quick kiss to while celebrating the gorgeous sunset.
Photo by Janet Combs
A regular sponsor, the PGT staff include Board Member Rob Moulds, wife Valerie, Elaine and Rod Herschberger, Kristin and Eric Kowalewski, Debbie and Jim LaPinska, Katie and Brian Covey, and Jennifer and Don Vichitvongsa.
Photo by Janet Combs
Steve Mort, Merissa and Matt Kihnke, Michelle and David Young, Jules Ha and Kory Lee are headed into the main tent for a lobster dinner prepared by Sharky's and Finn's chefs.
Photo by Janet Combs
Chase Bank employees Yvonne Harper and Capricia Whiting are part of a team of volunteers who helped make Rockin' Lobster a success tonight.
Photo by Janet Combs
Children First presents its 11th annual Rockin' Lobster held under tents set up on the sand at Sharkys on the Pier, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in Venice, Florida.
Photo by Janet Combs
Pam Holic and her husband, former Venice Mayor John Holic, are enjoying the cocktail hour with Debbie and Jim LaPinska.
Photo by Janet Combs
Dear friends Renee Freeman, Asa Harris, Robin Ginyard and Shantel Norman are excited to be at Sarasota's best beach party tonight.
Photo by Janet Combs
Maury and Diana Webb, Steve and Redenta Picazio, and Maurice and Vanessa Opstal with the VP of Philanthropy Jessica Rogers
Photo by Janet Combs
Roberto Perera and Candice Weese
Photo by Janet Combs
Karen Pharo, Alyssa Simons, Linda Bair and Evan Ackerman of Children First welcome guests as they enter Rockin' Lobster.
Photo by Janet Combs
Ann Karwoski, Michelle Bundy and Flora Dynick check in the some 325 guests of the evening.
Photo by Janet Combs
Jessica Rogers, Donna Pachota, David Foster and his wife, Lisa, enjoy the cocktail reception.
