Nestled under oak trees that top 50 feet in height and 200 years of age lies Sarasota County's Resilient Retreat, a campus with programs that support the healing of trauma survivors to help them become resilient and thrive.
About 250 people came out to support the second annual Farm to Table event Nov. 5 benefiting this unique retreat that lies just a few miles east of Sarasota. Guests enjoyed a sophisticated evening free of tents, and the only projected sounds heard were those of the bassist Michael Ross and vocalist Fred Johnson, both highly regarded jazz musicians who entertained until 8 p.m. A special guest appearance by award-wining soul artist Alex Harris also thrilled the crowd.
The bespoke dining experience featured chefs Christopher Covelli of Sage SRQ, Mark Traugutt & Alfonso Duron of Fork & Hen, Jamil Pineda of Michael's On East, and Jim Angus of Atria Cafe. The live auction boasted Asolo Repertory Theatre tickets, a wine dinner for eight, full-day custom retreats for nine, BSWANKY pocketbooks, a SeaDream yacht voyage and sports packages. Adding to the uniqueness of this event was the inclusion of the chef's recipes in the program, and a chef's parade at 7:15 p.m.
Resilient Retreat was founded by Sidney Turner, who was recently named one of the Business Observer's 2023 40 under 40. Turner believes that survivors should not let their trauma define them, and should focus on the strengths that can come from overcoming adversity.
Resilient Retreat founder Sidney Turner with husband, Troy, and their therapy dog, 4-year old Journey
Photo by Janet Combs
Board member Sherri Mills, Shirley Porlles, Carla Malachowski, Kathleen Goode and Linda Whitacre
Photo by Janet Combs
Kashae Foster and her dad, Chaplain Kelvin Foster, catch up with Steve Ellis and board member Sherri Mills.
Photo by Janet Combs
Hank Kochan and his wife, Jinx.
Photo by Janet Combs
Maria Mandler, Jill Weinstein, Carole Chrisman, Melissa Meserve, Carla Kortendick and Tamara Jazzia
Photo by Janet Combs
Claire Kunzman and Georg Garnitschnig drove down from the Tampa area to attend the event.
Photo by Janet Combs
Amee and Rich Petitt during the cocktail hour, which was held in an open field.
Photo by Janet Combs
Diane and Tim Muldoon with Eric Gard and Rachael Ferranti
Photo by Janet Combs
Kim Bouchard, board Vice Chair Ramin Mesghali, Deanna Mesghali, board member Debbie Casely and her husband, Mike.
Photo by Janet Combs
Bia Antunes and Jenny Alday Townsend
Photo by Janet Combs
Jeff Stevens and Lynne Carpenter are all smiles in anticipation of the evening.
Photo by Janet Combs
Daniel and Kelly Palladino, Matt and board member Krystel Beall, Hallie and Jake Young, Ann-Marie Gaglliardi, and Mike and Nicole Cato
Photo by Janet Combs
Board member Debbie Casely, Laura Towle and Craig Wetter
Photo by Janet Combs
Toby and Rebecca Hart with Franklin Luke
Photo by Janet Combs
Mack Goode, Penelope Bodry-Sanders, Allison Tewhill, Heather Killingbeck, Elizabeth Intagliata and Debbie Woodson
Photo by Janet Combs
Carol and Jeff Edgar, Jason and Leigh Hughes and Craig Kaplan
Photo by Janet Combs
Glenn Wiener and Rosemary Montana
Photo by Janet Combs
Kathy and Jeff Paulsen are all smiles during Farm to Table.
Photo by Janet Combs
Thomas and Barbara Gardner
Photo by Janet Combs
Farm to Table volunteers include Candice McLeod, Ginny Garrison, Sherry McSherry, Amber Scott, Patti Gerlek and Susan Vowels.
Photo by Janet Combs
Each guest took home candles from sponsor Bia Candle Co.
Photo by Janet Combs
Mary Ellen and John Mancini
Photo by Janet Combs
Greg Campbell from Pier 22 enjoys dinner with his daughter, Morgan, and wife, Karissa.
Photo by Janet Combs
Bia Antunes and Jenny Alday Townsend take a selfie before dinner.
Photo by Janet Combs
Volunteer Sarah Cripe poses with some of the live auction items.
Photo by Janet Combs
Providing a subtle rhythmic pulse is well known acoustic bassist Michael Ross.
Photo by Janet Combs
Acclaimed jazz vocalist Fred Johnson accompanies bassist Michael Ross to entertain the crowd.
Photo by Janet Combs
The Reslient Retreat held its second annual Farm to Table event at its campus in east Sarasota County.
