- October 3, 2024
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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.