In 2023, Lakewood Ranch's Sisterhood for Good granted $110,800 to area nonprofits.
Could it be done again?
On Friday night, Lakewood Ranches' Sisters presented "Phantom: A Masquerade Ball" at the Sarasota Hyatt Regency. More than 250 people attended and while the final numbers have yet to be tallied, the event and its silent and live auctions should propel Sisterhood for Good toward another record year of philanthropy.
Those who attended donned masks and period outfits to fit the theme for the night. Jonathan Cortez provided the live music that included some favorites from "Phantom of the Opera."
Jonathan Cortez sings "The Music of the Night" from "Phantom of the Opera."
Photo by Jay Heater
Dancers Francis Llorente and Zoe Luna, representing Fred Astaire Studios Sarasota, entertained the crowd.
Photo by Jay Heater
David Perkowski and wife Allison Imre Perkowski are regulars at charity events to support the community.
Photo by Jay Heater
Melissa Howard showed her love of the community by being Phantom's presenting sponsor.
Photo by Jay Heater
Sisterhood for Good member Kathy Yu brought a multi-colored mask to wear at Phantom.
Photo by Jay Heater
Sisterhood for Good founder Angela Massaro-Fain and her husband, John Fain, helped put together another huge fundraiser that will benefit area nonprofits.
Photo by Jay Heater
Stephanie Peabody, the founder of the Brain Health Initiative, is enjoying her time behind the mask at Phantom.
Photo by Jay Heater
Maribeth Phillips, the CEO and president of Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee, is dressed for the occasion.
Photo by Jay Heater
Sisters from Sisterhood for Good pack the dance floor during Phantom at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota.
Photo by Jay Heater
Former District 5 Commissioner Vanessa Baugh attended with her husband Don.
Photo by Jay Heater
Rich Medford, Stephanie Peabody, and Karen Medford hit the dance floor during the Phantom fundraiser.
Photo by Jay Heater
Two of East County's most philanthropic women, Angela Massaro-Fain and Maribeth Phillips enjoy the event.
Photo by Jay Heater
Vanessa Baugh and Starla Armstrong came to support the charity event.
Photo by Jay Heater
Sisterhood for Good's Becca Towery went all out with her Phantom dress.
Jay Heater is the managing editor of the East County Observer. Overall, he has been in the business more than 41 years, 26 spent at the Contra Costa Times in the San Francisco Bay area as a sportswriter covering college football and basketball, boxing and horse racing.
