"Picnic Posh" was the requested attire at the ninth annual Avenues to the Future: Bourbon, Beers and BBQ, and this old-fashioned event did not disappoint. With bourbons designed to satisfy the most discerning of palates, 235 guests enjoyed tastings, mingling, dancing and dinner with both old and new friends. Many business professionals were in attendance and eager to support the SCF Foundation's mission, which is to connect donors' passions and regional partners with SCF's  students, faculty, programs and community.
Planned to be an outdoor event while serving up some good ol' fashioned Southern hospitality, the cocktail party Feb. 17 was moved into the brightly designed space of Building 3, protecting everyone from the rain sprinkles that turned into a downpour by the end of the evening. A silent auction, paddle raise, live entertainment, dinner and dancing were enjoyed by all.
State College of Florida President, Carol Probstfeld, has been with SCF for 22 years, 12 of them as president. Poised to retire on July 1, she stressed that this event is important because it puts funds where the greatest needs lie: scholarships and program enhancements. Proud of the wonderful partnership between SCF and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, she and hospital CEO Andy Guz agree that the nursing program has enjoyed continued expansion while graduating students who are ready to take on various roles in the medical field.
The proceeds from Avenues to the Future help SCF provide the best education possible to enhance the quality of life in our region.
SCF President Carol Probstfeld with Andy Guz
Photo by Janet Combs
Madeline Mangas, Suzanne Anderson and Roxanne Petrilla check in guests while the band plays
Photo by Janet Combs
Pier 22 staff Trish Martinez and April Conner serve old fashioned drinks
Photo by Janet Combs
Nursing students poised to graduate on May 3 are Briana Cochran, Kai Almodovar and DeeAnna Pease
Photo by Janet Combs
SCF President Carol Probstfeld and Executive Director of SCF Foundation Cassandra Holmes
Photo by Janet Combs
Allen Gager and Linda Evans
Buz and Daria Zoller are all smiles while enjoying some old fashioned fun.
Photo by Janet Combs
Leeza Nanandhan, Shane Lewis, Char Knight and Kent Hayes
Photo by Janet Combs
Board of Trustee member Mike Fuller, his son, Remmington, SCF President Carol Probstfeld, and her husband and SCF Ambassador, Bill Murphy
Photo by Janet Combs
Rudy Lucek, Foundation Board Trustee Lois Lucek, Anita and Dr. Sidney Holec, and Robin and Sheldon Mann
Photo by Janet Combs
Jane and Bill Oskin with Deanna and Jay Joyce
Photo by Janet Combs
Ted Holmes and EmmaLee Holmes with Abigail and Michael Galati
Photo by Janet Combs
Vernon and Peggy DeSear with Rhonda and Jeff McWhorter
Bea Fernandez, Nancy Platkin, Cindy McCollum and Allen Gager
Photo by Janet Combs
Erica and Taylor Aultman
Photo by Janet Combs
Matt Dendy from SRQ Entertainment wows the crowd with his electric violin during the cocktail hour.
Photo by Janet Combs
Brenda Green, Joana Mitra and Bree Carotti
Photo by Janet Combs
Barbara Lodwick, Mary and Marty Glass and David Lodwick
Photo by Janet Combs
Executive VP and Provost Todd Fritch and Jamie Sudvary
Photo by Janet Combs
Johannna Neville, Vicki Doerfler, Lidwien Redelijk, Sarah Boler, Kati Witt, Teresa Marra, and Angie Hartman
Photo by Janet Combs
Chris, Dana, Denise, and Todd Hiser with Janet and Chet Coleman
235 guests had the opportunity to enjoy a lot of palate-stimulating bourbon.
