Organized by Suncoast Charities for Children, the 26th annual Thunder by the Bay held its kickoff party Feb. 16 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds.
Thousands of people flocked to the event to celebrate music, motorcycles, and of course, children. This fundraiser is a piece of Sarasota's history now with people attending from all over Florida as well as the United States, and boasts many sponsors each year.
More than 300 people attended the VIP party, which included Sonny's BBQ, drinks and gaming tables where guests could test their luck.
Florida's own KJB warmed up the crowd with their dead ringer covers and abundant energy, and the crowd went wild for the headliner, Jacksonville's own Molly Hatchet.
Suncoast Charities for Children provides direct financial support to six local nonprofit agencies in support of programs and services to children, teens, and adults with special needs throughout the Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, and Charlotte County areas. The agencies include Children First, The Florida Center for Early Childhood, The Haven, Special Olympics of Sarasota, Venice Challenger Baseball, and Loveland Center. Over the past 25 years, Thunder by the Bay has raised over $2.6 million for charity.
Robin Knoll, Chad Fraser, Suncoast Charities for Children Executive Director Lucy Nicandri and Pat Bruenning
Photo by Janet Combs
Traci Wright came from Indiana to attend the Thunder by the Bay kickoff party with Steven Kawa
Photo by Janet Combs
Donna and Pete DeFant
Photo by Janet Combs
Thunder by the Bay is a Hamilton family affair for dad Dan, daughter Mary, wife Karen, and son Matt
Susan and Steven Walleser
Photo by Janet Combs
Larry and Lorraine Ziff, Darien Lincoln, and Jennifer and Shawn Anderson enjoy the gaming table.
Photo by Janet Combs
Brian Bell, Darien Lincoln, and Mark Goodpasture man the tables.
Photo by Janet Combs
Steffanie Trowbridge with Mark Hoffman
Photo by Janet Combs
Babi Young, Bobi Bigelow and Janette Wells
Photo by Janet Combs
Blue Knights members Ralph Smith, Brian McConnell, and VP of FL 18 chapter, Jim Thomas
Shawna Frank and Alex Zevallos
Photo by Janet Combs
Heather Toto and Valerie Smith
KJB guitarist Jimmy Lally delivered each note with precision, and the band's covers had everyone out of their seats dancing and singing.
Photo by Janet Combs
Karen Lally fronts for KJB and opened for headliner Molly Hatchet
KJB members Thom Gallagher, Dave Toombs, Karen and Jimmy Lally and Joe Swierk
Photo by Janet Combs
Carla Bright, Chopper Dave Williams and Stephanie Trowbridge
Photo by Janet Combs
Serving up Sonny's BBQ are Leesa Merritt, Michelle Carben and Kara Lisa
Photo by Janet Combs
MC Frank the Tank from the Z105 Morning Show in Sarasota keeps the crowd on their feet.
Photo by Janet Combs
Molly Hatchet front man Parker Lee, drummer Shawn Beamer, and bassist Tim Lindsey rock the Thunder by the Bay kickoff party.
Photo by Janet Combs
Molly Hatchet keyboardist, John Galvin, front man, Parker Lee, and drummer Shawn Beamer perform at the Thunder by the Bay kickoff party.
Molly Hatchet keyboardist John Galvin and drummer Shawn Beamer
Suncoast Charities for Children Executive DirectorLucy Nicandri with Mike and Nancy Morgenthaler
Photo by Janet Combs
Tracey Linehan and husband, Greg, Board President of Suncoast Charities for Children
Gaetano Castiglione peruses the silent auction items.
Photo by Janet Combs
Betsy Stoneback and Ali Davidson
Photo by Janet Combs
Thunder by the Bay volunteers in the VIP tent include Helen and Jim Reed, and Marie and Herb Hadden
Rock Your Roots staff Stephanie Butler, Beki Johnson and Stacey Butler
Photo by Janet Combs
Robert Riley, mom Marcia Goldstein, and Sean Fultz with their sought-after pizza pies.
