The Sarasota Police Foundation held its annual gala Jan. 27 at Michael's On East with 200 guests in attendance. With a purpose to help achieve objectives that may not be budgeted for, monies raised fund equipment, enhanced training, mental wellness and outreach efforts for the Sarasota Police Department.
The Martie Moss and Paul Rubin Award supports the Officers of the Year Award, which was given to Michael Skinner and Ron Dixon, who work on the Marine Patrol Unit. This honor comes with a $5,000 award to be donated to a cause of their choice, and they are proud to support the Ethan Isaacs Memorial Fund. Isaacs was a 10-year-old Pine View School sixth grader who died in a boating accident in 2020 on Sarasota Bay, and his fund helps nonprofit organizations provide boat safety, education and training to prevent future boating tragedies.
The event also recognized Sgt. Jamie Morrison as Supervisor of the Year.Â
The Legacy Ring of Honor went to honorees Carmen Woods and D. Franklin, both retired officers who were partners on the SPD for over 10 years, and attended the police academy together.
State Attorney Ed Brodsky said, "This foundation began in 2014 and provides tremendous support to recognize and honor the men and women who wear the badge as protectors of our city."
Board President Jeff Birnbach, Treasurer Areaka Jewell, Directors Libby Soderberg, Andrea Capek, Director and Secretary Sean Murphy and Director Pete Abbott.
Photo by Janet Combs
Jessica Skinner, Officers of the Year Michael Skinner and Ron Dixon, and his daughter, Mikiah Dixon. Officers Skinner and Dixon are assigned to Marine Patrol on Sarasota Bay.
Photo by Janet Combs
Scott Taylor and Deb Kabinoff are lead donors and event sponsors of the SRQ Blue and White Gala.
Photo by Janet Combs
Lauren Stevens, Whitney Bentz, Daniel Stevens, Lt. Richie Schwieterman, and Tim Dederick
Photo by Janet Combs
City Attorney Joe Polzak with State Attorneys Craig Schaeffer and Ed Brodsky
Photo by Janet Combs
John Todd, Heather Todd, Stewie and Marji Bitterman, and Marcy Abbott
Photo by Janet Combs
Richard Rostant, Kathy Stout-LaBauve, Michael and Joan Gray, Frank and Barb Ross, Victoria Phillips, Sean Murphy and Janis Cohen
Photo by Janet Combs
Scott Taylor with Lisa and Jeff Silvershein
Photo by Janet Combs
Lisa and Joel Paritz, George and Gayle Maurizi, Penny and Neil Manasse, and Robyn and Dennis Bivona
Photo by Janet Combs
Carmen Woods, Cathi and Ken Castro, and Cori Stannish
Photo by Janet Combs
John Schramm and Andrea Capek
Photo by Janet Combs
Laurie Birnbach, William Green and Vickie Miller
Photo by Janet Combs
Patrick Duggan and Kevin Cooper with Dan and Laura DeLeo
Photo by Janet Combs
SPD retired officers Carmen Woods and D. Franklin were honored with the Legacy Ring of Honor Award.
Photo by Janet Combs
SPD police officers Laura Stevens, Molly Spencer and Whitney Bentz
Photo by Janet Combs
Michael and Lynne Doyle, Bill and Robyn Sadlo, Kathy and Mike Martella, and Stephanie and Drew Martinez
Photo by Janet Combs
Kailey Bova, Caroline Hagen and Brooke Robbins
Photo by Janet Combs
Pauline and John Groetelaars
Photo by Janet Combs
Pat Robinson, Ed Brodsky, Deb Kabinoff and Scott Taylor
Photo by Janet Combs
Sarasota Police Department Foundation President Jeff Birnbach welcomes guests at this sold out event with 200 in attendance.
Photo by Janet Combs
Florida State Attorney Ed Brodsky gives a welcoming address.
Photo by Janet Combs
Cocktail hour music was provided by retired police officer from Harford County, Maryland, Jimmy Thornton, of DJ Jimmy T Entertainment.
Photo by Janet Combs
Dean Scarborough and Janice Bini
Photo by Janet Combs
Kirk and Chris Voelker with SPD Deputy Chief Scott Mayforth and wife, Jennifer.
Photo by Janet Combs
Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche is celebrating the evening with his daughter, Adrianna, and wife, Kelly.
Photo by Janet Combs
City Attorney Joe Polzak and wife, Donna.
Photo by Janet Combs
E.J. and Kelly Ledesma, Jessica and Officer Anthony Misiti, Clint and Heather Wrigley, and Carlos de Quesada and his son, Carlos.
Photo by Janet Combs
Serving - always with smiles - are Eileen McGrath and Melanie Osteen of Michael's On East.
