The Senior Friendship Centers couldn't have asked for more favorable Sarasota weather for its Blooming Friendships gala Feb. 29 on the grounds of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
With temperatures hovering around 70 degrees, 150 guests celebrated and honored Project Pride President Jason Champion with a cocktail reception, dinner, musical performance by the Sarasota Music Conservatory faculty and students, live auction, paddle raise and dancing.
Champion was honored as the "Friend of the Year." Realizing the needs of older LGBTQ adults in Sarasota, he launched the first-ever Silver Pride, which saw over 500 seniors coming out to celebrate.
Guests included advocates, SFC members, board members, volunteers and staff. Emcee Hallie Peilet Young has been nominated for an Emmy, is a two time Telly Award Winner, and the founder and CEO of No Blues News.
Erin McLeod, SFC president and CEO, welcomed and gave heartfelt thanks to all for helping to make the event and SFC successful. With millions of Americans aged 50 and older identifying as LGBTQ, a huge percentage will require senior care and services, and many express anxiety about their family, social supports, and possible estrangement. McLeod said celebrating senior inclusivity is crucial, and welcome spaces are a growing need.
Senior Friendship Centers provide a safety net by helping seniors with financial crises, emergency food supplies, hurricane relief, and keeping people connected with volunteer callers and visitors. Monies raised will go to support these efforts and more.
Senior Friendship Centers staff welcomed 150 guests to their Blooming Friendships Gala on Feb. 29 and include Amanda Olsen, Declan Sheehy, Jodel Velarde, Julie Ann Barowski and Kathy Pappas
Photo by Janet Combs
Emmy-Nominated Journalist and event emcee Hallie Peilet Young with Director of Marketing and Communications Tracie Cardwell
Photo by Janet Combs
Thomas D'Eletto, Joseph Arena, Tom Edwards, Brittany Jennings, Jim Del Rio, Amy and Jason Champion, Erin McLeod and Pat Zagony
Photo by Janet Combs
Glenn Axelrod and Nitza Avni
Faculty and students from the Sarasota Music Conservatory are Sean O'Neil, Margaret Toth, Matrick Thorpe and Paul Reynolds
Photo by Janet Combs
Daniel Fecteau recently moved to Sarasota from Phoenix.
Photo by Janet Combs
Arthur Mahoney and his wife, Pam, who is a board member of Senior Friendship Centers.
Photo by Janet Combs
Priscilla and Jack Schlegel with Patricia and Roger Courtois
Jeff Newman and David Kotok
A beaming Carol Hochberg arrives on the arm of her son, Craig McLeod
Dr. Stephanie Hodges, Dr. Gaby Lodeiro and Eric Polinsky
Photo by Janet Combs
Emily Baar and David Munoz
Supporters Dr. Bart and Joan Levenson enjoy an evening out supporting a favorite cause.
Photo by Janet Combs
Mike Dixon and Gail Welch
Diana Rothauser and Crystal Rothhaar
Mark Famiglio and Rachel Blindauer
Photo by Janet Combs
Jedd Heap, Karissa Mayer, Dr. Al Tripodi and Francesca Harris
Photo by Janet Combs
Sepi Ackerman, Nafi Cunningham and Lana Kepler
Photo by Janet Combs
Mike and Dawn Bear
Javier and Jenny Macias, director of Program Initiatives
Photo by Janet Combs
Michael's on East Executive Pastry Chef Ray Lajoie prepared a special dessert called Berry Chantilly which is made with white cake, orange liquor, fresh berries, and a light pastry cream.
Photo by Janet Combs
Alexis Nguyen, Vinderay Dudley, Chuck and Cathy Langlois and Urmila Sharma
Photo by Janet Combs
Michele Miller and Jennifer Guendjoian with Senior Friendship Controller Cathy Liagre
Photo by Janet Combs
Tracie Cardwell and Jodel Velarde grab a Sarasota sunset selfie.
Photo by Janet Combs
Tracie Cardwell, Jodel Velarde, Ann Swartz and Lana Kepler
Photo by Janet Combs
Dr. Irvin Brock and his wife, Ruth
Georgann Nugent and Jeffery Kin cut some rug.
Photo by Janet Combs
Kevin Maisch, Jen Stutler, Carol Butera, Kiarra Womack, Pam Mahoney and George Hofmann
Photo by Janet Combs
Senior Friendship Centers President and CEO Erin McLeod with past President and CEO Bob Carter
Photo by Janet Combs
Guests were greeted with cosmopolitans decorated with edible flowers at the Blooming Friendships gala held at Selby Gardens on Feb. 29.
