After the battering Sarasota County took with three back-to-back hurricanes, the fate of a Sharky's on the Pier reopening was water-cooler chatter.
With the help of dedicated employees and volunteers, Sharky's moved tons of sand, cleaned house, re-stocked and opened just in time to host the Children First 17th annual Flip Flops & Fashion event Oct. 30 with some 360 guests in attendance.
The energy and excitement was more palpable and colorful than usual due to the cancellation and date changes that are happening with many Florida events. The weather was a perfect 80 degrees with a low dew point, but the wind was blowing a steady 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph keeping the sides of the venue tent pulled tightly down.
Happily, it was another sold-out event raising funds to provide services for children and families. Established in 1961, Children First is Sarasota County's exclusive provider of the Head Start program.
Co-chairs of the event were Georgia Anderson, Brenda Belsito and Emma Kate Sylvestri.
Children First VP of Philanthropy, Jessica Rogers, gave a warm welcome to the crowd.
"At Children First, we focus on how we can be most resilient, especially in times of adversity," Rogers said. "We are so thrilled that our partners, sponsors and volunteers chose to join us by literally moving all the obstacles that we faced to ensure an amazing 17th annual Flip Flops and Fashion."
Dazzling the guests with her easy effervescence and wide smile, Krystel Beall introduced the models as she described the clothing worn by men, women, children and an infant. All fashions and accessories are provided to the models and carried by Bealls.
"Considering the recent circumstances in our community from hurricanes, this year's event feels extra special, and it is energizing to focus on something fun, philanthropic and intentional," Beall said.
MLB fans were happy to see former Baltimore Orioles center fielder Jeremy Shelby and his wife, Alysha back out on the Flip Flop & Fashion runway. Together with their children, daughters Ashyr and Alyza, and son, Jersey, the family delighted all.
Jessica Rogers with co-chairs Georgia Anderson, Brenda Belsito and Emma Kate Silvestri
Photo by Janet Combs
You can title this one 'Beauties and the Beast, said Children First CEO Philip Tavill as he jumped into this photo op with Haven Beach, Julie Sparma, Teri Sayre, Lesley France, Leslie Jones, (Tavill), Joyce Weiss, Susie Scarlett and Marsha Sutter
Photo by Janet Combs
Matt and Krystel Beall of Bealls Department Stores presented the annual Flip Flop & Fashion event held in the sand at Sharky's on the Pier.
Photo by Janet Combs
Displaced during the hurricanes Capt. Morgan is at home in his new spot at Sharky's on the Pier and was a welcoming delight for guests attending the Flip Flops & Fashion event on Oct. 30.
Photo by Janet Combs
First time emcee Allyson Robertson, and Sights & Sounds master technician Chris Moyer.
Ingrid Summers, Adela Glover, Greg Parris, Kim Parris and Sheila Bruce
Photo by Janet Combs
Candy Exline is a center director for Children First and is modeling Bealls fashions with her daughter, Shelby.
Photo by Janet Combs
Robbie Hoskins, Bryce Olson, Mareisa Madden and Quentin MacDonald
Photo by Janet Combs
Friends from Pine View School in Osprey include Tara Seaman, Yona Elshimy, Susan Tagle, Janna Kim, Wendy Teague, and Helene Vu
Karla Rodgers, Jessica Blagdon and Judy Ahlers
Brittany Berg, Pam Holic, Emma Kate Silvestri and former Venice Mayor John Holic
Photo by Janet Combs
Georgia Anderson, Allison Anderson, Sharon Patrice and Ollie Johnson
Lynne Huff, Lori Hines and Angeline Pantazis
Photo by Janet Combs
Lisa Wells and Cyndi Giorlando
Photo by Janet Combs
Aurelie Vandenbroek and Patra Slomak
Jules Mackie, Elma Pandza and Lisa Busslick
Photo by Janet Combs
Quentin MacDonald, Children First CEO Philip Tavill and Robbie Hoskins
Photo by Janet Combs
Jessica Rogers gives a warm and thankful welcome to the guests.
Photo by Janet Combs
With attention to detail given to each guest, Sharky's server Jake Day keeps the wine flowing for Carole Laskowski and Danette Simons
Phillip Lanham and his wife, Tami, enjoy an afternoon at Flip Flops & Fashion.
Photo by Janet Combs
Brittany Matthews and Elma Browning-McKay
Photo by Janet Combs
Renée Sensenbrenner was named Parent of the Year for Head Start Florida. She has two children in the program.
Photo by Janet Combs
A mother of three children who went through Head Start, Kathleen Sullivan was the national winner of the Aubrey Puckett Memorial Award recognizing advocacy and dedication of a Head Start alum.
Photo by Janet Combs
Jeremy and Alysha Shelby model with their children Jersey, Ashyer and Alyza
An aspiring lawyer, 12-year-old Shelby Exline attends Booker Middle School.
Photo by Janet Combs
Married for 39 years, Kim Parris talked her husband, Greg into modeling with her.
Photo by Janet Combs
Lauren Henry models an Ellen Tracy dress and Jessica Simpson sunglasses for the Flip Flops & Fashion event held at Sharky's on the Pier in Venice.
Photo by Janet Combs
Helen Krueger, Kathi Gallagher, Jeri Pitra and Karin Thierer
Photo by Janet Combs
Guests enjoying the VIP tent include Ali Miller, Nikki Logan Curran, Brenna Wilhm, Megan Greenberg and Erica Ficarrotta
Photo by Janet Combs
Event planners Kelly Kennedy and Vanessa Mauricio
Photo by Janet Combs
The swag bags at the VIP sponsor table were filled with beach goodies including sunglasses, towels and fun accessories.
Photo by Janet Combs
Children First held its annual Flip Flops & Fashion event at Sharky's on the Pier in Venice on October 30.
Photo by Janet Combs
Using handprints as a base for art printed on notecards the children at Children First did not disappoint with their art.
