Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) celebrated its 45th Sapphire Anniversary with a celebration under the stars Nov. 16 on Sarasota Bay.
At the event titled "SPARCCle, A Starry Night Soirée," 240 guests enjoyed champagne as they glided across the grounds of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Guests were attired in their finest, and many women had "fairy hair" and sparkles on their skin, in keeping with the theme.
With the Lawrence P. Castellani Family Foundation once again acting as the presenting sponsor, Joan and Larry Castellani were noted for their continued support and generosity. Joan Castellani acted as a co-chair for the event, with E-Dee Murphy, Kimberley Pelyk and Shirley Wulf.
Guests enjoyed passed hors d'oeuvres before heading inside to a seated dinner topped off with a live auction, raffle and dancing to complete the night.
The event benefited SPARCC in its mission of providing resources, counseling and shelter to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Event co-chairs Kimberley Pelyk, Shirley Wulf, Joan Castellani and E-Dee Murphy
Photo by Nancy Guth
Larry Castellani, Joan Castellani, Ela Grace Vardan and Julie Vardan
Photo by Nancy Guth
SPARCC President and CEO Jessica Hays and Mary Ellen Mancini, VP of philanthropy
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Gala committe members Susan and Charlie Wilson
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Jackie and Steve Griese enjoy a stunning Sarasota sunset.
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Music lovers include Melissa Kallir, Helen Beljean, Cyndi and Howard Mumm and Chris Curtis
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Katherine Pike and Irene Simpson welcome guests to a SPARCCle Starry Night Soirée.
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Front: Lori Deitz, Crystal Leuty; back: Carolyn Rovner, Melissa Ferlazzo, Alyson Galuska, Carolyn Castro, Melissa Silva and Kris Ravenscroft
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Michael Murphy looks dapper with his bow tie and smile.
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Anthony and Mary Martino enjoy the cocktail hour.
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Lee and Mark Majeske with Nancy Smith and Fred Simmons
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Hazel and Steve Pankhurst
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Greg Benedict and Kimberly Tude Thuot
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Diane and Chris Marsh
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Volunteers Jennifer York and Adrienne Lambers
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Don Lockett and Mary Ellen Mancini
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Gina Anabtawi, Peter and Susan Snyder and Bonnie McIntyre
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Bonnie Van Overbeke with Pat and Sam Santarosa
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Chase and Robin Curtis are ready to SPARCCle.
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Carolyn Christian and Dane Bialosky
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Melba Ramirez, her betrothed, Jim Matras, and talk of their upcoming nuptials.
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Andrea and Rob Hunt with Patrick and Erin Duggan
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SPARCC's Communication Manager, Ning Tinsley with John and Jo McKenzie.
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Valet parking and champagne flutes served by Andrea Carbajal await Peggy and Buck Fry.
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SPARCC held its 45th Sapphire Anniversary titled SPARCCle Starry Night Soirée at Selby Botanical Gardens on Nov. 16 with 240 guests in attendance.
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Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) held its 45th Sapphire Anniversary at Selby Botanical Gardens on Nov. 16 for 240 guests.
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Colson Verheul gives a lift to guests who need assistance getting across the Selby Gardens campus.
