Wine, Women & Shoes Sarasota ages like a fine wine: It keeps getting better, as was evidenced by its 18th anniversary event.
With 430 guests, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota’s ballroom was filled to capacity, the noise was deafening, the shoes were outrageous and the dancers had everyone in awe of their aerobic prowess. With thunderous applause, the models strutted in fabulous attire and fashionable footwear.
Wine, Women & Shoes Sarasota benefits Forty Carrots Family Center, founded in 1993 to help families find support. CEO Michelle Kapreilian gave words of thanks to everyone.
Founded by entrepreneur Elaine Honig in 2004, Wine, Women & Shoes began as a local community fundraiser that now boasts events in more than 50 cities in the U.S., and has raised over $22 million to date. With the expertise of event coordinator Mina Getzen, the event was co-chaired by the dynamic duo from last year: Allison Imre and Renee Phinney, who together with their committees, staff and volunteers once again put their best foot forward to deliver a program that knocked everyone’s socks off. And, despite this being Florida, socks were donned by many on the chilly morning of Nov. 22.
Who are the 42 “Solemen”? Comprised of delicious dads, flirty firemen, ripped retirees and generally good guys who donate their time to greet guests, present designer goodies on silver platters and make the women feel special. They were all smiles and a fashion step ahead in their tux shirts and pants, and expertly trained in schmoozing while making every guest feel special.
Stacey Friday has been a guest at orthodontist Dr. Karen Varone’s table for six years. Friday makes it a point to keep the entire day free to also attend the after-party held under tents in front of the Ritz-Carlton.
“WWS is a wonderful event for a wonderful cause, and I look forward to supporting for years to come,” said Friday, a dental hygienist.
Wine Women & Shoes co-chairs Renee Phinney and Allison Imre have the guests laughing as they deliver their co-chair welcome.
Janet Combs
Terri Klauber, Shelby Carter, co-chair Renee Phinney and Michelle Bilodeau
Janet Combs
Jane Jankulovski and Ethan Kidd-Oyakhilome define their core values at WW&S 2024.
Janet Combs
Liz Jones, Sam Beebe, Carrie Riley and Montana Taplinger
Janet Combs
Katie Jones, Nikki Roenicke, Chelsea Dunbar and Lindsay Martin
Janet Combs
Elizabeth Moore, Lisa Klein Karp and Susanne Myers
Janet Combs
Sara Peterson shows off a 'gorgeous thing' to Jana Bekabac.
Janet Combs
Janet Jankulovski and Ethan Kidd-Oyakhilome muscle up for a photo with Shawn Gross, Victoria Stanaitis, Kristin DeFrancisco, Melissa Putman and Nati Shabat.
Janet Combs
Wine Women & Shoes was founded in 2004 by Elaine Honig who is photographed with current President & CEO Matthew Ennis.
Janet Combs
Elizabeth Moore and Dawn Spencer make a winter black comeback on a chilly Florida morning.
Janet Combs
Deborah Blue, Kim Marlow and Joni Bergs make a fabulous entrance at Wine Women & Shoes.
Janet Combs
Spotted from 10 tables away: Dolce & Gabbana's Canvas Floral Print Sandals worn by Claire Conway.
Janet Combs
Dynasty Dance Clubs' opening event performance wowed the guests at Wine Women & Shoes held at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
Janet Combs
Forty Carrots CEO Michelle Kapreilian
Janet Combs
Co-chair Allison Imre dazzles in a shade of orange as she thanks the guests for attending WWS.
Janet Combs
Soleman Chair Candace Copeland and Solesister Kathleen Scotti
Janet Combs
The Butcher's Block own Scott McGowan on stage shows a way to enjoy the wine donation.
Janet Combs
The ultimate in 'soleman' pedigree: Carl Troiano returns in his tux for a second year and may have been Jake Gelber's reference for a 'soleman' position.
Janet Combs
Jake Gelber gave up his day job as an attorney to be a 'soleman' at Wine Women & Shoes 2024.
Janet Combs
Falicia Fracassi-Povich, Jules Campos and Jessica Middleton
Janet Combs
Claire Conway and Elizabeth Harrison
Janet Combs
Jill Raker, Tracy Miller, Heather Raker, Cynthia Key and Melanie Padden Jeffrey are always smiling and planned this day for months.
Janet Combs
Mackenzie Platt, Nora Johnson, Laura Lobdell, Barbara Stainbrook and Pauline Wamsler
Janet Combs
Part of the Wine Women & Shoes are first year 'soleman' Tyler Kaiser, and serial 'solemen' with four years each, David Perkowski and Michael Calamaras.
Janet Combs
Erike Kohne and Carla Johanns from Forty Carrots Family Center.
Janet Combs
This is the first year Suzette Jones did not volunteer at Wine Women & Shoes, but she did arrive in Sarasota just in time to be a guest.
Janet Combs
From WW&S Naples, Mercedes Mikalaitis is photographed with Skyler White and Pamela Hyde hailing from WW&S Richmond, Texas.
Janet Combs
With auctioneering in her blood, Magen McRoberts followed in her father's footsteps and raised bids to the seemingly max.
Janet Combs
Renu Greenberg, Stacey Friday, Karen Varone and TL Cordes return for another WW&S event.
Janet Combs
Jennifer Fiorica with 'soleman' Scott Middleton and his wife, Jessica.
