When it comes to philanthropy, Sisterhood for Good can dress the part

Sporting a narrow headband with feathers and an elegant green dress, Melissa Howard walked into the Bourbon & Bones Chophouse in Lakewood Ranch decked out at lunchtime, apparently for a formal occasion.

This, however, was a chance for four members of the Sisterhood for Good nonprofit to promote their upcoming "All That Jazz: Cabaret for a Cause" event Feb. 21 at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota.

It also served as a kind of a dress rehearsal.

As Howard puts it, if it involves feathers and dressing up, "I'm in."

Howard, the event's presenting sponsor, joined Sisterhood for Good founder Angela Massaro-Fain and members Kathy Collums and Becca Towery at the local restaurant, which partially is decorated as a Prohibition-era speakeasy that fits right in with the event's theme.

Photo by Jay Heater

Although Howard had come to have photos taken in advance of the event, she wasn't wearing the dress she picked for that night. This gave her a chance to go into her closet to find something that fit the style she wanted for the photo shoot.

Why miss an opportunity to dress up?

Howard said she loves living in an area where a woman can overdress for events, and nobody stares.

And, obviously, lots of other women feel the same way.

Sisterhood for Good has capitalized on that desire to benefit the region's nonprofits.

In 2023, Massaro-Fain was discussing possible events which would allow those who attended to dress to the theme, and even step out of character for a night, when Towery suggested a Gatsby-themed party. The idea and the ensuing work to put the event together led to a smashing fundraising success.

In 2024, Towery suggested "Phantom: A Masquerade Ball" and that was equally successful.

Photo by Jay Heater

While this year's fundraiser returns to the Prohibition era of the Gatsby event, Towery said it is a much different storyline that those who attend will be considering as they pick out their attire.

The theme follows the musical, and later movie, "Chicago," in which the storyline of the "black comedy" follows a pair of murderers in Roxie Hart (played in the movie by Renée Zellweger) and Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones) awaiting trial. The film version won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Involving celebrity, corruption and an environment of decadence, "Chicago" certainly provides fodder for those who want to dress to a role during "All That Jazz: Cabaret for a Cause."

During the photo shoot, Towery dressed as Roxie Hart, complete with a blonde wig and a sparkly, silver dress and white boa. Massaro-Fain dressed as Velma Kelly, wearing a black wig and a provocative black dress.

Towery smiled throughout, enjoying her time as a bad girl.

"I'm always the good girl," she said.

Whether good or bad, those who attend will be served plenty of entertainment.

The night will include music from "Chicago" by the 19-piece Suncoast Swing Band with Lady Z, DJ Jonathan Cortez, a special performance by the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Sarasota, silent and live auctions, dinner, drinks, and dancing.

While the "Chicago" storyline led to an Oscar, the Sisterhood for Good storyline has been just as remarkable. Sisterhood for Good was founded in 2011 with 10 members, and first presented two $500 grants in 2013 to the only two applicants: Hope Family Services and Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast. The group, which has grown to approximately 275 members, now receives more than 100 applications for grants.

Photo by Jay Heater

Massaro-Fain calls it affordable philanthropy because the annual dues are only $225.

With its successful gala and its Designer Bag Bingo event, combined with the dues and other fundraising activities, Sisterhood for Good has become a major philanthropic player in the region. In 2023, the nonprofit provided a then-record $110,800 in grants and then smashed its own record with $153,036 in 2024. The 2024 funds were distributed to 40 nonprofits.

All the net proceeds from "All That Jazz: Cabaret for a Cause" go to Sisterhood for Good's annual grants program. The program has given out $472,277 since its inception and will go over $500,000 in 2025.

For tickets to the event or more information on how to join, go to SFGFlorida.org.