Over 550 guests attired in 1920s-style clothing poured into The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota on Jan. 4 to celebrate the 8th annual Hospital Gala on behalf of the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. This year's event raised a record $1.5 million.
Guests got dolled up for this centennial celebration, with flapper-styled women adorned with hair ornaments, hats and gloves and men sporting their best glad rags. Amazon truly saved the day for many who said online shopping for the themed garb was the bee’s knees with so many choices and fast shipping.
The VIP party began at 5:30 p.m. and was held in the Ca’ d’ Zan room for several hundred people who shelled out a few extra clams for the private party. A reception in the ballroom began with an entry designed to be a speakeasy and music by the Soul Sensations and cocktails.
This event was carefully curated with a video program and dinner followed by a 100th anniversary video, mission moment and a paddle raise.
The Hospital Gala is deemed the cat’s pajamas and at 8:45 p.m. guests were free to show off their Charleston, Texas Tommy, Black Bottoms, Shimmy and Fox Trots as they let their hair down. They filled the dance floor, which came alive with music provided by the nine-piece high energy band, C’Nergy.
To date, over $8.5 million has been raised to support critical needs at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Opened on Nov. 2, 1925 with 32 beds located on Hawthorne Street, the hospital has grown to 1,075 beds with a Venice location, dedicated cancer center and satellite offices. Throughout its history Sarasota Memorial Hospital has won numerous awards and remains a publicly owned health-care facility.
Rachel Williamson, Sally Schule and Rachael Fisk are ready to greet their 625 guests with a speakeasy entrance for the 8th annual Hospital Gala.
Photo by Janet Combs
Brady and Denise Pedler attend the VIP event held in the Ca d'Zan room as part of the Hospital Gala.
Photo by Janet Combs
Amy Budke and Trey Arias enjoying the 1920s' themed party.
Photo by Janet Combs
Doug Holder and Mary Brady with Sheila and Greg Langley
Photo by Janet Combs
Jeff and Lisa Silvershein with Tom Taylor and Margaret Wise
Photo by Janet Combs
Models Gina Wojciechowski and Rachel Doe greet guests and Hospital Gala attendees at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota main entrance.
Photo by Janet Combs
Mackenzie Ramey and Lily Rosenbaum volunteer at the Hospital Gala held on Jan. 4.
Photo by Janet Combs
Kim and Greg Parris at the entry of the 1920s style speakeasy.
Photo by Janet Combs
Lisa Walik, Shana Meadows, Janessa Alexandre, Kathy Klimasara and Lori Kaires volunteer at the registration desk.
Photo by Janet Combs
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation held its annual Hospital Gala on Jan. 4 with a 1920s theme.
Photo by Janet Combs
Soul Sensations members E'Tienne Porter, Johnnie Barker, Ywada Pitts, James Varnado and Ruffus.
Photo by Janet Combs
Geoff DiMassa and Libby Fetterman enjoy the VIP party.
Photo by Janet Combs
Cathy and Bruce Loeppke with Cindy and Cary Shippert
Photo by Janet Combs
Jim Tollerton, Daniel Collins and Patrick McQuillan
Photo by Janet Combs
Mary and Mike Glynn and Susan Sofia
Photo by Janet Combs
Sheila Jellison, Mariama Levy and Christie Jellison-Mucha
Photo by Janet Combs
Jim and Michelle Shirley
Photo by Janet Combs
Bill and Robyn Sadlo
Photo by Janet Combs
Katie Grow and Nick Grant
Photo by Janet Combs
Dianna and Brandon Rist
Photo by Janet Combs
Jackie Kolschowsky and Sarah Houberg
Photo by Janet Combs
Ellie and Fausto Herrera
Photo by Janet Combs
Phil Salmon, Potoula Gieger, Fotini Allteni and Todd Gieger
Photo by Janet Combs
Janice and Eric Varney with Deborah Shad and Scott McAlpine
Photo by Janet Combs
Kelli and Mack Dancer
Photo by Janet Combs
Pegi and Bob Williard
Photo by Janet Combs
Cheryl Woodruff and Susan Milman
Photo by Janet Combs
Michael Willis and Joe Birdwell
Photo by Janet Combs
Brady Pedler and Joe Santana are ready for a night of celebrating 100 years of Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
Photo by Janet Combs
Melissa and Scott Perrin with Tami and Jeff Wesner
Photo by Janet Combs
Paula Norwood and Allen McGee enter the speakeasy.
Photo by Janet Combs
The precariously produced champagne tower is wildly popular among party guests.
Photo by Janet Combs
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Board of Trustees held its annual Hospital Gala on Jan. 4 with a 1920s theme to celebrate the hospital's 100th anniversary.
Photo by Janet Combs
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation held its annual Hospital Gala with a 1920s theme on Jan. 4.
Photo by Janet Combs
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Board of Trustees held its annual Hospital Gala on Jan 4. with a 1920s theme.
Photo by Janet Combs
Ritz-Carlton staff Remmie Czerpak, Leonardo Ayala and Maria Adarmes build a Champagne tower.
