Bradenton's Blair Smith figured he had the perfect shirt for the Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee's major fundraiser of the year, Tropical Nights Under Paris Lights, on Saturday at the Grove in Lakewood Ranch.
It was a Disneyland Paris shirt he had to buy in Paris after Delta had lost his luggage following a flight there with his wife, Debbie. He figured he wouldn't have many opportunities to wear the gaudy shirt in the future, but when he was considering attire to go with the fundraiser's theme, it seemed like the appropriate choice.
It all made Meals on Wheels Plus CEO and President Maribeth Phillips grateful.
"It all makes me so happy," Phillips said. "This is just so wonderful, that people enjoy dressing to go with the theme. It means the world to me to know people care. Great friends, great time, great cause."
The event was sold out at 240 attendees. The 2024 event raised $200,000 and Phillips said they hope to raise even more this year.
Sarasota's Bob and Carol Carter dressed the part for Tropical Nights. Carol is the event chair.
Photo by Jay Heater
Darrell and Hilarie King share a laugh with Meals on Wheels President and CEO Maribeth Phillips during Tropical Nights.
Photo by Jay Heater
Frank Perry welcomes guests to Tropical Nights with a tip of his tophat. Perry is a Meals on Wheels vice president. He says he loves seeing the community coming together and buying into the mission.
Photo by Jay Heater
Clinton and Jennifer Faulkner of Parrish enjoy a cocktail at Tropical Nights.
Photo by Jay Heater
Yudelsy and Eric Epler of Sarasota bought their outfits for the 2024 Tropical Nights that had a pirate theme but felt that fit quite well for Under Paris Lights in 2025.
Photo by Jay Heater
Sarah Fleener of the band Tropical Avenue entertains the crowd during Tropical Nights.
Photo by Jay Heater
Lisa and John Barnott supported the Meals on Wheels Plus cause at Tropical Nights Under Paris Lights Saturday at the Grove.
Photo by Jay Heater
Bradenton's Susan Harrigan checks out auction items at Tropical Nights.
Photo by Jay Heater
Shamekia and Joseph Dunn of Lakewood Ranch were looking dapper at Tropical Nights Under Paris Lights.
Photo by Jay Heater
Bradenton's Blair and Debbie Smith had some snappy attire to wear at Tropical Nights Under Paris Lights at the Grove. Blair was forced to buy his Disneyland Paris shirt after the airline lost his luggage.
Photo by Jay Heater
Meals on Wheels Plus Board Member Melissa Gould, CEO and President Maribeth Phillips and Board Treasurer Susan Kramer were grateful for another smashing turnout at Tropical Nights.
Photo by Jay Heater
Ellenton's Lynn Turner, Andrew Rhoden, and Sophia Warmbier came to support Meals on Wheels Plus at Tropical Nights Under Paris Lights Saturday at the
Grove.
Photo by Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch's John Fain and Angela Massaro Fain are all smiles at Tropical Nights Under Paris Lights at the Grove in Lakewood Ranch Saturday.
