Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation rocks the roof, country style

Free from hurricane interruptions this season, the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation held one of its signature events, Rock the Roof, as scheduled on Nov. 1. Benefiting women and children’s services at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, the event took place atop the hospital’s West Parking Garage.

With guests attired in flannel, denim, cowboy hats and bolo ties, DJ Eric Baal got the party started and the Florida-based band, Iconic Country, headlined and kept guests rocking in their boots.

With Melissa Wright Perrin acting as a co-chair for all four years since the event made its resurgence, Jennifer Kucera and Heather Wrigley co-chaired with her for the second time.

“We had our largest committee to date, a record turnout on the rooftop and the weather could not have been better,” Wright Perrin said. “Everyone looked wonderful, and a huge thank you goes to our amazing community, who showed up and showed out — it was truly a night to remember.”

Over 900 guests enjoyed food, libations, fun and selfie photos galore. The cooler air at 60 degrees was an added benefit, and guests had a little more kick in their step knowing they could sleep in with the clock falling back by an hour.

Taking place on the eve of the hospital’s official 100th birthday added to the excitement: SMH opened its doors on Nov. 2, 1925, with 32 beds. Today it boasts 819 beds between two locations: Sarasota and Venice.