- February 4, 2026
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In a bit of a turn from past Sisterhood for Good galas that raise money for local nonprofits, Tropical Escape on Feb. 27 will offer members a different kind of wardrobe challenge in 2026.
Past galas had included themes such as Vegas Comes to Town, The Great Gatsby, Phantom of the Opera, and All That Jazz. But Tropical Escape will be "the ultimate luau" with more of a Polynesian flair.
Members are excited that they can pause from the gowns and tuxedos for a year.
"We're going to have a taste of both," said Sisterhood for Good's Nikki Pelier-Simon, who owns the Scout & Molly's clothing boutique at the Market at UTC. "Women are going to express themselves. You can let your hair down, have fun, and still be elegant."
Sisterhood for Good founder Angela Massaro-Fain said it will be an incredible evening of entertainment, just a bit different than past galas.
"It is still a theme, but more laid back," Massaro-Fain said. "Guys can wear khakis and Hawaiian shirts, or they can wear shorts."
Massaro-Fain has guided Sisterhood for Good to fundraising that has resulted in $622,427 being awarded to area nonprofits over its 15 years.
Tropical Escape is being held at the Sarasota Polo Club starting with a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres hour with live music at 6 p.m. Feb. 27, followed by a 7 p.m. seated dinner. The evening features fire and hula dancing along with silent and live auctions. A DJ will provide dancing music following dinner. A Premium Chance Drawing will be held with $150 tickets providing a chance to win more than $12,000 in merchandise.
Tickets are $250 each and can be purchased at SFGFlorida.org by Feb. 6 or $300 each purchased on Feb. 7 and afterward.
"This is the best organization with women of all backgrounds," said Sisterhood for Good member Glo Reber. "These are women who are just giving their time and dedication. They are genuine."
Reber said she loved the idea of holding the 2026 event at the Sarasota Polo Club because she is a horsewoman.
"And we've got a lot of entertainment lined up this year," she said. "It's casual, and it is conducive to having fun."
Member Samina Morrow said the Tropical Escape theme will attract people who didn't attend one of the more formal past functions.
"I love this whole Hawaiian vibe," Morrow said. "You are going to see younger ones who might be wearing coconuts and grass skirts."
Morrow loves the challenge of dressing for the themed events.
"People expect me to be outside the box ... unique," she said with a smile.
She said the bottom line is that a fun event is going to raise money for local nonprofits.
"First and foremost, it is what we do," she said. "I am so excited because this is going to be so different, both our venue and theme."
During a photo shoot to promote the event, member Patti Good, the event co-chair, was showing off a flowery jump suit.
"I like the relaxed feeling," she said. "I love bright, vibrant colors. But most of all I have a heart, and I like to give back."
Member Allison Adams said she went to Darci Jacob, the owner of Darci boutique in Sarasota, to dress her for the event.
"This is just something fun for me," she said. "I like to Latin dance socially, so this fits. It is so fun to have a themed event because it opens your creativity.
"We have the best time and I have fallen in love with Sisterhood for Good. You feel like you are part of a family."
Lori Augustyniak has been with Sisterhood for Good for more than 10 years and she loves the organization's special events because "I love to sparkle."
"I like the laid-back atmosphere," she said. "And this is such an important organization. It helps smaller nonprofits that don't get the attention."
Member Karen Medford said can't wait to hear what idea Sisterhood for Good has planned for every special event.
"Being a member, you have to be prepared for anything," she said. "For this, I started looking for something Polynesian. Once you find that look, you personalize it. Everyone comes dressed to the nines."
Member Stephanie Soffer is ready for a little island time.
"I've done a ton of galas," Soffer said. "They always are gowns to the floor. This is more relaxed. Formal can be a chore, and this is a great cause."
