University Park's Marilyn Kern reacts after making the winning bid during the live auction for a Hawaiian vacation at Sisterhood for Good's Tropical Escape Feb. 27 at the Sarasota Polo Club.
Photo by Madison Bierl
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Under the glow of green and purple lights, those dressed in tropical-themed attire gathered inside a tent at the Sarasota Polo Club on Feb. 27.
Sisterhood for Good's "Tropical Escape" took place as those who attended enjoyed food and drink, music, socialization, dancing and much more.
But even though laughter could be heard throughout the venue, there was a serious side to the event. Everyone had gathered for a cause.
Angela Massaro-Fain, the founder and president of Sisterhood for Good, told the crowd that the evening of fundraising for area nonprofits was made possible because passion and purpose had come together.
“It's humbling to be a part of such a philanthropic group, it really is,” Massaro-Fain said. “Whether you're a sponsor, or you donated an auction item. Whether you volunteered, or simply just cheered us on from the sidelines, every gift is appreciated. I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Sheryl Cobb was the prestigious patron sponsor. She donated an additional $25,000 during the live auction.
"I just love it," Cobb said. "It makes me feel good. These girls are the same way. It's just a way help out."
Melissa Howard was the presenting sponsor. She has been member of Sisterhood for Good for seven years. She appreciates that with the $250 annual dues, the organization has given all women the chance to practice philanthropy.
Howard tries to discourage the thought that philanthropists have to be wealthy. Anyone can give back whether that is through a donation or through a gift of their time.
"The greatest measure is to give when someone can't repay you," Howard said. "That's why I wake up every day."
Prior to the gala, the organization has raised $622,427 since it was founded in 2011. It has touched more than 77,790 lives through grants, along with the approximately 300 members.
“I'm very grateful and honored to be part of this organization,” said Samina Morrow, the chair of the board. “We've accomplished so much in the last 15 years and a lifetime of impacts lie ahead.”
Sisterhood for Good Vice President Maria MacDonald and event sponsor Sheryl Cobb are all smiles at the Tropical Escape event.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Cataleya Tuinakauvadra dances to "Love Song of Tahiti" in a Polynesian dance performance at the Sisterhood for Good Tropical Escape fundraiser.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Briana Francois and Katelinn Wurm socialize during the cocktail hour at Tropical Escape at the Sarasota Polo Club.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Maikeli Namudu Tuinakauvadra performs an authentic Samoan fire dance at the Sisterhood for Good Tropical Escape fundraiser Feb. 27.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Clara Smith attends the Tropical Escape fundraiser alongside her daughter Becca Towery, the resource and development chair for Sisterhood for Good.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Myakka City's Jerry Dakin and Heather Koester, who are engaged, play a game of rock paper scissors as part of the Tropical Escape's fundraising.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Sisterhood for Good founder Angela Massaro-Fain thanks all the sponsors and attendees of the Tropical Escape fundraiser. On May 11, the nonprofit turns 15 years old.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Starla Armstrong and Angela Massaro-Fain share a moment of joy on the dance floor at the Tropical Escape fundraiser for Sisterhood for Good.
After all of the action with the food, drinks, auctions and more attendees let loose on the dance floor.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Joe Martinez, who booked the entertainment, and Debbie White, who taught Hawaiian dance moves prior to the event, enjoy the festivities at the Tropical Escape fundraiser by Sisterhood for Good.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Lakewood Ranch's Jill Campbell and Chad Campbell enjoy their time at the Sisterhood for Good fundraiser on Feb. 27.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Samina Morrow, the Sisterhood for Good board chair, says she is surrounded by beautiful souls and shares how they can make a difference.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Sisterhood for Good's Prestigious Patron Sponsor Sheryl Cobb, founder and president Angela Massaro-Fain and Presenting Sponsor Melissa Howard donate their time, treasure and talent to various organizations through Sisterhood for Good.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Country Club's Debi Wheeler accessorizes her outfit with leis from head to toe at the Tropical Escape event by Sisterhood for Good.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Sisterhood for Good events Co-chairs, Nikki Pelier-Simon and Patti Good, pose for a photo with Glo Reber, who is vice chair of the board.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Kathy Collums, founding member and finance chair of Sisterhood for Good, enjoys the fundraiser with her husband of 45 years, Chuck.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Evella Feldhackar, Erin Duggan and Monaca Onstad feel like they're on the beach with their mai tais in coconut-themed cups.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Presenting Sponsor Melissa Howard, along with her fiancé Scott Moore, attends the Sisterhood for Good fundraiser. This is the third year she has been presenting sponsor and has been part of the organization for seven.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Attendees of the Tropical Escape fundraiser by Sisterhood for Good are able to come together and enjoy cocktail and hors d'oeuvres hour with live music, a seated dinner, fire and hula dancers and silent and live auctions.
Madison Bierl is the education and community reporter for the East County Observer. She grew up in Iowa and studied at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University.
