Twenty friends and supporters of Patrick and Holly Wright and the Payton Wright Foundation gathered together at the Viking Culinary Center in Lakewood Ranch for an Intimate Dinner Sept. 24. Guests enjoyed watching the chefs show off their culinary skills during a live interactive cooking demonstration while helping raise money for the Payton Wright Foundation.

Golf enthusiasts turned out Sept. 24 to University Park Country Club for the third annual Gullett Golf Challenge benefiting Gullett Elementary School's Parent Teacher Organization. Last year's event raised more than $34,000 for computers and other equipment for the school.

The 2011 Sarasota/Manatee Heart Walk had over 1,600 people come out Saturday, Sept. 24, at Payne Park.

Hundreds of people in Sarasota County took part in the 25th Annual Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup Saturday, Sept. 24, at various locations. Around 30 people came out to cleanup around Bayfront Park.

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC) hosted approximately 400 individuals from Sarasota businesses for industry awards at the Ritz Carlton for the Hall of Fame 2011 Awards luncheon on Sept. 23.

The Friends of the Ballet put on the annual Meet Me at the Barre event Friday, Sept. 23, at the FSU Asolo Center For The Performing Arts.

Gene Witt Elementary School families donned their '50s best Sept. 23 for the school's annual Sock Hop. Attendees enjoyed pizza, dancing, a hula hoop contest, a silly sock contest and more as part of the festivities.

Enjoy some of our best photos this week from all Observers.

'Connecting...Women, Passion and Purpose,' a networking and non-profit showcase event for women was held Sept. 22 at Ringling College of Art and Design.

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and the Venice Chamber of Commerce held a combined chamber event Thursday, Sept. 22 at Bentley's Resort in Osprey.