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Florida Center for Early Childhood lights the way with Winter Gala

The annual gala was held Dec. 3.


  • By Harry Sayer
  • | 8:20 a.m. December 9, 2021
  • Black Tie
  • Share

The Florida Center for Early Childhood returned with a winter-themed gala at Michael's On East on Dec. 3.

The 34th annual fundraiser — which benefits the nonprofit's work providing early treatment for children with mental, behavioral and developmental disorders — had guests meeting early for hors d'oeuvres, drinks and bidding on gifts in the silent auction. 

The program had guests hearing from CEO Kristie Skogland and other Florida Center staff before the live auction started. Gifts available this year included a wall of wine, a celebration dinner at Michael's On East, a vacation in Key West, and more. 

Florida Center staff and volunteers
Florida Center staff and volunteers
Kristen Theisen, Kimberly Treharne and CEO Kristie Skoglund
Kristen Theisen, Kimberly Treharne and CEO Kristie Skoglund
The event had a winter theme.
The event had a winter theme.
Aggie Hunt, Charmian Miller and Savannah Diaz
Aggie Hunt, Charmian Miller and Savannah Diaz
Tamra Cajo, Olga Strelkov and Dany Foster
Tamra Cajo, Olga Strelkov and Dany Foster
Kaitlyn Aland and Scott Stillwell
Kaitlyn Aland and Scott Stillwell
Carol and Eric Rivera
Carol and Eric Rivera
Bill and Lydia Pepey with Sharon Bolan and Jeff Goodman
Bill and Lydia Pepey with Sharon Bolan and Jeff Goodman
Casey and Colby Siljestrom
Casey and Colby Siljestrom
Jody Creighton and Alisa Westberry
Jody Creighton and Alisa Westberry
John and Ann Sorenson
John and Ann Sorenson
Jackson and Christa Sullivan
Jackson and Christa Sullivan
Steve Schwartz and Kelsey Hoover
Steve Schwartz and Kelsey Hoover
Abigail Richardson with Jessica and Larry Lawman
Abigail Richardson with Jessica and Larry Lawman
Emmalee and Kennedy Legler
Emmalee and Kennedy Legler
Sofya Sokolenko with Kelton and Sydney Johnson
Sofya Sokolenko with Kelton and Sydney Johnson
Eddie Perez-Ruberte and board chair Michele Miller
Eddie Perez-Ruberte and board chair Michele Miller

 

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