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

 

Latest News

Government protections remain important in keeping the Myakka River healthy and pristine.
  • April 13, 2026
Some residents say Manatee pulled 'bait and switch' on Myakka River monitoring
Boat lifts flank each side of the canal in a Country Club Shores neighborhood. The town of Longboat Key is preparing to enact a continuous canal maintenance program that would include flat fees and ad-valorem assessments for residents.
  • April 13, 2026
Canal maintenance program up for a vote this summer
County Administrator Charlie Bishop is typically seated at the dais with commissioners during meetings, but he was absent during the discussion about his contract April 7.
  • April 12, 2026
Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop's contract up for renewal
The Ikea franchise system includes 58 retail locations in the United States. There are 412 Ikea stores worldwide in 32 countries.
  • April 11, 2026
Ikea to open at UTC in Sarasota

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content