Safe Place Rape & Crisis Center goes black & white

The annual SPARCCle in the City was held March 29 at The Westin Sarasota.

  • By Kayleigh Omang
  • | 8:30 p.m. March 29, 2019
  • Black Tie
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The Westin Sarasota sparkled a little extra than usual March 29 for Safe Place Rape & Crisis Center's annual gala. 

SPARCCle in the City: "A Black & White Ball" gathered supporters together for an evening of elegance. The night started with a cocktail hour and silent auction. Then while guests were being seated, a few energetic couples got the dance party started early with the band, Big Night Out. 

After all were seated, the salad course was served, and co-chairwoman Barbara Gardner took the stage to tell her own personal experiences of being abused by her mom. Guests also watched a video from an abuse survivor. She outlined her story of being abused by her husband and finding refuge with SPARCC. 

The live auction and paddle raise followed. Then guests closed out the night with dessert and more dancing with the band.

Co-Chairs Mark Muse, Barbara Gardner, Kimberley Pelyk and Lynne Koy
Co-Chairs Mark Muse, Barbara Gardner, Kimberley Pelyk and Lynne Koy
Linda and Ozzie Patzmann
Linda and Ozzie Patzmann
Paul Bolton and Trudy Barry
Paul Bolton and Trudy Barry
Carole Chrisman, Bonnie McIntyre, Bill Noonan and Rosemary Mahoney
Carole Chrisman, Bonnie McIntyre, Bill Noonan and Rosemary Mahoney
The first live auction item was a wall of wines.
The first live auction item was a wall of wines.
Michael and Coral Pleas
Michael and Coral Pleas
Sandra Youlden and Doc Lockett
Sandra Youlden and Doc Lockett
The ballroom of The Westin Sarasota was decorated to the black and white theme.
The ballroom of The Westin Sarasota was decorated to the black and white theme.
The centerpieces stood tall above the tables.
The centerpieces stood tall above the tables.
Alex Knight and Dylan Shytle
Alex Knight and Dylan Shytle
Jim and Sue Defoe
Jim and Sue Defoe
Shirley Wulf and Debra Clark Maradiaga
Shirley Wulf and Debra Clark Maradiaga
Eduardo Anaya wore a leopard lapel pin.
Eduardo Anaya wore a leopard lapel pin.
Eduardo Anaya and Jim Brooks
Eduardo Anaya and Jim Brooks
Barbara and Tom Gardner
Barbara and Tom Gardner
Brian Mariash with Rita and Gary Thibalt
Brian Mariash with Rita and Gary Thibalt
Tammy Karp, Donna Koffman and Elisabeth Waters pose for a photo.
Tammy Karp, Donna Koffman and Elisabeth Waters pose for a photo.
Steve and Debbie Grossman
Steve and Debbie Grossman
Several brave couples got on the dance floor before dinner.
Several brave couples got on the dance floor before dinner.
The band Big Night Out played throughout the evening.
The band Big Night Out played throughout the evening.
President and CEO Jessica and Nathan Hays
President and CEO Jessica and Nathan Hays

 

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