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Janet Combs

Recent Stories

Bill and Robyn Sadlo, Barb and Jay Lancer and Marjolaine and Steve Townsend
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 23, 2025
Boys and Girls Clubs' Champions for Children honors Baranciks' legacy

At its annual gala, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Desoto Counties celebrated the work of Charles and Margery Barancik.

Kristin Morton, John Grady Burns, Pat Mudgett and Kellie Menke
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 21, 2025
Founders Garden Club welcomes celebrity floral designer to annual luncheon

John Grady Burns gave attendees of the club's annual Flower Talk a few tricks for creating a beautiful floral arrangement.

Marie Monsky and Marvin Kadesh
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 17, 2025
Brunch plays a note to raise money for Sarasota Youth Orchestra

Patrons of the Sarasota Orchestra gathered for its annual brunch to fundraise for the youth orchestra and support music education.

Raleigh Mosely, Donald Frison, Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs and Jazzmin Carson
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 17, 2025
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe shows off its heart and soul at fall gala

Lively performances brought the night — and fundraising mission — to life at the organization's annual fall fundraising event Nov. 15.

Keep calm and party on: Co-Chairs Renee Phinney, Lauren Dixon, Lauren Wohlwend and Allison Imre along with event planner Minta Getzen (center) make sure that every detail of Wine, Women & Shoes is handled with the utmost care.
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 15, 2025
Wine, Women & Shoes steps up in support of Forty Carrots Family Center

The annual fundraiser welcomed more than 400 partygoers to The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Nov. 14 to raise money for parent and children services.

John and Amy Hoskins co-chair Twinkle Ball 2025 with Terri and Michael Klauber.
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 14, 2025
All Star Children's Foundation marks 5 years at Twinkle Ball

The nonprofit that helps children in foster care and the families that care for them celebrated its anniversary at its annual fundraiser.

SAM presents its Fresh Perspective Lunch with Gloria Sutton as the featured speaker.
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 13, 2025
Sarasota Art Museum lends guests some fresh perspective

For its first Fresh Perspective Lunch of the season, SAM welcomed speaker Gloria Sutton.

Co-chairs Kimberly Tude Thuot, Jo McKenzie and E-Dee Murphy
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 9, 2025
Sunset sparkles for SPARCC's fundraising soirée

Guests enjoyed a brilliant orange sunset over Sarasota Bay to kick off a night of fundraising, dinner and dancing.

Sepi Ackerman, Brit Ellis and Rebecca Izquierdo
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 2, 2025
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation rocks the roof, country style

Rock the Roof featured a country-western theme for patrons to do the two-step atop Sarasota Memorial's West Parking Garage.

Mote SEA lures guests to its new location for Oceanic Evening
  • By Janet Combs
  • October 26, 2025
Mote SEA lures guests to its new location for Oceanic Evening

The annual event served as the new aquarium's grand opening gala as well, giving many patrons their first look at the new center.

Pique Nique Sur La Baie makes its return after 5-year hiatus
  • By Janet Combs
  • October 24, 2025
Pique Nique Sur La Baie makes its return after 5-year hiatus

The luncheon and fashion show, hosted by Florida Winefest, returned to the Van Wezel bayfront to celebrate its 42nd year.

Selby's Lunch in the Gardens welcomes Orchid Show artist
  • By Janet Combs
  • October 24, 2025
Selby's Lunch in the Gardens welcomes Orchid Show artist

Rebecca Louise Law's work is on display as part of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' 2025 Orchid Show.

Beth and Steve Knopik from the All Heart Fund, Terri Shea-Klauber and Michael Klauber from Safari Sarasota and Maya Groch, Fumani Mathumbu and Kate Groch with the Good Work Foundation.
  • By Janet Combs
  • October 19, 2025
Safari Sarasota raises funds to boost education in rural South Africa

The annual dinner benefits the All Heart Fund, which partners with the Good Work Foundation to provide digital education for kids in underserved areas of the country.

The Sisterhood Project USA board members include Kristen Heide, Melissa Mangiapanella, Josh Boorum and Kara Micucci.
  • By Janet Combs
  • October 12, 2025
The Sisterhood Project USA hosts inaugural Pearls & Prosecco Gala

The event benefits the organization, which works to empower children and teens affected by domestic violence.

Amy Holmes, Truly Valued CEO and founder Shavonne Johnson and Charles Whitfield
  • By Janet Combs
  • October 12, 2025
Truly Valued hosts Taste of New Orleans to benefit children's and family programming

The nonprofit welcomed more than 100 guests to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for the fundraiser.

Aerialist and CAC coach Siena Hartzell pours champagne from a unique perspective.
  • By Janet Combs
  • October 6, 2025
DJ R3hab amplifies third annual Wonderball

The Circus Arts Conservatory's annual party of electronic dance music attracted more than 700 guests.

Troy and Dr. Sidney Turner with Resilient Retreat's famous therapy dog, Journey.
  • By Janet Combs
  • October 5, 2025
Resilient Retreat luncheon teaches lessons of trauma recovery

The Pathways to Resilience event Oct. 1 welcomed several guest speakers to the lunch and learn.

Sports Center anchor and tonight's gala emcee Kevin Negandhi, UF basketball coach Todd Golden, Dick Vitale, ESPN's Hannah Storm, former WNBA player Nancy Lieberman, U Conn head coach Dan Hurley and V Foundation CEO Shane Jacobson.
  • By Janet Combs
  • May 4, 2025
Dick Vitale Gala expects to surpass $100M raised for pediatric cancer research

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the event welcomed a crowd of sports celebrities among its 1,000 attendees.

VMA Shine On gala co-Chairs are Edward and Jade Valdez and Brenda and Jeff Gaines.
  • By Janet Combs
  • April 28, 2025
Footballer Ray Sherman gives message of inspiration at Shine On! Extravaganza

Once an NFL coach, Sherman was the keynote speaker at the gala, which is Visible Men Academy's spring fundraiser.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast president and CEO Kamala Martinez with her husband, Joe.
  • By Janet Combs
  • April 26, 2025
Bigs and Littles celebrated at Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Sun Coast Spring Soiree

The dinner featured a silent auction to raise money for the nonprofit.

Honorée Nancy Roucher with her granddaughter Zoe Schuver.
  • By Janet Combs
  • April 25, 2025
Sarasota Jewish Theatre honors Nancy Roucher's legacy in the arts

The organization celebrated the longtime arts advocate at a luncheon also featuring a performance by the Michael Ross Quartet.

Nicole Radomski with Trooper, Shelby Welch with Freckles and Natalie Tilton with Rusty. These pit-mix pups are waiting to find their forever families.
  • By Janet Combs
  • April 13, 2025
Mission Pawssible helps Humane Society of Sarasota County find forever homes for area animals

The entertaining and heart-warming luncheon helped raise funds to rehabilitate stray animals and connect them with new families.

Tom and Kathy Cook with CEO Philip Tavill
  • By Janet Combs
  • April 6, 2025
Children First enchants guests with the 25th Anniversary Fairytale Ball

Gala treats supporters to a magical night with its "Magic is All Around Us" theme.

Save Our Seabirds board chair and event co-chair Linda Mitchell, Executive Director Brian Walton and board member and co-chair Nancy McLean
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 31, 2025
Save Our Seabirds hosts annual Extravaganza at the big top

The nonprofit raised funds to help sick and injured birds with circus-themed event and the help of Sailor Circus performers.

Giving Breakfast Honorees Keith Monda, Veronica Brady, Teri A Hansen and Jody Jester with SCC President/CEO Brena Slater and VP Jacqueline House
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 31, 2025
Safe Children Coalition honors 4 at its third annual Giving Breakfast

The event raised more than $260,000 to support live-saving programs for children in the community.

Volunteer models Millie Anne Colgate and Jamie McGraw on the SPARCC runway.
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 30, 2025
SPARCC Runway Fashion Show highlights seascape trends

About 650 attended the Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center's annual luncheon and fashion show.

Award winners are singers Victor Starsky, Lindsey Polcyn, Alexandra Kzeski, Sara Kennedy, Tessa Fackelmann and Michael Deshield
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 28, 2025
Sarasota Opera honors singers at Salute the Stars luncheon

The luncheon recognized the opera's apprentice and studio artists for their work during the season.

Andria Piekarz with Julianna Burns and Carlos Solorzano
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 24, 2025
Mote's fifth annual Farm to Fillet attracts largest crowd yet

The luncheon, held outdoors at the Mote Aquaculture Research Park, welcomed more than 480 guests.

Maya and Ross Kellman
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 23, 2025
ODA welcomes supporters to campus for annual Banyan Ball

Supporters of the Out-of-Door Academy were treated to performances by students from the Circus Arts Conservatory.

Luci LeClaire and Jillian Marto
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 23, 2025
SPAF shows it can-can at annual gala with 'Moulin Rouge' theme

The annual fundraiser for the performing arts center featured a performance of 'Moulin Rouge! The Musical' after dinner for attendees.

The Women's Resource Center President and CEO Ashley Brown with Mandy Quinones, Kia Celestin, Jill Cherbow and Lillian Elliott
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 21, 2025
Women's Resource Center hosts Supported Scholar Luncheon

The nonprofit celebrates the scholarships it gives, including those that help with emergency funding,, mentoring and mental health programming.

Alex Huppe and Jeryl Schriever pose with Huppe's 1937 Buick Special in front of Florida Studio Theatre.
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 14, 2025
‘Jersey Boys’ inspires Florida Studio Theatre's annual Shindig: Oh What a Night

FST honored Priscilla and Jack Schlegel with is prestigious Spelman Award.

Isa Englebert asks who Allan Kennedy was speaking with on the pink telephone.
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 12, 2025
Black Party celebrates second act for Urbanite Theatre

The annual fundraiser supports the work of Sarasota's black box theater.

Kim Hinkle and Erin Guzzo
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 11, 2025
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto celebrates 2025 Youth of the Year

The nonprofit highlighted the achievements of all of its Youth of the Year finalists at the event March 7.

Signature Luncheon co-chairs Julie Delaney and Kathy Martella with keynote speaker Dr. B.J. Miller.
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 9, 2025
Empath's Tidewell Signature Luncheon welcomes speaker Dr. B.J. Miller

The 16th annual luncheon raises money for services for Tidewell Hospice.

Planned Parenthood event Co-chairs Patti Wertheimer, Sharon Patrice, Lisa Silvershein and Allison Anderson
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 8, 2025
Planned Parenthood champions its cause for accessible health care at annual dinner

The nonprofit celebrated its mission while also unveiling a new project with Ringling College of Art and Design students.

Pretty in pink co-chairs are Brittany Lambiris, Taylor Teymuri and Sarah Renkliyuz
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 7, 2025
Abilities Shining Luncheon spotlights work of Easterseals

Easterseals Southwest Florida celebrates 80 years of providing access, inclusion and hope to individuals with disabilities and their families.

Student Anna Lazzaro and the New College mascot, Rooty, show their arm power moves.
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 4, 2025
New College celebrates two years of its athletics programs

The Mighty Banyan Royale event raised money to support athletic programs at the school.

Casey Welch with Rick and Sally Piccolo
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 3, 2025
USF Sarasota-Manatee celebrates 30th Brunch on the Bay

The event, held on the college's campus, raises money for student scholarships.

Event co-chairs are Kim Becker and Amanda Baxter
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 2, 2025
Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation hosts whodunnit

Organization hosts a "Mystery Under the Stars" for annual gala to benefit cancer patients.

Joy Kolstad and Heather Roberts
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 2, 2025
Ringling College's Avant-Garde immerses guests in pop culture experience

The event, the college's premier fundraiser, raised money for students scholarships.

CEO Brad Jones with COO and event chair Alison Thomas.
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 26, 2025
The Haven hosts casino night at annual gala

The organization raised funds to help it provide essential services and support for children, teens and adults with disabilities and their families.

Jon Thaxton with Leslie and Alan Jones
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 24, 2025
Big Waters Land Trust treats guests to a feast on the ranch

Feast Upon the Fields attendees enjoyed a farm-to-table meal with Walton Ranch as the picturesque setting.

Gigi and John Kovach and Asya and Timothy Stuart
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 23, 2025
Rock the Roof attendees party like it's 1999

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation's annual rooftop party sported a Y2K theme.

The event committee and co-chairs of the 15th annnual Cooking for Wishes held on Feb. 20 at Circus Arts Conservatory
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 21, 2025
Make-A-Wish cooks up experiences at interactive dinner

The event raises funds for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses.

General Director Richard Russell with Larry and Carol English
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 20, 2025
Sarasota Opera patrons revel in Moonlight & Melodies dinner

The second of the opera's dinner series transported guests to a Viennese feast worthy of Mozart.

Samantha Bennett, Abraham Feder and George Nickson
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 18, 2025
enSRQ serves up Prelude Soiree as pre-concert appetizer

The cocktail event gave new music supporters a bonus performance with special guest, cellist Abe Feder.

Sarasota Ballet Director Iain Webb, Deputy Executive Director Michelle Butler and Executive Director Joe Volpe at a black tie event.
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 17, 2025
Sarasota Ballet triumphs with tutus and turns at annual gala

The event, complete with cocktail hours, dining and dancing, also featured a performance by Sarasota Ballet dancers.

Together We Bloom co-chairs are Ellen Kopel-Puretz and Marilyn Lapidus
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 16, 2025
Healthy Start Coalition shares the love at Together We Bloom

The nonprofit's dinner was held at The Resilient Retreat.

Big and Little Sisters of the Year Hannah Bagnall and Samauria Doles and have been paired for almost six years.
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 16, 2025
Bigs and littles walk the runway for Big Brothers Big Sisters Suncoast

Program participants and supporters celebrate at annual Live Laugh Love Luncheon.

»
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