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Janet Combs

Recent Stories

Barbara Weiner and Reneé Sheade
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 16, 2026
Annual gala celebrates Aviva Senior Living's impact

Voices of Aviva highlighted the residents of the senior living facility and the impact it has on them and the commmunity.

Samantha Varnam, Jamie Marco and James LaLonde show off some sleepy kittens.
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 16, 2026
Humane Society of Sarasota puts on pawsh event with Paw Royale

The annual luncheon fundraiser featured fun touches themed around the hit Apple TV show, with its own Sarasota style, all to help Sarasota County animals looking for homes.

The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation held its annual gala March 6. The gala, which was followed by a performance by Idina Menzel, featured themes from her shows, including "Wicked."
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 8, 2026
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation gala defies expectations with Idina Menzel

The gala, featuring themes from Menzel's roles in 'Frozen' and 'Wicked,' raised funds to benefit performing arts education programs.

Event co-Chairs are Julie Delaney and Kathy Martella
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 7, 2026
Joe Theismann inspires at Tidewell Foundation's Signature Luncheon

The Super Bowl Champion shared his story of perseverance with attendees at Empath's annual fundraiser.

Bill Buckingham and Laurel Stevens
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 7, 2026
Selby Gardens hosts Garden to Plate Wine Dinner

A multicourse meal paired with wine staged in the picturesque gardens highlighted this annual fundraiser for the organization.

Katie Porter, Francesca Ferrari, Jasmine Lawrence and Laura Frye
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 6, 2026
FST Shindig 'Dares to Imagine' to benefit McGillicuddy Arts Plaza

Florida Studio Theatre's annual fundraiser drew its inspiration from its spring production of "The Blue-Sky Boys," and proceeds will benefit its largest expansion to date.

Hosting Avant-Garde for the 27th year are Larry Thompson and his wife, Pat. This year's theme is Dancing Through the Decades and the attire did not disappoint.
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 1, 2026
Ringling College's Avant-Garde dances through the decades

Ringling College of Art and Design's annual costumed gala celebrated its 30th year and the legacy of its leader, Larry Thompson, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

Carl Mario Nudi, Sarafina Murphy-Gibson, Ivy Sunflower, Marina Elaine and Sarah Jefferies on the promenade deck.
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 20, 2026
Unconventional Evening hosts 10 eras of the high school prom experience

Sarasota Art Museum celebrated all the nostalgic teen memories, from the 1920s through the 2020s, at its interactive event where attendees could 'be the art.'

Melissa Douberly, Tyson Babb, Lisa Jayne Warren-Wallace and Gina and David Warren dig the vibe of the "Get Your Groove On" theme and the cocktail hour.
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 20, 2026
Cooking for Wishes serves up funk, flavor and dreams that do come true

The event raised over $1.1 million for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida's Suncoast Chapter, and granted a wish for fifth grader Keegan Hipsher to go to Switzerland.

Mette Milland and Toni Schemmel
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 16, 2026
Healthy Start Sarasota hosts Together We Bloom at Brown's Grove

The garden chic fundraising gala was the perfect Valentine's Day night out for the 225 guests in attendance.

Savannah Holds and Carl Haan
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 13, 2026
Sarasota Players Play On in their new Payne Park space

At its annual fundraiser, the community theater welcomed guests to see its new home at the Payne Park Auditorium before its transformation begins.

Charlie aand Chrystal Bailey, Morgan and Liz Bentley and Renee James Gilmore
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 8, 2026
Orchid Ball dazzles with 'Nature of Abstraction' theme

The theme of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' annual gala was in line with its new exhibit, 'Alexander Calder: The Nature of Movement.'

Harlan Coben and Emily Walsh
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 7, 2026
Harlan Coben leads with laughter at Love Our Libraries Luncheon

The best-selling author best known for his thrillers showed off his humorous side at the Library Foundation for Sarasota County's annual event, which boasted a sellout crowd of more than 600.

Jeff and Lisa Silvershein with Natasha and Colin Reisner
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 2, 2026
Elon Gold headlines premiere of Catskills After Dark

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee welcomed nearly 400 guests its inaugural comedy fundraiser to benefit Safe SRQ, which provides security for the Jewish community across organizations in the area.

Circus Arts Conservatory CEO and President Jennifer Mitchell and Terri Klauber with Sherry and Tom Koski
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 1, 2026
Circus Arts Gala sings through the rain

Students from the Circus Arts Conservatory wowed guests with their themed performance and received a standing ovation.

Erica Cristea, Monica Palmer, Patricia Cullen and Morgana Robson
  • By Janet Combs
  • January 26, 2026
Good times uncorked at annual Forks & Corks Grand Tasting

The event, which concludes the weeklong culinary festival, featured unique bites, stellar sips and a picture-perfect day in The Ringling courtyard.

Dennis Rees and Felice Schulaner
  • By Janet Combs
  • January 23, 2026
Excitement grows at Sarasota Orchestra Gala for new music center

Guests at the fundraiser could see a model of the new campus, which the orchestra hopes to break ground on in early 2027 and open for the 2029-30 season.

Keith Monda and Veronica Brady with Monica Guggisberg and Philip Baldwin
  • By Janet Combs
  • January 22, 2026
SAM explores glass in Fresh Perspectives Lunch

Sarasota Art Museum guests heard from international glass artists Monica Guggisberg and Philip Baldwin to discuss their 45-year partnership.

Sherry Koski with guest conductor Peter Oundjian and Chairman Tom Koski.
  • By Janet Combs
  • January 16, 2026
Sarasota Orchestra supporters toast Masterworks 3 program

The Sarasota Orchestra held its third Masterworks dinner in anticipation of the weekend program featuring guest conductor Peter Oundjian.

The SMHF Board of Trustees held its annual gala on Jan. 10 with more than 650 guests in attendance.
  • By Janet Combs
  • January 11, 2026
Hospital Gala guests make it a record-breaking night in raising funds for innovation

In its ninth year, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation's annual gala focused on raising money to bring new technologies to the SMH system.

Israeli-American violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman and his wife, Toby, founder of the Perlman music program.
  • By Janet Combs
  • January 11, 2026
Perlman residency celebrates same great program in new downtown location

In its first year using downtown venues, the Perlman Music Program Suncoast Winter Residency culminates with a successful performance and dinner.

On vacation from chilly Pittsburgh are the Matt family: Joe, 6-year old Everly, Brionna and 3-year old Ada.
  • By Janet Combs
  • January 2, 2026
Pineapple Drop ushers out a 'perfect square year'

Sarasota's 26th annual New Year's Eve celebration drew about 40,000 downtown to welcome in 2026 with its time-honored tradition.

The World of Chucko photo-bombs Dana Dalpra, Lauren Hersh and Tami and Phillip Lanham.
  • By Janet Combs
  • December 14, 2025
Sarasota Art Museum steps into Style Moderne for annual Art Bash

The theme of the evening echoed the museum's winter exhibition, which features works from the Art Deco era.

SPARCC Holiday Luncheon co-chairs Melissa Silva, Tina McGovern and Cator Hartley
  • By Janet Combs
  • December 11, 2025
SPARCC holiday luncheon welcomes record turnout

The annual event, which supports the Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, had more than 320 guests at Michael's On East.

Britnie Sutika, CEO Kristie Skoglund, Kimberly Treharne, Paola Pinillos and Kate Reed
  • By Janet Combs
  • December 7, 2025
Florida Center for Early Childhood hosts 2nd annual Wonder Gala

The evening raises funds to help provide prevention and early intervention services to young children facing possible academic, social and economic challenges.

Celia Young, Pat Reinhart, Ina Goldberg and Sherry Wheeler channel their inner flapper style for the Great Gatsby-inspired Poinsettia Luncheon.
  • By Janet Combs
  • December 5, 2025
Sarasota Opera Guild rings in holidays at Poinsettia Luncheon

The guild raises money to support the Sarasota Opera while promoting the appreciation of opera in the community and encouraging the next generation of singers.

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.

»
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On Feb. 20, 2026, Florida Power & Light Company(FPL)volunteers beautify and conduct maintenance at The Ranch of Easterseals Southwest Florida. Volunteers removed posts, helped with landscaping and maintenance efforts–supporting the organization’s mission to help people with disabilities discover new strength, improve balance and unlock potential through therapy, learning and recreation on horseback. Now in its 18th year, FPL’s Power to Care program reinforces the company’s long-standing commitment to powering strong communities making Florida an even better place to live, work and raise a family. This year, FPL’s Power to Care week consists of more than 30projects led by hundreds of employees in over 10 counties across Florida.
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