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Janet Combs

Recent Stories

An "Under the Sea" candy bar at the Gulf Coast Heat Homecoming delivered everything needed for a sugar fix.
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 12, 2025
February is the sweetest month — for nonprofits as well as candyholics

The social season is in full swing this month with a plethora of happenings and tidbits from those who attend them.

Co-Chairs Ashley Kozel and Liebe Gamble
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 9, 2025
Selby Gardens' Orchid Ball celebrates new exhibit featuring George Harrison

The "Here Comes the Moon" theme kicked off Harrison's exhibit, which highlights his passion for gardening.

Connie Davis, Arthur Wood and Lynn Morris
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 9, 2025
Ann Patchett espouses importance of libraries at Library Foundation luncheon

The award-winning author spoke at the annual Love Our Libraries luncheon Feb. 7.

Bishop Frank Dewane, event chair Bridget Spiess, Giovanna Barrios and Chad Turnbull
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 3, 2025
Catholic Charities Ball fundraiser rocks the St. Regis Longboat Key

The annual gala for the Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice benefits its programs throughout Sarasota County.

General Director of Sarasota Opera Richard Russell with event co-chairs Edie Chaifetz, Tamara Jacobs and the Mercedes-Benz offered as a raffle prize.
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 2, 2025
Sarasota Opera transports patrons to 'A Night in Seville'

The opera's annual gala honored Les and Carol Brualdi for their support.

Amanda Heisey and Minna Montagna with Caren Brady's design for the 2023 production of "The Drowsy Chaperone."
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 2, 2025
The Sarasota Players celebrates 95 years of community theater

The theater gave a nod to past performances to thank patrons for their support over the years.

Umbreen Khalidi Maseed, Karen Bell and Eduardo Anaya
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 2, 2025
Superheroes step into the spotlight in support of Circus Arts Conservatory

The event helped the nonprofit raise more than $300,000 for its student programs.

Zack and Greta Hamric with their Jaquar
  • By Janet Combs
  • January 27, 2025
Social scene chills out as end of January nears

Our chilly weather coincided with a brief pause in black tie events before peak season really heats up.

Michael Klauber, Gabriel Garcia, Emma Kate Silvestri and Joe Farrell
  • By Janet Combs
  • January 27, 2025
The sun shines for Forks & Corks' Grand Tasting

The courtyard of The Ringling provided the perfect backdrop for the Sarasota-Manatee Originals' annual food and wine tasting event.

Toni Schemmel, Roberta Scales and Pam Kandziora
  • By Janet Combs
  • January 23, 2025
Impact100 SRQ doles out grants to area nonprofit organizations

The women's giving circle gave out $109,500 each to eight local nonprofits.

Debutante Callaway Johnson with escorts Noah Johnson and Addison Wiggins.
  • By Janet Combs
  • January 7, 2025
Tips to get your new year started right

Don't wash your hair, but do wear red or yellow underwear to bring health, love, luck and happiness to 2025.

Rachel Williamson, Sally Schule and Rachael Fisk are ready to greet their 625 guests with a speakeasy entrance for the 8th annual Hospital Gala.
  • By Janet Combs
  • January 5, 2025
Centennial anniversary is the cat's meow at Sarasota Memorial's Hospital Gala

Guests bring out their 1920s style to raise money for the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation.

All the way from California is the Briscoe Family; Back: Cody, Alicia, Jeff, Jeff, Jacob, Debbie, "the original Jeff'; Front: Kinsley, Walker and Wesley
  • By Janet Combs
  • January 2, 2025
Sarasota rings in 2025 with 25th annual block party and pineapple drop

The event, held downtown New Year's Eve, attracted more than 30,000 people to celebrate.

Debutante Lola Delbridge is presented by her dad, Toby.
  • By Janet Combs
  • December 22, 2024
Class of 2024 debutantes make their debut

The evening, which introduces the young ladies to society, benefits the Sarasota Youth Orchestra.

It's a trifecta of tri-chairs of SAM's Biomorphic Glow: Elisabeth Waters, Umbreen Khalidi-Majeed and Roxanne Permesly
  • By Janet Combs
  • December 15, 2024
Sarasota Art Museum takes inspiration from biology for annual Art Bash

The museum used clever lights and color to bring its "biomorphic" theme to life.

Brinda Pola, RCAD President Larry Thompson, Emily Joslin and Phillip Lanham
  • By Janet Combs
  • December 13, 2024
Ringling College thanks supporters of Town Hall Lecture Series with Platinum event

The Ringling College Library Association thanks patrons of its annual lecture series with an event in the library it helped fund.

Ellen and Matt Barry with Col. John and Gail Alexander at the Toys for Tots drive.
  • By Janet Combs
  • December 13, 2024
Not all fundraisers are fancy

Tidbits from the Black Tie social season, including toy drives, celebrating Marines and efforts to ensure a nice Christmas for all.

Dr. Dean Sutherland and Jennifer Williams co-chair the Neuro Challenge Cause 4 Fashion on Dec. 11.
  • By Janet Combs
  • December 12, 2024
Neuro Challenge models march down the runway for Cause 4 Fashion

The Parkinson's nonprofit raised funds for and celebrated the support it gives those living with the disease.

Dawnyelle Singleton, Pam Brown and Susan Erhart
  • By Janet Combs
  • December 12, 2024
Supporters rise and shine for Planned Parenthood

Annual Rise & Shine Brunch raises funds for Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida.

Ashton Tatangelo, Kym Copeland, Mary Gratehouse, Virginia Harshman and Kristin Oldham
  • By Janet Combs
  • December 8, 2024
Women in Philanthropy honor 12 at Inaugural Soiree

The fundraiser at Katherine Harris's house was the first for the new organization.

Tina McGovern, Laura Zarotney and Shayna Callaway organize donated gifts at the SPARCC Holiday Luncheon.
  • By Janet Combs
  • December 5, 2024
SPARCC's holiday luncheon creates 'Winter Wonderland'

More than 300 guests attended SPARCC's annual holiday luncheon, held this year at the Ora.

Kelly and Melissa Caldwell from the Caldwell Trust Co. with Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Manatee counties President and CEO Bill Sadlo.
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 27, 2024
Boys & Girls Clubs honors Caldwell Trust Co. at Champions for Children Gala

The annual event recognized Caldwell Trust Co. for its dedication to supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.

Wine Women & Shoes co-chairs Renee Phinney and Allison Imre have the guests laughing as they deliver their co-chair welcome.
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 26, 2024
Wine, Women & Shoes Sarasota knocks the socks off its porcelain anniversary

Forty Carrots Family Center's largest fundraiser of the year did not disappoint with a dynamic fashion show and fabulous footwear.

Ashley and Joshua Connors
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 23, 2024
Crowd samples local flavors while protecting children at Night of Hope and Healing

The Child Protection Center's fundraiser featured several restaurants while raising money to help protect children from abuse.

Robert Paslaqua, Kay Rosaire, Clayton Rosaire and Ken Paslaqua
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 22, 2024
Big Cat Habitat holds Safari Soiree to help repair hurricane damage

A faux paux at Flip Flops and Fashion, birthday surprises and more tidbits from the social scene.

Event co-chairs Kimberley Pelyk, Shirley Wulf, Joan Castellani and E-Dee Murphy
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 17, 2024
Guests SPARCCle at Starry Night Soiree to celebrate 45th anniversary

Benefiting the Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, the event welcomed more than 240 guests to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Carrie and Frank Truaske, Stacey Efaw, Darryl Strawberry, Laurie Swink, Kimberly Weller and Joanne and Ralph Hoehne
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 16, 2024
Selah Freedom supporters gather to end human trafficking

The organization's Light the Path event welcomed celebrity speaker and retired baseball star, Darryl Strawberry.

Carol Beeler, VMA Principal Janjay Gehndyu and ESE Director, Jackie Gehndyu.
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 15, 2024
Visible Men Academy spreads love during annual event

The Love Lunch fundraiser supports the charter school to help boys reach their full potential in the classroom and in life.

Sailor Circus performers at the Wonder-ous kick off party held at Sailor Circus Arena on Nov. 8 with 120 guests in attendance.
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 12, 2024
Circus Arts Conservatory throws Wonder-ous launch party

The event provided a sneak preview of the Wonderball concert event in the spring.

Season is back, but catch up on what you missed over the summer
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 11, 2024
Season is back, but catch up on what you missed over the summer

These and other tidbits from the Black Tie scene — plus a funny lesson in mistaken identities.

Co-chairs are Trustee Peter Offringa and Allison Gregory.
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 11, 2024
Artful Lobster raises over $380,000 for Hermitage Artist Retreat programs and hurricane recovery

The sold-out luncheon supported the organization, which provides a place for musicians, writers and artists to create new work.

New College junior Lucy Duke paints a work titled "Dionysus" as guests arrive for the cocktail hour.
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 10, 2024
New College Clambake delights with evening on the bay

The event, in its 45th year, provides scholarship opportunities and more for Florida's honors college.

SCF Foundation board members (back) Cindy McCollum, Alix Morin, Jodi Allen, Kathleen Cucci, Vernon DeSear and (front) Lois Lucek, Cassandra Holmes, Jane Esbeck, Lisa Krebs-Knepp, Laura Cota and Carol Whitmore.
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 10, 2024
SCF Annual Scholarship Luncheon brings together students, donors

Donors had the opportunity to meet the students who have been helped by their support.

The Hershbergers show family is everything: Rob, Elaine and Reid enjoy a night of music and lobster.
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 3, 2024
Rockin' Lobster digs into a good time for Children First

The annual fundraiser brought a happy crowd to the Venice beachside for a night of food, drinks, dancing and fun.

Sarasota Art and Dance event curator Gloria Ujvari
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 3, 2024
Sarasota Art and Dance Night delights with performances and art displays

Art Ovation hotel welcomed more than 200 guests for a night that celebrated young performers and a variety of artists.

Jessica Rogers with co-chairs Georgia Anderson, Brenda Belsito and Emma Kate Silvestri
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 1, 2024
Flip Flops & Fashion packs a day of fun at Venice beach

The annual fundraiser for Children First was a welcome reprieve from dealing with the aftermath of three hurricanes.

A new column for a new season
  • By Janet Combs
  • October 28, 2024
A new column for a new season

As the social season begins — slowly after impacts from the hurricanes — we remain excited to tell the stories of the events to come.

Dr. Vincent Fierro, LECOM founder Dr. Silvia Ferretti and Dr. Shailesh Rajguru
  • By Janet Combs
  • October 6, 2024
LECOM celebrates students with annual scholarship auction

The Oct. 5 event raised money for student scholarships with hundreds of auction items.

Pick Six co-chairs Glen Reith, Renee Phinney, Danny and Fondren Watts, and Melissa and Scott Perrin give a collective cheer with Girls Inc. President and CEO Angie Stringer (in red).
  • By Janet Combs
  • September 10, 2024
Totally Tailgate hosts a seventh year replay

About 225 people turned out on Sept. 7 for the sports-themed fundraiser on Michael's on East.

Hostess and host for the annual gala are Lorraine and Dick Vitale, who have smiles that never wavered throughout an event that boasted over 900 guests.
  • By Janet Combs
  • May 10, 2024
Dick Vitale Gala sets new fundraising record

The 19th annual gala supporting the V Foundation featured survivors, honorees and celebrities.

Clayton Merritt, Lisa Schweit and Chrissy Schweit
  • By Janet Combs
  • April 28, 2024
Big Brothers Big Sisters Sun Coast's Spring Soirée sprouts mentoring opportunities

The organization raised funds for its one-to-one mentoring programs for children in nine counties on the Gulf Coast.

Roy Cohen, and board member Ellen Berman with Fred and Bethany Niell
  • By Janet Combs
  • April 16, 2024
Hermitage celebrates Greenfield Prize for Theater

The organization honored playwright Deepa Purohit, who is the 2024 winner of the prize.

Sherry Koski, and her husband and board member, Tom, are long-time orchestra enthusiasts
  • By Janet Combs
  • April 13, 2024
Sarasota Orchestra holds intimate Masterworks 7 Dinner

The dinner gave attendees a taste of the weekend's concert: "Tang Plays Mozart."

Co-chairs of Cooking for the Arts are Ryan and Sepi Ackerman, and Molly and Ethan Biter, who are all parents at Southside Elementary School.
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 29, 2024
Southside School Foundation for the Arts draws a colorful crowd

The interactive dinner raises money for arts programs at the elementary school.

Art in the Dark co-chairs are Veronika and Dr. Philip Ames, with their daughters, Mila and Vivian
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 24, 2024
Art in the Dark gala raises funds to bring solutions into sight

The Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center's annual gala benefits those who have vision loss.

Darrell and Ashley McGhee
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 17, 2024
Mote Marine makes a splash with its fintastic Party on the Pass

Guests enjoyed a casual night of good food and fun drinks to benefit Mote's marine animal rescue, rehabilitation and release programs.

In 2003 Linda Slavin co-founded Cat Depot, and she always has full support from her husband, Ken, and of course, Noel.
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 10, 2024
Feline fine at the 20th Anniversary Gala for Cat Depot

The nonprofit celebrated by spotlighting several of its residents looking for their fur-ever homes.

SCD dancer Zoe Austin's baby boy is due on May 20, and studio coordinator/Co-director Melissa Rummel's baby girl is due on April 19.
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 6, 2024
Sarasota Contemporary Dance holds its own Dancing with the Stars

Dancers competed with fierce moves — and even fiercer fundraising.

FST Marketing Director Robert Whyte, Development Associate Helena Rankin, Acting Apprentice Lorelei Frank, and Children's Theatre Associate Kacy Jones
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 6, 2024
Florida Studio Theatre celebrates 50 years with an anniversary Shindig

The theater feted guests to its golden anniversary party with cocktails, dinner and, of course, a show.

Jarrish Jones, Travis McDowell, Geoffrey Gilot, and Isaiah Smith from Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties greet guests.
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 5, 2024
Boys & Girls Clubs celebrate Youth of the Year with Steak and Burger cookout

The annual event brings together supporters and attendees of the area's Boys & Girls Clubs.

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