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Janet Combs

Recent Stories

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.

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-Majeed, 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.

« »
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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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