• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Valentine's Day Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Valentine's Day Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Janet Combs

Recent Stories

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.

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.

« »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Trending

1
Circus Arts Conservatory CEO and President Jennifer Mitchell and Terri Klauber with Sherry and Tom Koski
  • February 1, 2026
Circus Arts Gala sings through the rain
2
Lori Jaress, Dave Scott and Sarasota Police Foundation President Jeff Birnbach
  • February 1, 2026
SRQ Blue and White Gala honors those who serve
3
The one, the only, the Brownie Ice Cream Stack at Michael's on East.
  • February 1, 2026
When Cupid calls, these Sarasota eateries have chocolatey answers
4
Ethan Kuhn of Suncoast United Pipes and Drums performs in the ceremony.
  • January 31, 2026
Scottish Highland Games & Celtic Festival showcases a wee bit of Scotland
5
Barb Archbold, Matthew Glover and co-Chair Carla Koeffler
  • January 31, 2026
Sarasota Opera Gala entertains with Winter in Paris

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now