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Janet Combs

Recent Stories

Actress, author, memory expert, and health advocate Marilu Henner is the keynote speaker
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 3, 2024
Tidewell Foundation holds luncheon with laughter, tears and Marilu Henner

The 15th annual Signature Luncheon provided moments of grief, hope and inspiration.

Senior Friendship Centers staff welcomed 150 guests to their Blooming Friendships Gala on Feb. 29 and include Amanda Olsen, Declan Sheehy, Jodel Velarde, Julie Ann Barowski and Kathy Pappas
  • By Janet Combs
  • March 1, 2024
Friendships bloom at the Senior Friendship Centers leap-year gala

The nonprofit honored Project Pride's Jason Champion as its Friend of the Year.

Chloe Niebuhr, Maggie Graham, Executive Director Sarah Wertheimer, and Learning and Engagement Director Ben Jewell-Plocher
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 26, 2024
Embracing Our Differences spotlights this year's installation at annual luncheon

The large-scale art installation in Bayfront Park features artists and students from around the world.

From Cirque Vertigo are the Tin Man Aydar Rakhmatullin, Cowardly Lion Roma, Cooking for Wishes Co-Chair Terri Klauber with Luna staring as Toto, emcee Michael Kaluber, and performers Braden Baker, Faith Marie, Ainsley McLaughlin, Steffi Goldstone, Lincoln Rhoades and Farrah Moreno
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 25, 2024
Cooking for Wishes follows the yellow brick road

Guests at Make-A-Wish's annual dinner had fun cooking a dinner with a "Wizard of Oz" theme.

Lorraine Cersosimo, Shannon Pokorski and Karen Brady
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 20, 2024
Catholic Charities celebrates 40 years of serving all at its annual ball

Hundreds gathered for the event held Feb. 17 at Micheal's On East that benefits the Diocese of Venice's work in the community.

SCF President Carol Probstfeld with Andy Guz
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 19, 2024
State College of Florida Foundation raises spirits and funds at 9th annual Bourbon, Beers & BBQ

Guests enjoyed bourbon and beer samples and a barbecue feast to raise money for SCF scholarships and programming.

Robin Knoll, Chad Fraser, Suncoast Charities for Children Executive Director Lucy Nicandri and Pat Bruenning
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 19, 2024
VIP Kickoff Party starts engines for 26th Thunder by the Bay Festival

The party began Suncoast Charities for Children's annual motorcycle-themed event.

Juan Uribe and Miranda Vidro are professional dancers from the Fred Astaire studio in Sarasota.
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 18, 2024
An Unconventional Evening delivers an interactive Valentine

Sarasota Art Museum supporters celebrate the day of love at the museum, complete with a 1940s USO theme.

Elizabeth Moore and Bob Bunting with their climate umbrella
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 18, 2024
Climate Adaption Center honors five nominees with Beacon Awards

The organization spotlighted the efforts of individuals in the community for their work in addressing climate change issues.

Kim Wheeler, Jane Summerville and Bev Fisher
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 18, 2024
Sarasota Orchestra celebrates 75 with a special concert and gala

Supporters gathered to celebrate the orchestra's 75th birthday, making it the longest running continuous symphony in Florida.

Orchid Ball guests Rachel Durrani and Zelia and Martin Trueb are greeted by Rob Rominiecki and Selby Gardens CEO and Jennifer Rominiecki.
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 12, 2024
Selby Gardens continues 50th anniversary celebration at Orchid Ball: Infinity

The event also opened the gardens' new exhibit, "Yayoi Kusama: A letter to Georgia O'Keeffe."

Lydia Landa and Masterworks 5 co- host, Kay Aidlin
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 9, 2024
Norwegian guest conductor Rune Bergmann wows Masterworks 5 dinner crowd

The Sarasota Orchestra's pre-concert dinner previewed the "Smoke and Fire" concert starting Feb. 9.

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast President Christine Johnson, Honorary Chair Cornelia Matson, and Director of Marketing and Events Sam Valentin
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 5, 2024
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast celebrates 20 years in paradise

The Party in Paradise fundraiser welcomed more than 350 guests to the land trust's headquarters.

Gala chairs Julie A. Harris and Lauren Walsh with COO Jennifer Mitchell, center
  • By Janet Combs
  • February 4, 2024
Circus Gala gives guests the royal treatment

The Circus Arts Conservatory's Royal Gala theme wowed attendees with a night of performances, dinner and dancing.

Board President Jeff Birnbach, Treasurer Areaka Jewell, Directors Libby Soderberg, Andrea Capek, Director and Secretary Sean Murphy and Director Pete Abbott.
  • By Janet Combs
  • January 29, 2024
Sarasota Police Foundation holds annual SRQ Blue & White Gala

The foundation recognized several individuals on the force with awards during the evening.

Perlman Music Program Founder Toby Perlman and Director Itzhak Perlman say they are pleased with the concert that culminated after a winter residency for musicians aged 12-20+.
  • By Janet Combs
  • January 8, 2024
Perlman Music Program celebrates 20 years with a concert and dinner

The annual program, founded by Toby Perlman and directed by famed violinist Itzhak Perlman, continues its legacy.

Jay Camaro performs hit songs while engaging with the crowd, including Concertmaster Marcus Ratzenboeck.
  • By Janet Combs
  • January 8, 2024
Venice Symphony transports guests to Italy with 50th anniversary gala

The Venetian Nights Gala thanked patrons for all their support since the symphony's founding in 1974.

Debutante twins Sofie and Chloe Niebuhr take a quick dance break for a photo with Debutantes Christine Tagle and Andrea Pellizzari.
  • By Janet Combs
  • January 8, 2024
2023 debutantes make their entrance with grace, charm and poise

The 42nd annual Debutante Ball unveiled the year's class while benefiting youth programs of the Sarasota Orchestra.

From the Sarasota Ballet's Margaret Barbieri Conservatory is Macie Miersch, 14, who performs a classical ballet dance between dinner courses.
  • By Janet Combs
  • January 2, 2024
Selby Gardens dazzles NYE with lights, ballet, front-row seats to fireworks

Guests rang in 2024 at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens with an elegant evening packed with fun.

Joan Castellani, President and CEO Jessica Hays and Director of Development Mary Ellen Mancini
  • By Janet Combs
  • December 8, 2023
SPARCC luncheon gathers toys just in time for the holidays

The annual holiday tradition gathers gifts, gift cards and toys for the smallest survivors of domestic violence in the community.

Best Shoe of the day winner was Chrissy Albice
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 21, 2023
Sarasota goes head over heels at Wine, Women & Shoes

Forty Carrots' annual event didn't disappoint on the footwear, fashion or fun.

Interim President of the Pines Foundation Andrea Stephens, Jodi Cherry, board Chair Jane Hunder and Pines President and CEO Mike Ward
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 16, 2023
Pines shares wit and wisdom at annual luncheon

Nonprofit senior care center Pines of Sarasota Foundation also celebrated its 75th anniversary with the event.

Lori and Jay Solomon, president and CEO of Aviva Senior Living
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 15, 2023
Aviva Senior Living keeps the dream alive for seniors

The Jewish senior living community raised funds at its annual dinner to ensure residents can stay in their homes if their funds are diminished.

Executive Director Julie Leach stops for a photo with Co-chairs Eilene Maupin and Charlie Ann Syprett.
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 14, 2023
WBTT supporters get on the Soul Train again

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe returns to the '70s for its annual fundraiser.

Flora Major, Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg and board President Carole Crosby
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 14, 2023
Hermitage's Artful Lobster raises record-breaking $292,000

The 15th annual event set a new fundraising milestone to support Hermitage Artist Retreat's programs.

Co-chairs Gene and Kathy Jongsma, Jeri Sedlar and Rick Miners take time for a photo before their guests arrive.
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 13, 2023
Sarasota Orchestra's annual brunch hits a high note

Musicians entertained guests at the organization's annual brunch Nov. 12.

Resilient Retreat founder Sidney Turner with husband, Troy, and their therapy dog, 4-year old Journey
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 7, 2023
Culinary feast supports trauma survivors at Resilient Retreat

The organization hosted its second annual Farm to Table event to support programming on its campus.

USF Foundation member Clara Reynardus de Villanueva and Allison Imre
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 7, 2023
Attendees dig in at USF's Brunch on the Bay

Guests enjoyed picture-perfect weather for the annual event at the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus.

Kimberley Pelyk, Bonnie McIntyre, Sue Wilson, Barbara Gardener and Jo Ann Heisen
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 5, 2023
SPARCCle Gala comes to Selby Gardens

The Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center's annual event moved venues for a spectacular evening of dining and dancing.

Rockin' Lobster co-chairs are Bob and Laurin Ripley and Board Member Rebecca Lieberher and her husband Philip, who took a moment to share a photo with Board Chair Brock Leach.
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 5, 2023
Guests enjoy New England's finest at Rockin' Lobster

The 11th annual event served up sand, a beautiful sunset and fireside s'mores.

President and CEO of Children First Philip Tavill with Krystel Beall, and Jessica Rogers, VP Of philanthropy at Children First.
  • By Janet Combs
  • November 2, 2023
Runway show delights at Flip Flops & Fashion

The 16th annual event benefiting Children First was a perfect day at the beach.

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