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Janet Combs

Recent Stories

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.

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.

« »
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