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Lori Sax

Recent Stories

Troy Turner and Resilient Retreat founder Dr. Sidney Turner
  • By Lori Sax
  • November 17, 2025
Resilient Retreat transports guests to the Mediterranean

With a farm to table experience, guests enjoyed a Mediterranean meal al fresco to benefit the nonprofit's mission of helping survivors of trauma.

Argus Foundation Executive Director Christine Robinson, 2025 Honoree Rod Hershberger and Elaine Hershberger
  • By Lori Sax
  • November 15, 2025
Two local business leaders honored at annual Argus awards

Rod Hershberger and Kerry Kirschner received the Argus Foundation's 2025 Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Event Co-Chairs Elizabeth Moore and Mary Gratehouse
  • By Lori Sax
  • November 9, 2025
New College carries on tradition with annual clambake

The event, on the campus along the bayfront, raises money for the New College Foundation.

Co-chairs Jennifer and Blake Rolley and Co-chairs Nicole and Adam Cromie
  • By Lori Sax
  • November 2, 2025
Rockin' Lobster enjoys picture-perfect night on the Gulf

Guests enjoyed the annual traditions of lobster and Gulfside s'mores during a chilly night at Children First's dinner on the beach.

Krystel Beall, Children First CEO Philip Tavill and Jessica Rogers
  • By Lori Sax
  • October 31, 2025
Guests kick up some sand at Flip Flops & Fashion

Children First's annual fashion fundraiser on the Gulf came on a picture-perfect day.

All Faiths Food Bank raises money to bring fresh produce to the table
  • By Lori Sax
  • October 26, 2025
All Faiths Food Bank raises money to bring fresh produce to the table

The Autumn Harvest Dinner treats guests to a farm-to-table meal while raising funds to stock its warehouse with fresh produce.

Planned Parenthood supporters toast to reproductive health
  • By Lori Sax
  • October 24, 2025
Planned Parenthood supporters toast to reproductive health

At Rose for Reproductive Rights, Planned Parenthood of Florida patrons gathered to support sexual and reproductive health care for all.

Honoree Shawny Robey and Frederick Rich
  • By Lori Sax
  • October 17, 2025
Eight honored at NAACP's Freedom Awards Gala

The Sarasota County Bran of the NAACP gave the awards at its annual event, which celebrated its 40th year.

The Girls Inc. Totally Tailgate team
  • By Lori Sax
  • September 8, 2025
Girls Inc. scores with Totally Tailgate

The annual football-themed event raises money for the nonprofit that teaches girls to be strong, smart and bold.

Daniella Padilla and Mala Vavourakis
  • By Lori Sax
  • June 2, 2025
Grand Carnival event puts pride on parade

Project Pride SRQ's fourth annual event dazzled attendees with "Palm Royale" theme.

Laura Stuart and Rosemarie Poplin
  • By Lori Sax
  • April 26, 2025
En Plein Air Wine Dinner delights Sarasota Art Museum supporters

The evening featured a South Africa-inspired meal paired with wines curated by Michael Klauber of Michael's On East.

Guest Conductor Stuart Chafetz
  • By Lori Sax
  • April 18, 2025
Sarasota Orchestra patrons spend a night at the Pops Supper Club

The fundraiser featured an elegant dinner paired with a one-night-only pops performance.

Boys and Girls Club CEO Bill Sadlo and Tennis Ball Co-Chair Barb Lancer
  • By Lori Sax
  • April 13, 2025
Sarasota Open patrons enjoy white-themed Tennis Ball amid annual tennis tournament

The dinner, presented by the Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open tennis tournament, benefited the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.

Virginia Harshman, Kristin Oldham, Kym Copeland and Mary Gratehouse
  • By Lori Sax
  • April 11, 2025
Selby teaches guests about topiary design at Lunch in the Gardens

The bayfront event featured a live demonstration and interactive talk with topiary designer Mike Gibson.

Alina Cemitier, event Co-Chair Jen Flanders, Juli Rowe and Phillip Kellogg
  • By Lori Sax
  • April 6, 2025
Guests support Child Protection Center at Blue Ties & Butterflies

The annual dinner raises money to help prevent and support survivors of child abuse.

Strong, Smart and Bold Leadersip Award Honoree Sloan Cox and co-chair of the celebration luncheon Sofia Zavala
  • By Lori Sax
  • April 6, 2025
35th Celebration Luncheon honors mission of creating strong, smart, bold girls

Girls Inc. gave awards to Stacey Corley, Tammy Karp, Bart and Joan Levenson and girls Sloan Cox and Luna Rojas Cruz at its annual luncheon.

Lisa Laller, Linda Sloan Haller, Jack Sloan, Susan Payne and Jefferson Chales
  • By Lori Sax
  • March 30, 2025
Neuro Challenge raises support for Parkinson's therapy at Cause 4 Hope

The nonprofit serves more than 3,000 people with Parkinson's Disease with free programming in six counties.

Stephanie Roberts with panelists Meredith Cleveland, Laura McLeroy and Dr. Kristen Walker
  • By Lori Sax
  • March 30, 2025
Women learn about health care issues at Women & Medicine

The Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation's annual lunch discusses women's health issues from women healthcare providers.

Joe Militello and Sarah Pappas
  • By Lori Sax
  • March 28, 2025
Ringling Museum supporters enjoy dinner in the courtyard at Wine & Roses

Guests enjoyed multiple courses at an elegant wine dinner in the Ringling Courtyard.

Roland Marcotte and board Chair Stacie Herrera
  • By Lori Sax
  • March 11, 2025
Jewish Family and Children's Service of the Suncoast springs up Hope in Bloom

Stan and Jo Rutstein were honored at the organization's inaugural luncheon.

Elle McComb, Janice Walton and Lauren McComb Dixon
  • By Lori Sax
  • March 11, 2025
Selby Gardens hosts elegant affair with Garden to Plate Wine Dinner

The fundraiser for the gardens featured wine selections paired with a multicourse farm-to-table meal.

Board Chair Tom Koski, featured guest Peter Oundjian and Sherry Koski
  • By Lori Sax
  • March 7, 2025
Masterworks Dinner preps classical afficionados for 'The Planets'

The dinner featured a performance from the Sarasota Orchestra string quartet and highlighted the upcoming Masterworks concert with special guest conductor, Peter Oundjian.

Chair Dr. Gaby Lodeiro, President and CEO Erin McLeod and Advancement Officer Lynne Anast
  • By Lori Sax
  • March 2, 2025
Senior Friendship Centers shares a taste of Paris with City of Lights Gala

Guests enjoyed live entertainment and an elegant dinner overlooking Sarasota Bay.

Steve Rouner, Ariane Dart, and Asolo Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein
  • By Lori Sax
  • March 2, 2025
Asolo Repertory Theatre turns up the heat for annual gala

The event, hosted at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, featured a tropical theme.

Barbara Wall-Magee, keynote speaker Marlee Matlin, President Laura Conaboy and Chair Jessica Rogers
  • By Lori Sax
  • March 1, 2025
Junior League Legacy Luncheon features Marlee Matlin

The 22nd annual event benefited the organization's endowment fund, which grants funds to local nonprofits.

Hilary Marguardt and Darlah Koontz
  • By Lori Sax
  • February 26, 2025
Old Florida on display at Resilient Retreat's Farm to Table dinner

The special event helps fund the nonprofit's mission of providing services to help those impacted by trauma and abuse.

Rangsook Yoon, Saoirse Ibarguen, Peggy Daiteh and Suzy Farbman
  • By Lori Sax
  • February 20, 2025
Guests solve murder mystery at SAM's Unconventional Evening

Sarasota Art Museum presented an interactive whodunnit for participants of the annual fundraiser.

President Tommy Gregory receives the key to the college from Maverick the Manatee.
  • By Lori Sax
  • February 9, 2025
SCF inaugurates president at Avenues to the Future dinner

Guests turned out to State College of Florida to welcome Tommy Gregory officially.

Fabiola Softa, Daniel Jordan and Anne Folsom Smith
  • By Lori Sax
  • January 30, 2025
Masterworks Dinner sets the table for weekend's Sarasota Orchestra performances

Sarasota Orchestra Music Director Designate Giancarlo Guerrero shared his passion for the program ahead with attendees.

Featured Speaker Stefanie Block Reed and Virginia Shearer
  • By Lori Sax
  • January 23, 2025
Sarasota Arts Museum gives luncheon attendees an inside look at Art Basel

Stefanie Block Reed, senior business advisor and VIP representative with Art Basel, spoke about what it takes to put on the annual art event.

The Lee and Bob Peterson Awardee Elizabeth Waters and Sunshine from Darkness President Jeffrey Peterson
  • By Lori Sax
  • January 20, 2025
Inspiring Hope Dinner creates a spark for Sunshine from Darkness

The annual fundraiser featured Chester Gregory as its keynote speaker.

Perlman Music Program founders, Itzhak and Toby Perlman
  • By Lori Sax
  • January 13, 2025
Perlman Music Program Celebration Dinner lauds young musicians' performances

The annual Celebration Concert and Dinner concludes the Perlman Music Program Suncoast's winter residency.

Ashley Harding, Lauren Brown, Ivory Upchurch and Ashley Jimenez
  • By Lori Sax
  • January 2, 2025
Selby Gardens lights up the night for New Year's Eve Gala

The evening featured dinner, performances, dancing and a front-row seat to bayfront fireworks.

Event Chair Sandy Humenik with Event Co-Chairs Alex Zimmerman and Gretchen Bauer
  • By Lori Sax
  • December 8, 2024
The Florida Center for Early Childhood launches Wonder Gala

The inaugural event, formerly the Winter Gala, honored and celebrated those who support the nonprofit's mission of helping children.

Carla Hendrickson, Robert W. Rosinsky Achievement Award recipient Sherry Hendrickson and Michelle Delibert
  • By Lori Sax
  • December 5, 2024
Goodwill Manasota honors five community ambassadors during annual luncheon

The nonprofit honored Maribeth Phillips, Sherry Hendrickson, Cliff Walters, Janine Lutz and Nelle Miller as its Community Ambassadors of the Year.

Tyler Ward, Elise Aubourg, David Anthony and Vickie Ward
  • By Lori Sax
  • November 22, 2024
Guests gather pearls of wisdom at Pines' annual Wit and Wisdom luncheon

The panel at the event featured Rick Piccolo, Rae Dowling and Dan Bailey to share their life lessons and experiences with attendees.

Carla Koeffler, General Director of Sarasota Opera Richard Russell, Katherine Benoit and Lynn Blackledge
  • By Lori Sax
  • November 19, 2024
Moonlight & Melodies al fresco dinner delights opera aficionados

Guests enjoyed an Italian feast in the courtyard paired with a performance by Sarasota Opera artists.

Steven Brown, WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs and Patricia Vandenberg
  • By Lori Sax
  • November 18, 2024
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe celebrates 25th anniversary in style

More than 450 people enjoyed a night of drinks, dinner, dancing and dazzling performances to mark the milestone for WBTT.

Co-chairs Terri Klauber and Autumn McConnell
  • By Lori Sax
  • November 18, 2024
Stars align at All Star Children's Foundation's annual Twinkle Ball

More than 300 attended the gala, which supports children and families in the foster care system.

Kathy Jordan and Kim Davis
  • By Lori Sax
  • November 1, 2024
NPR's Eric Deggans enlightens guests at WUSF's annual Listen Up Luncheon

The luncheon welcomed NPR's TV critic and media host, as well as local reporter Cathy Carter.

Matthew and Jen Barry
  • By Lori Sax
  • October 11, 2024
All Faiths Food Bank hosts Autumn Harvest Dinner

The annual event brings together supporters in the warehouse of the Sarasota food bank.

Event Co-chairs Kara Wootson and Lissa Murphy
  • By Lori Sax
  • October 4, 2024
Planned Parenthood raises a glass to support reproductive rights

More than 200 attended the nonprofit's Rose for Reproductive Rights annual fundraiser, setting a record for the event.

Martha Collins and Richard Russell, general director of The Sarasota Opera
  • By Lori Sax
  • September 22, 2024
Sarasota Opera toasts to a new season with Food & Wine Festival

The annual tasting event Sept. 21 showcased the best bites from local restaurants while raising funds for the Sarasota Youth Opera.

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