ON THE FLIP SIDE: A+E Millennial Fresh. A comedic look at life in Gen. Y. SunCoast Blood Bank Red Hot gala heats up Sarasota Yacht Club. 8 >
BLACK
YOUROBSERVER.COM
TIE
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016
4th annual
B
lue Ties & Butterflies — the energy is always vibrant (thanks to the Southside Elementary School’s lively entertainers), the guests are always decked out in blue, which is the official color for child-abuse prevention, and the message is always strong and effective — as proven with the amount of money raised every year at this event. This year alone, the event raised an outstanding $150,000 in the paddle raise, and more than $116,000 in the silent auction.
Photos by Heather Merriman Saba
Co-Chairs Tammy Karp and Diana Roberts
FLUTTERING WITH HOPE
The Southside Elementary Jazz Band entertained the more than 350 guests in the atrium during social hour. To get things started, co-chairs Diana Roberts and Tammy Karp welcomed guests as they sat down for dinner in the ballroom. Graci McGillicuddy was recognized for her 30 years of work with CPC — the ultimate champion for children. The testimonial video, “Jacob’s Story,” was introduced by Director of Operations Sheila Miller, sharing the story of a 5-year-old boy suffering from neglect. Following the video and paddle raise, Frank Sinatra — we mean, Bart Lowther — sang “High Hopes,” while Southside Elementary students skipped through the ballroom wearing butterfly wings. That alone made this one of the most beautiful and inspirational evenings of them all.
— HEATHER MERRIMAN SABA
Ken Miller’s blue butterflies tie (borrowed from CPC Executive Director Doug Staley) was a perfect match for the event.
Above: Graci and Dennis McGillicuddy Left: The ballroom was decorated with blues and butterflies for CPC’s annual fundraising event. Far Left: Jessie Weissman and Kristina Lawrence