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Town Hall Series Platinum Dinner

Exciting events happened all week, continuing through the weekend, starting Monday, Jan. 13 with the Town Hall Series Platinum Dinner featuring Jenna Bush Hager, who kicked off Ringling College Library Association’s 2014 Town Hall Lecture Series. More than 550 people attended the event, which was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Stephanie Grosskreutz and Holly Logan were the event co-chairs.

The evening began with a cocktail reception and sponsors and Ringling College Library Association board members enjoyed a private reception with Hager. During the private reception, Ringling College student Brenna Thummler unveiled the illustration portrait she created for Hager.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation President and CEO Teri Hansen introduced Hager following the dinner, who spoke to the audience about her work with charities and the woman Ana, who is featured in her book, “Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope.” She also recounted stories about being in the public eye and her life as a new mother.

Surprise guest Former First Lady Laura Bush was in the audience supporting her daughter. Also in attendence was Sam Alfstad and his daughter, Annie, Scott Anderson, Michael and Stacey Corley, Mike and Roxie Jerde, Kristine Nickel, Dr. Larry and Pat Thompson and Drs. Hardy and Allison Schwartz.

Red Hot! 2014

There were Vegas showgirls, casino games, music and dancing at Suncoast Communities Blood Bank’s “Red Hot!” fundraising event Saturday, Jan. 18, at Michael’s On East. The annual event was also a celebration of the organization’s 65th anniversary.

Guests dressed in their favorite red assembles, enjoyed photo opportunities with the feathered showgirls and bid on auction items, including the opportunity to have your photo on the side of the SCBB blood mobile.

Kelly Marsh and Heather Zangara co-chaired the event.