- November 23, 2024
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As a perfect start to a yearlong celebration of its centennial, The Out-of-Door Academy kicked off its 100th year with the Banyan Ball Extravaganza on March 2 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
More than 450 people attended the elegant gala, during which ODA paid tribute to its past while also sharing plans for its future. Those plans include the school opening its third campus in August in time for the 2024 school year.
The event began with cocktails in the foyer before guests — decked out in ODA blue — entered the ballroom for dinner. After dinner, the bidding began on an assortment of live auction items before guests headed to the dance floor to the music of Music by Soiree band.
Proceeds from the evening benefits the ODA fund, which helps serve more than 830 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade on its two campuses in Lakewood Ranch and Siesta Key.