Visible Men Academy spreads love during annual event

Carol Beeler, VMA Principal Janjay Gehndyu and ESE Director, Jackie Gehndyu.

VMA board members include Melissa Dunlap, Melissa Morsli, Naiema Frieson, Wilitone Petit, Dr. Janet Taylor, and Louis Parker.

The fifth grade gentlemen of VMA are ready to escort guests to their tables. Orlando Benitez, Sahel Rico, Arthur Weatherly, Melkis Ruiz and Sammy Louis-Gene.

VMA fifth grade teacher Diego Velasco introduces an enthusiastic speaker, Wyatt Morton.

Sammy Louis-Gene leads the VMA fifth grade including Feinley Louidor and Melkis Ruis up to the stage for a presentation.

VMA Principal Janjay Gehndyu and JoAnn Johns

Jill Fitch and VMA Love Lunch keynote speaker Dr. David Fitch

Recently retired after practicing law in Sarasota for 42 years is VMA donor Jonathan Hausburg.

Sagrario Weatherly's son Arthur will graduate the fifth grade in May 2025.

Nadine Coles is rockin' her pink dress for the VMA Love Lunch.

Director of Community Engagement and Development Lori D. Benton with Kayon Parker.

Kay Latimore and Naiema Frieson

Christina Chartrand and Courtney Bonacuse

When asked on stage who his superhero is, Wyatt Morton quickly replied, "my stepfather!" Mom Janine Bernal and Brandon Colon are proud of their fifth grader.

VMA graduate and about to become an ODA class of 2025 alum is Ira Jenkins, Jr., mom Fayth Jenkins and table escort, Marvin Pacheco.

Robyn Faucy and Kayon Parker enjoy a quick shopping trip at the vendor tables during the VMA Love Lunch.

Christine Jennings shows some love for the VMA Love Lunch.

Ed Swan and VMA Principal Janjay Gehndyu

Barbara Edelin and Annice Wooden

Darren Gambrell and Dwight Henry

From the Out of Door Academy are Elizabeth Bradley, Rob Holloway, Laura Murphy and Dana Calo.

Carol Beeler and VP Community Engagement and Development Jay Lockaby

Courtney Bonacuse supports VMA through the paddle raise.

Susan Walker, Petra Vybiralova-Stanton, Rebecca Taysi, Janjay Gehndyu, Angelic Tassos and Ann Stephenson-Moe

Diego Velasco, Sammy Louis-Gene, Lori D. Benton, Arthur Weatherby, Jackie Gehndyu, Feinley Louidor and Idanelis Ferrara

Visible Men Academy donor JoAnn Johns and Lori D. Benton.

VMA supporter Donna Koffman with student Wyatt Morton.

Board Member Naiema Frieson with husband, Don.

Visible Men Academy co-founder Louis Parker with with his wife, Kayon.

Loreda Williams, Leslie Lacktman, Lori D. Benton, Reggie Bellamy, Judy Hall and Shannon Benton cap off the luncheon with huge smiles.

VMA Principal Janjay Gehnydyu with Christine Jennings, Barbara Shirley and Sheila Weiss

Visible Men Academy held its annual Love Lunch on Nov. 11 at Michael's on East with about 200 guests in attendance.