- March 13, 2025
Event co-chairs Kimberley Pelyk, Shirley Wulf, Joan Castellani and E-Dee Murphy
Photo by Nancy GuthLarry Castellani, Joan Castellani, Ela Grace Vardan and Julie Vardan
Photo by Nancy GuthSPARCC President and CEO Jessica Hays and Mary Ellen Mancini, VP of philanthropy
Janet CombsGala committe members Susan and Charlie Wilson
Janet CombsJackie and Steve Griese enjoy a stunning Sarasota sunset.
Janet CombsMusic lovers include Melissa Kallir, Helen Beljean, Cyndi and Howard Mumm and Chris Curtis
Janet CombsKatherine Pike and Irene Simpson welcome guests to a SPARCCle Starry Night Soirée.
Janet CombsFront: Lori Deitz, Crystal Leuty; back: Carolyn Rovner, Melissa Ferlazzo, Alyson Galuska, Carolyn Castro, Melissa Silva and Kris Ravenscroft
Janet CombsMichael Murphy looks dapper with his bow tie and smile.
Janet CombsAnthony and Mary Martino enjoy the cocktail hour.
Janet CombsLee and Mark Majeske with Nancy Smith and Fred Simmons
Janet CombsHazel and Steve Pankhurst
Janet CombsGreg Benedict and Kimberly Tude Thuot
Janet CombsDiane and Chris Marsh
Janet CombsVolunteers Jennifer York and Adrienne Lambers
Janet CombsDon Lockett and Mary Ellen Mancini
Janet CombsGina Anabtawi, Peter and Susan Snyder and Bonnie McIntyre
Janet CombsBonnie Van Overbeke with Pat and Sam Santarosa
Janet CombsChase and Robin Curtis are ready to SPARCCle.
Janet CombsCarolyn Christian and Dane Bialosky
Janet CombsMelba Ramirez, her betrothed, Jim Matras, and talk of their upcoming nuptials.
Janet CombsAndrea and Rob Hunt with Patrick and Erin Duggan
Janet CombsSPARCC's Communication Manager, Ning Tinsley with John and Jo McKenzie.
Janet CombsValet parking and champagne flutes served by Andrea Carbajal await Peggy and Buck Fry.
Janet CombsSPARCC held its 45th Sapphire Anniversary titled SPARCCle Starry Night Soirée at Selby Botanical Gardens on Nov. 16 with 240 guests in attendance.
Janet CombsSafe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) held its 45th Sapphire Anniversary at Selby Botanical Gardens on Nov. 16 for 240 guests.
Janet CombsColson Verheul gives a lift to guests who need assistance getting across the Selby Gardens campus.
Janet CombsCo-chairs Shirley Wulf and E-Dee Murphy
Janet CombsSafe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) celebrated its 45th Sapphire Anniversary with a celebration under the stars Nov. 16 on Sarasota Bay.
At the event titled "SPARCCle, A Starry Night Soirée," 240 guests enjoyed champagne as they glided across the grounds of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Guests were attired in their finest, and many women had "fairy hair" and sparkles on their skin, in keeping with the theme.
With the Lawrence P. Castellani Family Foundation once again acting as the presenting sponsor, Joan and Larry Castellani were noted for their continued support and generosity. Joan Castellani acted as a co-chair for the event, with E-Dee Murphy, Kimberley Pelyk and Shirley Wulf.
Guests enjoyed passed hors d'oeuvres before heading inside to a seated dinner topped off with a live auction, raffle and dancing to complete the night.
The event benefited SPARCC in its mission of providing resources, counseling and shelter to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.