- January 7, 2025
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Over 550 guests attired in 1920s-style clothing poured into The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota on Jan. 4 to celebrate the 8th annual Hospital Gala on behalf of the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. This year's event raised a record $1.5 million.
Guests got dolled up for this centennial celebration, with flapper-styled women adorned with hair ornaments, hats and gloves and men sporting their best glad rags. Amazon truly saved the day for many who said online shopping for the themed garb was the bee’s knees with so many choices and fast shipping.
The VIP party began at 5:30 p.m. and was held in the Ca’ d’ Zan room for several hundred people who shelled out a few extra clams for the private party. A reception in the ballroom began with an entry designed to be a speakeasy and music by the Soul Sensations and cocktails.
This event was carefully curated with a video program and dinner followed by a 100th anniversary video, mission moment and a paddle raise.
The Hospital Gala is deemed the cat’s pajamas and at 8:45 p.m. guests were free to show off their Charleston, Texas Tommy, Black Bottoms, Shimmy and Fox Trots as they let their hair down. They filled the dance floor, which came alive with music provided by the nine-piece high energy band, C’Nergy.
To date, over $8.5 million has been raised to support critical needs at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Opened on Nov. 2, 1925 with 32 beds located on Hawthorne Street, the hospital has grown to 1,075 beds with a Venice location, dedicated cancer center and satellite offices. Throughout its history Sarasota Memorial Hospital has won numerous awards and remains a publicly owned health-care facility.