Nate Jacobs, Lori White and Matt Walsh shared "The Wit and Wisdom of Aging" at the annual event benefiting The Pines Foundation.
Nearly 300 guests enjoyed the musings of three panelists. Among those seen were Hope Byrnes, Sherry and Tom Koski, Sophia LaRusso, Bernard and Lois Watson, Marvin Albert, Howard Millman and Carolyn Michel, Marlene and Hal Liberman, Judy Egan, Jeremy Lisitza, Christine Jennings, Jan Miller, Kim Wheeler, Roxie Jerde, Marilyn Shuman, Kraig and Gloria Koach, Estelle Crawford and John Overton.
Guests were welcomed by co-chairs Gerri Aaron and Jane Hunder, and by lead sponsor Betty Schoenbaum, who noted that The Pines is one of the most outstanding senior retirement centers in our area. "Supporting The Pines is one of the best investments I've ever made, better than the stock market," she said. New President and CEO Mike Ward said, "On behalf of our 400 employees, I want to thank you for supporting the Pines, where we provide a fulfilling life for those in our senior care community, providing services for those who can no longer provide for themselves."
Interim President Janet Ginn led the fundraising, which included a $10,000 dollar-for-dollar match from the Kiwanis Club of Sarasota County, which, in 1948, provided the initial funding of The Pines. Following lunch, it was time for some wit and wisdom from former superintendent of Sarasota County schools Lori White, Nate Jacobs, founder and artistic director of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, and Matt Walsh, CEO and owner of the Observer Media Group, all emceed by ABC7 news anchor Ray Collins.

Miracles on 17th Street
For 27 years, the Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center has been creating miracles every day from its 17th Street location. The vision of Dr. Kay Glasser, the center today is home to 17 non-profit agencies, which have their offices on this unique 5-acre campus of caring.
More than 250 guests came out to the campus for "Miracles on 17th Street," celebrating the campus, its agencies and their impact on the community. Executive Director and CEO Kameron Hodgens outlined the center's plans for expansion and enhanced services in the years ahead, noting "there are more miracles to come." On the drawing board are the implementation of a $250,000 Robert Wood Johnson grant, a new Serenity Garden (a project undertaken by the Sarasota Chamber's Leadership Sarasota that will be started in January and completed in March), a new pediatric dental clinic for underserved children, and, ultimately, a new 18,000-square-foot building that will make room for agencies that are currently waiting to become part of the center.
Following the cocktail hour, guests moved under tent for dinner and the program, emceed by Ray Collins of ABC7. Guests were welcomed by co-chairs Phil King and Gabriel Hament, with support from honorary co-chairs Betty Schoenbaum, Sam Shapiro and Bunny Skirboll.
Board Chair Jack Kidd noted that the center has been front and center in dealing with issues such as homelessness, drug recovery, mental health, sexual abuse and sex trafficking and more. "Last year we served more than 45,000 people and had an economic impact exceeding $17 million," he said. Hodgens paid tribute to the two women who have been the heart and soul of the center, founder Kay Glasser and Betty Schoenbaum, who kicked off fundraising for the expanded space with a $100,000 donation.

Puttin' on the Poodle
There were poodles of all shapes and sizes at this year's "Puttin' on the Poodle." And, yes, there were more than 150 two-legged guests as well, at the annual event which benefits Florida Poodle Rescue.
Seen among the guests were event chair Amanda Stiff, Deborah Beacham, Robyn Sullivan, Terry and Susan Romine, Constanza Bryant, Tricia and Frank Robles, Sharon Kenworthy, Myrna Band, Gila Meriwether, Jim Neal and Ron Carter, Sally Faron, Alfred Rose, Gloria Moss and Pat Johnson.
"Florida Poodle Rescue has saved more than 9,500 dogs," Stiff said. "Our volunteers will drive all over the state, to Georgia and to points unknown to pick up poodles so we can find foster homes, and, hopefully, permanent homes for each one," she said. Organization founder Tricia Robles recalled how Florida Poodle Rescue started in the 1990s in her family room. "We have grown so much," she said, including recently taking in six miniature poodles from Oklahoma. "They are all great dogs and hopefully will be going home soon," she said.
The organization also supports its Sanctuary, home to poodles which, for one reason or another, might not be adoptable. They will live there for the rest of their lives, on five beautiful acres, where they will have room to run and play. The event ended with a paddle raise to raise money to support dogs living at the Sanctuary, and dogs with special needs, such as "Missy," who is blind in one eye. "Let's hope Missy can have an operation to correct her vision, and come back to see us all next year," Anderson said.

Wit and Wisdom of Aging
1. Matt Walsh, Lori White and Nate Jacobs.
2. Jane Hunder and Gerri Aaron.
3. Lynda Doery and Janet Ginn.
4. Mike Ward, Marcy and Peter Abbott.
5. Isabel Norton and Estelle Crawford.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WENDY DEWHURST-CLARK

Miracles on 17th Street
6. Betty Schoenbaum and Sam Shapiro.
7. Debbie Partridge and Kameron Partridge Hodgens.
8. Gabriel Hament and Phil King.
9. Mort and Bunny Skirboll.
10. Jack and Jane Kidd.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROD MILLINGTON

Putting on the Poodle
11. Terry and Susan Romine.
12. Amanda Stiff and Scott Anderson.
13. Constanza Bryant, Janet Hunter and Rhonda Diggins.
14. Robyn and Terry Sullivan.
15. Janette Schafer and Jean Parm.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WENDY DEWHURST-CLARK