Venice Lights of Friendship Raises Over $100,000

November 22, 2023 – Venice

Venice Lights of Friendship, Senior Friendship Centers’ annual fundraising event, raised over $100,000 on November 10, 2023, held at Venice Yacht Club. 

The event paid tribute to Liz Maggio for over 40 years of contribution to the Venice community. Liz and her husband Tony are the owners of Reflections in Gold, yet her impact extends beyond business. She dedicates her time to various Venice area organizations, including serving on the board at the Women’s Resource Center, the YMCA, and the American Cancer Society.

As Sarasota County anticipates a significant increase in its 80-and-older population by 2045, the demand for senior services continues to grow. President/CEO Erin McLeod expressed the critical role Venice Lights of Friendship plays in meeting these evolving needs: “For the last eight years, this generous community has turned out for this event to support seniors and ensure they never need to ‘go it alone.’ These amazing donors are addressing hidden hunger with home-delivered meals and dining centers. They’re making sure families have important services like caregiving resources, adult day care. And – they’re making sure exercise classes, lifelong learning, economic assistance, and socialization are there for healthy aging.”

Wendy Fishman, event chair, adds that “the event builds support to meet the needs of a new generation of seniors, the baby boomers and beyond, and all who journey through the road of aging.”

Event Sponsors: Edmund Campbell, JR., Gulf Coast Community Foundation – Ed and Barbara Strobel Fund, Caldwell Trust Company, Redenta & Stephen Picazio, Cardiovascular Center of Sarasota Foundation for Research & Education, El Shahawy Family Foundation, Sun Newspapers, Carter, Rheingans Law, Dale & Steven Adler, Carolyn & Dr. Richard Beebe, and Joan & Dr. Bart Levenson.

Event Committee Members: Wendy Fishman, Kathy Silverberg; Jennifer Niedzinski, Andre Santamaria, Brian Slate, Harbor Chase, Tammy Heller, Lynne Anast & Declan Sheehy

For media inquiries, please contact jvelarde@friendshipcenters.org