Sarasota Guardianship to Host

14th Annual Silent Auction

13 September 2009 - TLW

The 14th Annual Sunset Silent Auction will be held for the Guardianship Programs of Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) in Sarasota and Venice on Sat., Oct. 10 from 6-11 p.m. at the Chelsea Center in Sarasota.  The auction ends at 8:30 p.m.

The theme for this year's event is "Latino Noche," and dress for the occasion is casual or Latino dancewear.

Music appropriate to the theme will be provided by Standout Entertainment of Bradenton.  Also featured will be the band DownieBlue, whose forte is Americana and rock music.  Food for the evening is being provided by over 20 local restaurants.

Over 100 items have been donated for the auction this year.  Categories of auction items include artwork, flowers, gift baskets, gift certificates, household items, golf items, hair care, jewelry, photography and much more.  (A complete online inventory of the items can be browsed, but not purchased, here.)  This year's event will include a new option to "buy now" and purchase an item at full retail value without waiting to be the highest bidder.

The silent auction is an annual fundraising event that directly benefits clients without financial means who are elderly or handicapped physically or mentally and have been court appointed to LSF to act on their behalf to insure their safety and security.  In addition to their ongoing long-term care, LSF continually assesses and monitors their physical, psychological, sociological and financial needs.

"The goal of the Sarasota Guardianship Program is to protect some of the community's most vulnerable citizens from abuse, neglect and exploitation while ensuring their quality of life with the dignity they deserve," says Anne Ridings, who heads up the Sarasota program for LSF.

Of the 350 individuals served in LSF's Guardianship Program, "nearly 70 percent are indigent," adds Ridings.  "Without LSF, they would have no one to turn to for protection."

The LSF Guardianship Program provides care through the support of United Way, the Sarasota County Government, and the generous contributions of individuals, churches, and local businesses.

Tickets for the 2009 Sunset Silent Auction are $40 in advance, $45 at the door.  The Chelsea Center is located at 2506 Gulf Gate Drive in Sarasota.  For reservations, click here.  

For further information or to donate an auction item, contact Anne Ridings at 941-358-6330.

To read more about the LSF Guardianship Program, click here.

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