Swing Baby Swing

Event goers step it up for Our Mother's House

 

Sarasota—The dance floor was lively with patrons at Swing Baby Swing on October 30 at Michael’s On East. This first annual fundraiser for Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities proved to be a swinging time for the 109 guests that attended the event that featured a 40s style theme and big band music.

 

The evening began with accordionist Chuck Henry treating guests to popular tunes of the World War II era during the cocktail hour. At the start of the dinner, an exciting rendition of “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” was played by the George W. Carroll 17-piece Orchestra accompanied by swing dancers from Dance Fusion. Carroll’s band kept the dance floor full for the remainder of the evening where the dancers mingled with patrons.

 

Cigarette girls donned in period costume sold candy cigars and cigarettes for chances at great raffle items that were later claimed at the “USO”. A silent auction, and 50/50 and beach condo raffles also were held. A glorious American flag hung in the ball room from ceiling to floor and became an impromptu backdrop for many keepsake photos throughout the night.

 

Our Mother’s House Program Director Joyce Scott thanked attendees on behalf of the “moms and babies” for attending Swing Baby Swing. “Your participation and support tonight will ensure that Our Mother’s House residents receive the education and programming they need to lead a self-sufficient life,” Scott said. After, Lisa, a resident of the program, described her successful experience at Our Mother’s House to guests.

 

The mission of Our Mother’s House is to provide homeless mothers and their children a safe and secure environment in which to achieve increased self-sufficiency through education, vocational training, and personal growth. Mothers and their children may reside at the program for up to two years.

 

For more information about the program, please call 941-485-6264.

 

Photo #1: Dance Fusion volunteer dancer Vinnie Algozino swing dances with Susan Viteri. The dancers and the George W. Carroll Orchestra kept patrons on the dance floor all night long.

 

Photo #2: Cigarette Girls, donned in 40s style garb, sold candy cigars and cigarettes to party goers that contained chances to claim prizes at the “USO”.