Social Scene | April 2024

Devon Chestnut, Crystal Fernung, Patricia Sutton and Carla Lord were among the attendees at the annual Voices of Pace Luncheon held February 22nd at the College of Central Florida’s Klein Center. The event was a fundraiser for Pace Marion, which offers academic and counseling services for young women.

Photo by Bruce Ackerman

Voices of Pace Luncheon
COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Photos by Bruce Ackerman

The Pace Marion fundraising event on February 22nd featured compelling stories from young women helped by the nonprofit organization, which offers academic and counseling services to help participants become strong, compassionate and successful women.

Marion Rotary Duck Derby
TUSCAWILLA PARK
Photos by Bruce Ackerman

The fundraising event on February 19th saw 5,000 rubber ducks bobbing in the waters of Lake Tuscawilla. People could “adopt” a duck for a fee, with the funds to benefit the city of Ocala’s Discovery Center, which is a family-friendly science center with an interactive learning environment.

VOCAL Furball
WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER
Photos by Maven Photo + Film

The Voices of Change Animal League gala on February 23rd included a red-carpet entrance, a puppy Cuddle Lounge and a live auction. The event raised money for the nonprofit, which works to solve the homeless pet problem through prevention, community outreach, adoption and collaboration.

Black History Awards Gala
MARY SUE RICH COMMUNITY CENTER AT REED PLACE
Photos by Bruce Ackerman

Nine people were inducted into the Howard Academy Community Center Black History Museum Archives on February 23rd. About 250 guests attended the second annual gala, which honored the inductees as leaders who made a difference in the community.

Inspire Gala
HILTON OCALA
Photos by Bruce Ackerman

Hundreds of people gathered for the second annual Inspire Gala, held March 1st to celebrate philanthropy and community service in Marion County. The event was hosted by the Community Foundation Ocala/Marion County.

Night at the Farm
CF VINTAGE FARM
Photos by Bruce Ackerman

The CF Foundation hosted its annual gala on March 2nd, with the theme of Strings, Wine and Bites. The evening included food, entertainment and networking, all to benefit the foundation’s mission of providing scholarship opportunities for students at the College of Central Florida.

International Women’s Day Celebration
COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Photos by Bruce Ackerman

The event hosted by Ollin Women International on March 8th honored Tania Bartolini, Janet Behnke, Sandra Edwards Champ, Yvonne Hayes Hinson, Lena Hopkins, Marianne Howanitz, Judy Johnson, Susan S. King, LeeAnn Mackey-Barnes, Sonya Nasser, Pamela Olsen, Sarah Ritterhoff Williams and Tara Woods.

Live Oak International
LIVE OAK STUD
Photos by Bruce Ackerman

From March 14 to 17, the Horse Capital of the World showcased international combined driving teams and show jumping individuals during the 33rd annual Live Oak International. The event featured national championship competitions, a special VIP party and even a food truck competition.

Posted in Insider, Marion Features, Social Scene

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