SARASOTA (July 1st, 2017)– More than 400 guests came out to celebrate the 33rd year of the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival at a festive kickoff party held at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens.

This year’s 11-day festival, produced by and benefiting Suncoast Charities for Children, includes, among other things, a variety of parties, meet-and-greets, a golf tournament, comedy show and, of course, the races themselves on July 1 and 2, all culminating with the annual July 4 Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular on Sarasota’s Island Park near Marina Jack.

Guests at the kickoff enjoyed a variety of delicious appetizers from Michael’s, along with their favorite libations, a raffle and silent auction, as well as music by the always-popular Kettle of Fish.

Suncoast Charities for Children provides grants to the Suncoast Foundation in support of children, teens and adults with special needs. The foundation has constructed buildings valued at more than $20 million in the Sarasota, Venice and North Port areas. These buildings are occupied by four nonprofit agencies: the Haven, the Florida Center for Early Childhood, Children First and the Sarasota County Special Olympics.

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