SARASOTA (Gayle Guynup- Nov. 3, 2017) — It was a picture-perfect day on the beach for the 10th annual Flip Flops & Fashion event, hosted by and benefiting Children First.  More than 350 guests – most of them brightly clad women – came out for the event, which is held under tent on the crystal white sands adjacent to Sharky’s on the Pier in Venice.

Upon arriving, guests could enjoy a signature mango cocktail, do a little shopping (with a portion of proceeds going to Children First, of course), or take part in a raffle and drawing.
Once seated, they were welcomed by Events and Community Relations Manager Samantha Kingsley, who said that when she thought about this being the event’s 10th anniversary, she was reminded “of the ten little fingers and ten little toes on all of the babies we serve.”

Jen Rust then took to the stage, serving as emcee for the fashion show, featuring the latest styles from Buttons & Bows Boutique, L. Boutique, Scout & Molly’s and for their 10th year, Sunbug. Models from the community walked the runway, though the largest round of applause was saved for the eight youngest models, the very youngest still modeling diapers at the age of 6 months old.
Following lunch, Children First President and CEO Philip Tavill addressed guests reminding them that “Many hands make light work,” and that Children First’s success can be attributed to an outstanding board of directors, staff, volunteers and dedicated family members.

Read the entire story and see more photos here!