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Fairytale Ball

Saturday - April 10th, 2027

A girl in a playground tunnel with her head poking out and smiling
Girl swinging at park
Text reads: "Children First’s Fairytale Ball" in a mix of bold purple and elegant black cursive font on a white background, capturing the enchanting spirit of a magical Fairytale Ball.

  • Saturday, April 10, 2027

  • 6:00 pm

  • Michael’s On East Ballroom

Experience a night of breathtaking wonder and meaningful impact.

The 27th Annual Fairytale Ball will transport guests into an inspiring celebration of courage, growth, and possibility. Through an unforgettable evening of elegance, imagination, and purpose, guests will experience the power of hope, resilience, and community coming together to strengthen children and families.

Amid an atmosphere of beauty and wonder, you’ll celebrate the life-changing impact of Children First and the families at the heart of our mission. Enjoy a delectable dinner and libations from Michael’s On East during this unforgettable evening of inspiration—where dreams are nurtured, potential takes root, and every moment helps create opportunities for children and families to thrive.

To view the event photos from our April 2026 gala, please follow this link!

Skip to event gallery section.
  • Decorated banquet hall with blue tablecloths, elegant table settings, and a "Happy 25th Anniversary" sign projected on the wall—creating a Fairytale Ball atmosphere for a magical celebration.
  • A couple in formal attire pose together in an elegantly decorated event space reminiscent of a Fairytale Ball, with a projector casting enchanting visuals in the background.
  • Three women in formal evening gowns pose together at the Fairytale Ball, standing on a brick floor with greenery and decorative murals in the background.
  • A man in a tuxedo speaks into a microphone at a clear podium with a "Children" event logo during the Fairytale Ball; a guitar player is visible at left.
  • A man in a black suit and a woman in a red dress smile while dancing at the Fairytale Ball, a formal indoor event with other elegantly dressed guests in the background.
  • Two women pose together at the Fairytale Ball, an event celebrating 65 years of impact, with guests seated at tables in the background.

Thank you to our 2026 Fairytale Ball Sponsors! 

Presenting Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

  • Mr. Lucky Art a.k.a. Dawn & Mitchell Epstein

  • Linda L. Monda & John Mabardi

Platinum Sponsor

  • Ravi & Ginny Akhoury

  • Elaine & Bart Boyer

  • Robin & Roy Grossman

Gold Sponsor

  • Norma & Al Cohen

  • Jan & Bill Farber

  • Lisa & John Giglio

  • John & Virginia Harshman

  • Alexandra Jupin & John Bean

  • Carol & Richard Kalikow

  • Brock & Julie Leach

  • Sandy Lenhart & Jean Martin

  • Joan & Dr. Bart Levenson

  • Jane Matson

  • Elenor Maxheim

  • Susan & Tom Pluss

  • Publix Super Markets Charities

  • Milli Ricciardelli

  • Jo & Stan Rutstein

  • Gail & Skip Sack

Silver Sponsor

  • Budslick Development

  • Kathy & Tom Cook

  • Thomas & Dana Cunningham

  • Erin & Scott Dahlgren

  • Marty Gillis & James Swanson

  • Law Firm of Alex Dell, PLLC

  • Katherine & Frank Martucci

  • Dr. Jacque & Lacy Ray

  • Maggie & Mark Sharff

  • Joyce & Dr. Fred Tavill

  • David & Patti Wertheimer

  • Steven Wertheimer & Cristian Raygoza

Bronze Sponsor

  • Kay Aidlin

  • Patricia Golemme

  • Deborah & Dick Miller - RE/MAX Platinum Realty

  • Marie Monsky & Marvin Kadesh

  • David & Robin Shapiro - Shapiro | Delgado

  • Jessica & Michael Rogers

  • Phyllis Werber & Matt Ruch

Photo Booth Sponsor

Centerpiece Sponsor

  • Ellen & Alan Goldner

Collective Engagement Sponsors

  • Lisa & John Giglio 

Community Funding Partners

  • Anonymous

  • Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation

  • Sheila & Jerry Birnbaum

  • Kathy & Travis Brown

  • Norma & Al Cohen

  • Community Foundation of Sarasota County

  • CSA Suncoast Retirees

  • Ann & Larry Garberding

  • Robin & Roy Grossman

  • Gulf Coast Community Foundation

  • Sharon & Earl Haynes – Trimpoli Trust

  • Stephanie & Allen Hochfelder

  • Brock & Julie Leach

  • Keith Monda & Veronica Brady

  • Linda L. Monda & John Mabardi

  • Marie Monsky & Marvin Kadesh

  • Dr. Jacque & Lacy Ray

  • Gaye & Jack Schwarz – Schwarz Family Foundation

  • Philip Tavill

  • Ethna & Ted Wishnie

  • Dale Wolfson

Fairytale Ball Committee

  • Evan Ackerman

  • Sally Altman - In Memory of Bill

  • Carolina Bartolomei

  • Hank & Phyllis Battie

  • John Bean & Alexandra Jupin

  • Elaine & Bart Boyer

  • Sharon & Earl Haynes

  • Andrée & Mike Keebaugh

  • Janna & Josh Kim

  • Marie Ko

  • Dr. Jim & Nichi Martin

  • Katherine & Frank Martucci

  • Marie Monsky

  • Milli Ricciardelli

  • Jessica & Michael Rogers

  • Alyssa Simons

  • Kathleen Sullivan & Lance Bergman

  • Susan & Kevin Tagle

  • Philip Tavill & Candice Kerbel