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Sangarita Showdown

Record $105K Raised at 2025 Sangarita Showdown as Event Doubles Its Impact in Manatee & Sarasota

| Suncoast Post Staff |

The 9th Annual Sangarita Showdown, hosted by Parenting Matters, drew a record crowd and raised more than $105,000 after expenses, marking a dramatic increase and essentially doubling its impact compared to 2024. The Nov. 14 event brought nearly 400 guests together at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto, supporting children and families across Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Fifteen local restaurants competed in three categories — Best Sangria, Best Margarita and Best Small Bite — with attendees tasting entries from each and voting for their favorites. This year’s winners:

  • Best Sangria: Blackberry Red Sangria by Bonefish Grill
  • Best Margarita: Fins Up Margarita with Basil and Agave by Freckled Fin Irish Pub
  • Best Small Bite: Seared Ahi Tuna with Citrus Slaw and Wasabi by Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant

“Every two and a half minutes, a baby is born in our great state of Florida. Thanks to the kindness of our community, we are closer to securing the future of the next generation. Now, it’s time for action,” said Katie Becker, Executive Director of Parenting Matters.

The competing restaurants included Bonefish Grill; Carrabba’s Italian Grill; Chicken Salad Chick; Feast Restaurant; Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard; Freckled Fin Irish Pub; The Fountain Kitchen & Wine Bar; Loaded Cannon Distillery; Mean Deans Local Kitchen; Pesto Bistro & Wine Bar; Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant; Rocco’s Italian Kitchen; Taverna Toscana; Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant; and The Toasted Yolk Cafe.

Guests enjoyed a festive evening of tastings, live music, raffles, auctions and a strong sense of community spirit — all in support of Parenting Matters’ evidence-based parenting programs that help parents build skills, strengthen bonds with their children and create safer, more nurturing homes.

The 2025 Sangarita Showdown was supported by:

  • Presenting Sponsor: Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • Premier Sponsors: Floridacentral Credit Union; Grande Aire Services; LocaliQ/Herald‑Tribune Media Group

All proceeds benefit Parenting Matters, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing the lives of children — together with their parents — through evidence-based parenting education and support.

If you missed the Sangarita Showdown but would still like to support this cause, please visit ParentingMattersFL.org/Donate

Sangarita Showdown Photos by Sherri Proctor/Sherri’s Island Images Photography

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