Bigger and better than ever: Sangarita Showdown doubles 2024 impact and raises record $105,000

Parenting Matters’ 9th Annual Sangarita Showdown drew a record-setting crowd and fundraising total on Friday, Nov. 14, bringing together nearly 400 guests and raising, after event expenses, more than $105,000 to support children and families in Manatee and Sarasota counties, doubling its 2024 impact.

Fifteen local restaurants competed for top honors in Best Sangria, Best Margarita and Best Small Bite, as guests tasted each entry and voted for their favorites. This year’s winners were

·         Best Sangria: Blackberry Red Sangria (Bonefish Grill)

·         Best Margarita: Fins Up Margarita with Basil and Agave (Freckled Fin Irish Pub)

·         Best Small Bite: Seared Ahi Tuna with Citrus Slaw and Wasabi (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

·         The Toasted Yolk Cafe

Guests enjoyed a festive evening featuring tastings, live music, raffles, auctions and vibrant community spirit — all in support of evidence-based 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 and 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.