Sarasota Rising, a dynamic arts organization dedicated to fostering creativity and cultural engagement, proudly announces its inaugural event, "An Evening With...," held at the Art Ovation Hotel in the heart of Sarasota. The evening was graced by the presence of Broadway's first Annie, the incomparable Andrea McArdle. This exclusive event showcased the timeless talent of Andrea McArdle, captivating the audience with her iconic performances and sharing behind-the-scenes stories from her illustrious Broadway career. Joining Andrea on stage making her debut was Bridgette who played the part of Andrea’s sidekick dog, Sandy. Bridgette is from Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue who has been a close partner of Sarasota Rising. Attendees were treated to an intimate experience with one of the industry's true luminaries, leaving a lasting impression on the Sarasota arts community. The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the official poster for Sarasota Rising's upcoming Living Arts Festival. The stunning artwork, a visual testament to the organization's commitment to artistic excellence, added an exciting layer of anticipation for what promises to be a groundbreaking celebration of the arts. Sarasota Rising Executive Director Jeffery Kin expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, "'An Evening With...' marked a significant milestone for Sarasota Rising, bringing together patrons of the arts to celebrate creativity and showcase the incredible talents that define our community." As the evening concluded, attendees were treated to a thrilling countdown, building anticipation for the forthcoming Living Arts Festival—an immersive celebration set to showcase the diversity and vibrancy of Sarasota's artistic landscape. Sarasota Rising continues to raise money towards producing the best festival possible. For those interested in contributing to their mission, be it monetarily or through volunteerism, please visit their site at https://www.sarasotarising.org/.