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Turning Las Olas RED returns — December 15, 2025 (Fort Lauderdale)

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Fort Lauderdale’s most festive “wear-red” networking tradition is back for its 11th annual celebration: Turning Las Olas RED, happening Monday, December 15, 2025 at Preston’s Wine & Martini Lounge inside the Riverside Hotel (620 E. Las Olas Blvd.). (Sutton)

This year’s event is hosted by Celeste Ellich, Chairman Bob Sutton, and Roger Gingerich, and presented by Calatrava Stratagies, LLC. (Sutton)



What the night is all about

Turning Las Olas RED is built for one thing: real conversation and real connections—the kind that leads to partnerships, referrals, friendships, and momentum going into the new year. You’ll see South Florida’s business community, civic-minded leaders, and local professionals in one room, doing what Fort Lauderdale does best: mixing holiday spirit with serious networking. (Sutton)

And yes—RED attire is part of the fun. It’s a simple theme that makes the room feel unified and instantly festive. (Sutton)



Venue spotlight: Preston’s at the Riverside Hotel

The setting matters, and Preston’s delivers.

Preston’s Wine & Martini Lounge sits in the lobby level of the historic Riverside Hotel, a signature Las Olas landmark. (Preston's Lounge)According to the Riverside Hotel, its grand opening on Las Olas Boulevard was December 17, 1936, tying the property directly to the early growth of the boulevard itself. (Riverside Hotel Fort Lauderdale)

Preston’s is known for that “Old Florida charm meets modern lounge” feel—plus an indoor/outdoor layout that’s ideal for mingling (bar energy inside, courtyard vibes outside). (Sutton)



Time, tickets, and perks (the practical details)

Date: Monday, December 15, 2025 (Eventbrite)Time: Listings show 5:00 PM, with promotion also noting 5:30 PM—either way, it’s an early-evening start perfect for after-work networking. (Eventbrite)Location: Preston’s Wine & Martini Lounge / Riverside Hotel, 620 E. Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale (Eventbrite)

Tickets:

  • $7 in advance

  • $12 at the door(Each ticket includes one raffle ticket.) (Sutton)

Holiday Perks:

  • Drinks $12 and under are 50% off

  • Special food menu (Sutton)



Hosts and sponsors powering the night

This year’s hosts: Celeste Ellich, Chairman Bob Sutton, and Roger Gingerich. (Sutton)

Sponsors highlighted in the event invitation include: HOT LIKE ME Hair Care, RBED (Resource Brokerage & Economic Development), First Service Realty International, Atlantic Tax Service, and Calatrava Strategies (among others). (Sutton)



Why you should be there

If you’ve had a busy year—and who hasn’t—this is the kind of event that helps you end 2025 strong:

  • Meet new people without the awkward “cold start” (everyone’s there to network)

  • Reconnect with familiar faces before the holidays fully take over

  • Get plugged into local business and community circles on Las Olas

  • Do it in a venue that actually feels like Fort Lauderdale—historic, lively, and welcoming (Sutton)



What to wear + quick pro tips

  • Wear RED (jacket, dress, tie, heels—anything that pops)

  • Bring business cards (or a QR code contact card)

  • Arrive early if you want more meaningful conversations before it gets packed

  • Plan 2–3 “who do you serve / who do you need to meet” talking points so you leave with results





🎁 A Powerful Gift for Candidates: The Candidate’s Playbook!


In today’s political climate, good intentions and strong convictions are not enough. Candidates must understand messaging, organization, compliance, fundraising, voter engagement, and the realities of running a modern campaign.

That’s why authors Celeste Ellich and Bob Sutton encourage supporters, donors, and campaign teams to give one meaningful and practical gift to candidates this season:


📘 The Candidate’s Playbook: Building a Successful Election

This book is more than a guide — it is a real-world field manual for anyone considering a run for office or actively working on a campaign.


Why The Candidate’s Playbook Matters

Too many candidates step into races with passion but without preparation. The result is often:

  • Wasted time and money

  • Poor or inconsistent messaging

  • Missed voter engagement opportunities

  • Campaign burnout long before Election Day

The Candidate’s Playbook was written to solve that problem.

Drawing on real campaign experience, Celeste Ellich and Bob Sutton break down what candidates actually need to know — not theory, not fluff, but actionable steps that build winning campaigns.


What Candidates Will Learn

✔️ How to build a strong campaign foundation from day one✔️ The roles of volunteers, consultants, and leadership teams✔️ Effective voter outreach and communication strategies✔️ How to develop clear campaign branding and messaging✔️ Common mistakes first-time candidates make — and how to avoid them✔️ How to think strategically from announcement to Election Day

Whether someone is running for school board, city council, county office, or state-level leadership, this book provides clarity in a process that often feels overwhelming.


The Perfect Gift for Aspiring Leaders

If you truly want to support a candidate — not just financially, but strategically — this book is a smart investment.

🎯 Ideal for:

  • First-time candidates

  • Campaign managers

  • Political activists and volunteers

  • Community leaders considering public service

  • Donors who want to strengthen the candidates they support

Instead of another generic gift, give something that builds confidence, competence, and credibility.


📍 Purchase the Book

The Candidate’s Playbook: Building a Successful ElectionBy Celeste Ellich & Bob Sutton


A gift that lasts far beyond Election Day — because strong campaigns create stronger communities.



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