Black Tie & Tales

+ Dogs rock!
There were 216 people and 81 dogs, and they all had a great time Friday, Jan. 14, at Saks for Animal Rescue Coalition’s “Dogs’ Night Out.” It was a nose-y networking night for pets and people alike. Attorney Tom Hudson’s Pippi, the tri-pawed pitbull, came prepared with her own business card. There were three pooch prizes: Best of Show, Real Dog and Sassy Lassy. Elle McComb’s Izzabella (aka Miss IZ) won the latter for the second year in a row. Had there been a people prize, it would have gone to Kathie Viner; her elegant, gentle yellow lab, Abby, is a big shedder, so Kathie dressed to match her coat. 

+ Déjà vu all over again
Janet Schaberg was one of the driving forces behind the just-opened Aging in Paradise Resource Center at Longboat Island Chapel. It must feel familiar; in 1988, she created the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation, which grew to serve Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk, N.Y., with services from pre-diagnosis to end-of-life issue. The Aging in Paradise Center is a dream of the Rev. Kenneth Gill, who stresses that it is an outreach program for the entire community, not just his church. 

+ Groucho lives
Senior Friendship Centers got into the benefit business in 2010 with “Night at the Opera,” celebrating the eponymous Marx Brothers film. This year, its party will spring from “At the Circus” and will feature circus acts, an opera interlude and an appearance by Sarasota’s own Groucho — Chuck Sidlow. It all happens March 15, at the Senior Friendship Center. Tickets are $150, and sponsorships are available. Contact Cheryl Pilch at 556-3205 or [email protected].

+ Tidbits
Harvard in our yard … former Harvard President Dr. Derek Bok will speak about his new book “The Politics of Happiness” at a benefit luncheon for the Literacy Council of Sarasota Feb. 4, at Michael’s On East. Tickets are $50; call 955-0421 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. … His and hers birthdays … Asolo Board member Judy Zuckerberg celebrated her 70th birthday last month at the Ritz-Carlton with 102 of her nearest and dearest, including all the third-year conservatory students. “They don’t call her ‘Mama Judy’ for nothing,” says her hubby, George Cole. He celebrated his 64th birthday Jan. 17. The kids got lucky and got invited again but, this time, the cougar cooked ... Another zero … Asolo Crystal Society member Joan Mendell had a significant natal anniversary Jan. 17. Her children took Joan and best buddy Bob Coppenrath off to South Beach for the weekend to celebrate … Winner, winner … Children First received the “Be More … Encouraged Award” at the sixth annual WEDU Be More Awards Jan. 13. The award honors an organization’s “original and extraordinary approach to its respective endeavor and/or providing an independent voice for those less heard” … Brilliance-behind-the-scenes … was the story at the Jewish Housing Council gala honoring Gloria Moss, thanks to the excellent-as-always work of Janet Hunter … Requiescat in pace … Robert Caswell, the unfailingly charming, bright and generous husband of Joy Server. He will be fondly remembered by many.

+ Black Tie Affair
Palm Ball 
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast • 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, Bay Preserve at Osprey • Ticket $350 • Reservations 918-2100

In a few short years, the Palm Ball at Bay Preserve has earned a reputation for being both elegant and intimate, evoking a kinder, gentler time. It is a more personal party, perhaps because it takes place at Bay Preserve, the former home of Honorary Chairwoman Cornelia Matson. Guests enjoy their cocktails while strolling along the water’s edge, watching the sun set and the pelicans fish. Or, champagne in hand, they can ascend to the upper deck of the boat house. The Palm Ball has a dress specification each year; for 2011, it is “jewel tones” and black tie — inspired by beautiful lanterns that Carlos and Janelle Beruff found while honeymooning in Turkey. Co-chairwomen are Pauline Joerger, Nora Johnson, Lynn Morris, Amie Swan and Margaret Wise.