Black Tie & Tales

+ The 11/11/11 phenomenon
Ready or not, here it comes: the most psychic of all numbers and a date strongly associated with spiritual awakenings of an unspecified nature. In Hollywood, there’s an eponymous horror film scheduled for release. And in Sarasota, a plethora of activities, many drawing inspiration from this master number of numerology …

+ Over the moon
The Nov. 10 full moon inspired the theme of the Cancer Support Community’s Night of Hope Gala Nov. 11, which will begin with cocktails in the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota courtyard. It may well have figured into Chairwoman Beth Knopik’s selection of a long, silver dress, as well. Honorary co-chairs are Art and Peggy Wood. Contact Amy Paulishak 921-5539.

+ And there’s more
Nuovo Salon is sharing its 25th znniversary (silver!) with Saks Fifth Avenue’s 15th anniversary at a party benefiting the Sarasota Museum of Art. Contact Reba Evans at 364-5398. And there’s a benefit for the Sarasota Youth Sailing program at the Sarasota Yacht Club. Contact David Livingston at 504-4236.

+ Lest we forget — it’s also Veterans Day
There will be a program at the Senior Friendship Center starting at 12:45 p.m. and featuring Kurt Piehler, director of FSU’s Institute on World War II and The Human Experience; a Girl Scout Color Guard; the Sarasota Military Academy and much more. Free but please reserve via 556-3214. The tribute at the Sahib Shrine Center at 7 p.m. includes speakers, a memorial service and rousing, patriotic music performed by the Sahib concert band. Also free, no reservation required.

+ Tidbits
Love at first sight … Tana Sandefur speaking about her new condo downtown: “I loved it instantly” … Thank you, Judge Adams … the Children’s Guardian Fund will honor retired 12th Judicial Circuit Judge Durand J. Adams at its 13th annual luncheon Nov. 9, at Michael’s On East. Honorary chairman of the event is Dr. Hal Hedley, recently retired president of the Child Protection Center. Co-chairs are Nancy and Chuck Parrish and Carol and Mort Siegler. The fund provides for educational and other needs of the 1,200 abused, abandoned or neglected children who are in state-ordered foster care. Contact Tonya Schrott, 504-9515 … “WHAT A DEAL!!!!!!!!” … that is a direct quote (including capitalization and punctuation) from a friend in University Park who discovered dancing to a live band close to home for $7 per person. You can, too, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays, starting Nov. 3, at the Sahib Shrine Center on Beneva just north of Fruitville. Info and more dates: 330-0109

+ It’s a wrap
Breast-cancer awareness month has just ended, and before it is forgotten, a quick salute to Saks Fifth Avenue for 11 years of the Key to the Cure event, including producing and selling an original T-shirt design. Sarasota General Manager and KTTC cheerleader Sally Schule has the entire collection, modeled here by her team.

+ Black Tie Affair
Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida
High Tea at High • Noon, Thursday, Nov. 10 • Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall foyer • Ticket $60 • Sharon Kunkel, 365-3913, Ext. 1105

Some events just get better with age, and this is one of them. Created 15 years ago by Anita Holec, Cornelia Matson, Nancy C. Reinheimer and Lelia H. Windom, it has developed an impressively large and loyal following of committee members, patrons and sponsors. For most of the last 10 years, Pratt-educated artist Linda Solomon has created the artwork for the invitation, progressing from black-and-white, pen-and-ink drawings in the early days to today’s colorful, multi-media illustrations but always portraying the ladies sitting and sipping and enjoying the show. This year the fashion show, produced by Marsha Panuce, features styles from DreamWeaver, Foxy Lady, June Simmons Designs and L. Kids. There will also be a performance by the Sarasota Ballet. Co-chairs are Peggy Abt, Kathy Bush, Mindy Mast and Carol Williams.