Black Tie & Tales

+ Handsome is as handsome does
The town is still talking about the Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services party honoring Betty Schoenbaum Nov. 6. It was as warm and wonderful as it was because Sarasota genuinely loves and appreciates Mrs. Schoenbaum. It ran as smoothly as it did in considerable part thanks to people who rarely get the recognition they deserve. In this case, they include Hyatt Regency Catering Manager Sarp Kaya and Executive Chef Leo Gianulis. And at the top of the list: Joan Fielding, administrative assistant to Glasser/Schoenbaum’s Executive Director Phil King, and Janet Hunter, who handled reservations and seating. The ladies don’t look any the worse for wear …

+ Tidbits ...
Woman plans, man laughs … The rumor is that Yara Michaels and Dr. David Shoemaker have rescheduled and relocated their upcoming nuptials from Thanksgiving in St. Barts to April in Sarasota … If the shoe fits … Brenda Michel, who owns The Met on St. Armands with husband Geoffrey won for “Best Classic Pump” at the recent Wine Women & Shoes luncheon … wearing shoes from Saks Fifth Avenue! … Fall and a young woman’s fancy turns to … boots! Susan Jones says, “I’m excited about the weather; I’ve got my first boots of the season on!!! Wahoo!!!” … Good year for Guardians … There were 230 guests at the Children’s Guardian Fund luncheon Nov. 9, up from 185 last year. Fund President Alan Quinby attributes the gain to “an active program of fundraising, awareness building, a new event and the creation of an advisory board.” See photos on page 11 and online at www.YourObserver.com …
Top dog … Deb Knowles is justifiably proud of her Chiquita, who won the Bay Road and Crossings
Animal Hospitals’ Halloween photo contest, but she says, “When I broke the news to her, she was totally underwhelmed.” Perhaps she anticipates that the prize is free shots or flea treatments … Liza Dootlittles all … The dress specification was “black, white and gray,” and the ladies got the message and dressed for the Ascot Opening Race. It was, after all, the Starry Night Dinner celebrating the Asolo Rep’s upcoming production of “My Fair Lady,” which opens Nov. 18. Not unexpectedly, hostess Margaret Wise was glamorous in full mufti. And Katherine Harris and Marcia Jean Taub joined in the fun as well. The evening was a weather-perfect sell-out with 75 guests enjoying dinner on the waterfront terrace of the home of Stanley Kane and performances by co-stars Jeff Parker and Andrea Prestinario.

+ Nothing to cry about
Another of Sarasota’s best-loved philanthropists is Mary Ann Robinson, a supporter of Designing Woman Boutique from its earliest days and a significant sponsor of its annual fundraising gala for all seven years. On her first visit to the shop after it was expanded and remodeled this summer, she was so thrilled and touched that she burst into tears and decided to invite some of her nearest and dearest to a private party to see the transformation. About 75 showed up Wednesday, Nov. 9 (many en route to the New College Clambake) for informal modeling, Phil’s finest and Mary Ann’s favorite hors d’oeuvres. Said Robinson: “I said to friends at Saks Fifth Avenue, ‘We have a better place than you do’ and they responded, ‘Yes, and you have some of our customers.’

+ A friend in need …
Is a friend indeed and this column is blessed to have many. The request for help making some photo props went to Raymond Peper, who can glitz up virtually anything, and he recruited Peter Bradin, who runs the custom and contract picture framing and mat cutting operation at Blue Line. Thanks, guys!

+ Black Tie Affair
Designing Women Boutique and Estate Services
Our Fair Ladies — A Black & White Evening of Elegance • 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 • Michael’s On East • Ticket $175; Sponsorships available. • Call Janet Hunter 371-6798

This will be Designing Women Boutique’s seventh annual gala dinner and style show, which is always one of the season’s great evenings. This year’s invitation comes from title sponsors Bea Friedman and Mary Ann Robinson. Co-Chairwomen Carol Phillips and Ida Zito are promising that the evening’s festivities will be emceed by a special guest.

Jewel Ash has once again recruited the models, 30 of them, including some exciting new faces. And a stylish new team is handling the styling: Joan Campo Liga, Vicki Hornberger and Lauren Walsh.