Black Tie & Tales

+ A party within a party
Jim Buck celebrated his 75th birthday by taking his entire family to the Cat Depot Pawpurr’s Ball Nov. 19. According to his wife, Susan: “It was his birthday, and he could do anything he wanted and what he wanted was to bring everyone here.” Happy birthday, Jim. See more photos of his party pick on page 10 and online at www.YourObserver.com.

+ Start early for this walk
The Make-A-Wish Walk for Wishes isn’t until March, but Lulu Lemon is bringing yoga pro Tracey Dease to teach on the beach for a kick-off party at 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5. The class is free, though donations to Make-A-Wish are welcome. And attendees who sign up a Walk for Wishes team at the party will receive a Make-A-Wish goodie. No reservations required. Namasté.

+ Thanks given
What is top of mind about your 2011 Thanksgiving? Here are answers from readers and friends … for whom I am always thankful! Leslie and Lindsey Glass: “We are especially thankful for the extraordinary addiction recovery community that exists all across this great nation.” Couturier Marisu Miranda: “My thanks to be able to do my work and to continue having my dreams come true.” Andi Munzer: “Very grateful to the universe for providing me the love of my life. We are healthy and we are going to be grandparents for the sixth time. YEA!!!” Marcia Jean Taub: “We are thankful we could be included in a Thanksgiving meal with so many intelligent women who give so much to the Sarasota community. It made me feel very happy and humbled to know I will be making my home amongst you.” Ruth Lando: “I’m especially grateful for the generosity, kindness, love and big-hearted spirit sharing of our friends, Judi and Paul Gallagher, who included us in their Thanksgiving feast of feasts for 30 guests. I may never recover from my food coma ... ” Jewel Ash: “Mike and I spoke of how fortunate we are to be together in a loving marriage and getting to be old fogies. Just a moment ago, he reminded me the number of times my walker rolled over his feet ... what can I say ... he has to look where he’s going!” Harry Leopold: “I am grateful that I like our 18-year-old daughter’s boyfriend. Seriously …I’m thankful for the 50 donors who are providing beautiful orchids for staff members of 50 Sarasota non-profit organizations as a way of showing appreciation for the important work they do.” Mary Lou Johnson: “I am so thankful for my incredibly loving husband, Bill, our daughters, Randi and Erica, and our extended families. All are healthy and that is No. 1.” Barbara Brizdle: “I’m thankful that I got to play Maj with my grandchildren — all teenagers who love the game. We had a ball!” Margaret Wise: “Just being with the people I love and having no one in the hospital is a big thing for us.” Jaymie Klauber: “I am thankful that in this economy we had 675 happy and full guests at Polo Grill today with whom to share the holiday.”

+ Tidbits
Welcome back, Bill … so nice to see Bill Coleman back out on the town at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe gala … Oops! ... Photos of the Saks/Nuovo event on page 11 of the Nov. 17 Diversions should have been credited to Whittany Gibson. And Jean Weidner was incorrectly identified in this column Nov. 24. She is founder of Designing Women Boutique and is director of its estates and downsizing division. Carol Phillips is president of Designing Women Boutique ... Santa Baby … A gang of Saks Fifth Avenue associates kicked off the holiday season with this holiday song performance ...

Black Tie Affair
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center SPARCCle for the Holidays
6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at The Oaks Club; Ticket $98; Contact Carol Chiarella at 925-1334

How does this sound for a fun evening? Cocktails, gourmet cheeses, fruits and mingling followed by dinner and dancing featuring the live band Karma. A ticket that is only $98 makes it sound even better, especially when you factor in an open bar, holiday attire and singles welcome. SPARCC founder Jean Gay and longtime board member Mary Ann Robinson are honorary chairwomen. Carol Chiarella is the event chairwoman, and you are cordially invited to join in the fun to benefit the Sarasota organization dedicated to providing services to victims of domestic and sexual violence and to promoting a violence-free community through awareness and education.