Black Tie & Tales

+ They could have danced all night
The Community Aids Network benefit “CANDance — Dancing with our Stars” Oct. 22, at the Chelsea Center, was as much fun as ever this year. Maybe more, because, although the final figures aren’t in, CAN President Michael Cuffage says, “It is pretty clear that we will make our long-sought $100,000 goal.” One reason is the rumored largest-ever check received for votes for Scott Anderson, who was the fundraising champion. Another: a record $15,000 auction item — a Connoisseur Club trip to Spain donated by the preternaturally generous and loyal CAN supporter Mary Ann Robinson. The dance champion was Rita Greenbaum, with a hot-hot-hot rumba-in-a-red-dress. Steven Seig has produced the show for all its 12 years. Penny Hill and Jackie Rogers co-chaired the sellout event. Photos on page 8 and online at www.YourObserver.com.

+ Police tape and life jackets
When those predicting the rapture and the end of the world for May 21 had to reschedule, Sheila Zinder realized the world would end on her next birthday, Oct. 21, and planned accordingly, inviting a condo full of her nearest and dearest to “get smashed” at the “final bash.” Then she, hubby Merrill, neighbor and fellow food fiend Sylvia Pastor and best buddy Linda Federici made sure nobody would go hungry with enough food for the next lifetime.

+ Tidbits
A menu of dinners … There will be no big gala for the Sarasota Orchestra this season. Instead: five up-close-and-personal dinners with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors: Michael Stern, Grant Llewellyn, Carl St. Clair, Edwin Outwater and Mei-Ann Chen. All are making their Sarasota debuts presumably as candidates to replace the departing Leif Bjaland. Contact Mary Hoffman at 487-2737. Sounds delicious! … Pies with a purpose … Kayla Nelson is a second lieutenant in the Sarasota High School JROTC, which is raising funds by selling certificates for pies from Troyer’s Dutch Heritage on Bahia Vista. They are $11 each and valid through May 12. Choose from baked pies, including apple, cherry, strawberry and shoofly (no kidding!) and cream pies, including banana, peanut butter, pecan praline and more. Email [email protected] to order…

+ Pink, pinker, pinkest
Two days after the Key to the Cure “Pink Party,” eight ladies threw an even pinker one — a bridal shower honoring Montana Ross, who will marry Irwin Taplinger in May. The hostesses were Margaret Wise, Nancy Blackburn, BJ Creighton, Sharon Black Floyd, Mollie Nelson, Mary Ann Robinson, Joy Rowe and Susan Benson Steenbarger. Held at the Wise home on a picture-perfect day, it had to be one of the prettiest parties of the year, thanks to Margaret’s secret weapon, designer Raul Molina, and hostess Susie, the girl-with-the-glue-gun. Forty-five guests enjoyed the view of the bay from one long, extremely pink table on the Wise porch. The cake was made by a pastry prodigy, 13-year-old Falon Katz.
Among the special guests: MOB Nikki Sedacca’s good friend Salissa King from Martha’s Vineyard.

+ Black Tie Affair
Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center
A Big Hug Back to Betty
5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6
Hyatt-Regency Sarasota
Ticket $150, patron $250
Call Janet Hunter, 371-6798

Were it not for Betty Schoenbaum and her late, great husband, Alex, Sarasota would not have its renowned “Campus of Caring.” The late Dr. Kay Glasser went to them for seed money to build her dream more than 20 years ago. Now the center is honoring its original benefactor for her in-going and ongoing support with a fun-not-formal evening, the complete title of which is, “Celebrating Promises Kept and Dreams Fulfilled … a Big Hug Back to Betty.” Dr. Lou Bertha McKenzie-Wharton and Bunny Skirboll are co-chairs; Gerri Aaron, Beatrice Friedman and Sally Yanowitz are honorary co-chairs. A lovely opportunity to pay homage to one of our community’s and our country’s pre-eminent philanthropists.