Black Tie & Tales

+ Almost too perfect for words
Oh, Roger Pettingell, you certainly do belong in this photo. As Baroque dancers Alyson Dolan, Caitlin McMullen, Angela Rauter gracefully organized themselves and their stunning dresses into perfect poses at Saturday’s Orchid Ball, Pettingell did what any man watching three beautiful women would do — he took the empty chair, smiled and posed with them! His wife, Alisa, was quick to pull out her own camera and capture the moment in a photograph.

+ A twinkle in his eye
Ernie Kretzmer’s sense of humor lit up the room when he accepted the American Jewish Committee Human Relations Award presented to him and wife, Alisa, at the eponymous annual dinner March 26, at Michael’s On East. His response to being given a shofar: “I guess I get a chance to blow my own horn.” He saluted the AJC for “shining a bright light on human relations violations worldwide,” and closed with, “Let us all join the eternal battle against evil.” A crowd of 200-plus was present to honor the Kretzmers; there is hardly a non-profit in town that has not benefited from their remarkable generosity.

+ C’est cheese!
Gulf Coast Cheese Fest co-founder Molly Klauber is constantly searching the web for fabulous jewelry. With the Fête du Fromage event coming up, she performed a Google search and found a designer who made food-related jewelry — and just happened to be a cheese jewelry expert! She purchased cheese earrings, a cheese cocktail ring and a cheese necklace, and paired it with a black Hervé Léger dress to make for a sleek, cheesy look.

+ Know your roll
The award for most creative means of transportation to the 31st annual Orchid Ball goes to Tony Neubroch and Chris Gilligan, who arrived via bicycles. Tony pedaled along in his tux and Chris was in her pink evening gown and flip-flops. They decided to bike instead of driving because they live around the corner from Selby Gardens. Fortunately for them, they arrived early enough to avoid the rain.

+ Tidbits
A busy, busy Sunday … “Just a get-together” is how Jewel Ash described the Sunday luncheon she and hubby, Mike, threw for assorted friends March 25, at Michael’s On East. On the same day, Ian Sharp celebrated his 80th birthday with a brunch at the Longboat Key Club Harbourside and Maestro Victor DeRenzi celebrated his 30th anniversary at a gala party and concert in the Opera House … Surprise! ... There were almost 60 guests at the surprise 60th birthday party for Dr. Susan Weinkle March 24, at Michael’s Wine Cellar. Reports are that the MOHS Surgery for Skin Cancer surgeon and dermatologist was genuinely surprised and the party went on until midnight … Smart move … Some guests came to the Weinkle party on the late side, following Ringling College of Art and Design’s “Evening at the Avant Garde.” Historically, this costumed affair has had a band and a dance floor. This year, planners gave it up, freeing about $4,000 for student scholarships which is, after all, what the affair is all about … The name game … A scant two years after they wed, Edward Alley and June LeBell have wed their names and are henceforth to be known as Edward and June LeBell-Alley. The couple made this clear to media at the gala honoring Maestro Victor DeRenzi’s 30 years with the Sarasota Opera. And what a celebration that was, with the spectacular “Mefistophele” featuring the Sarasota Opera Chorus and the Youth Opera Chorus as its finale. Bravo! … From hope and fear set free … In the past few weeks: Michael Silverstein, Norman Menell and Kay Ronson succumbed after long battles. May their memories be for a blessing.

+ Black Tie Affair
Cattle Baron's Ball 2012
6:30 p.m. cocktails, small bites and silent auction; 8 p.m. dinner and dancing Saturday, April 14, at Michael's On East
Tickets: $250; Call 328-3760.

The American Cancer Society will hosts its annual Cattle Baron's Ball gala to benefit its Reaching Out to Cancer Kids programs — R.O.C.K. Camp, R.O.C.K Scholarships and Families R.O.C.K. Weekend.