12 events in 2012

Ringling College Library Association Town Hall Lecture Series
When: Lectures take place from January through March
Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

The Ringling College Library Association’s Town Hall Lecture Series, now in its 30th year, has brought in world leaders, artists, journalists, entertainers, authors, political figures and more to speak before thousands of Sarasotans. This year’s series kicks off Jan. 7 with the by-invitation-only platinum dinner and lecture featuring Tina Brown, one of the most widely known magazine editors in the world. Brown is the former editor of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker and currently serves as editor in chief of The Daily Beast/Newsweek.

Other speakers in the series include former First Lady Laura Bush (Jan. 11); Harvard ecnomics professor Roland Fryer (Feb. 1); four-star general and former commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan Gen. Stanley McChrystal (Feb. 13); “Freakonomics” and “Superfreakonomics” co-author Steven Levitt (March 5); and 30-year journalist and FOX News show host Bill O’Reilly (March 21).
This year’s Town Hall Lecture Series chairwoman is Kristine Nickel. Tickets are $200 to $600. Call 925-1343 for information.

Sunshine from Darkness Gala Honoring Patrick Kennedy
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14
Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

For the past 15 years, Sunshine from Darkness has not only raised more than $5 million for mental-health research, but it has also honored numerous notable people with the Luminary Award, such as Dorothy Hamill, Patty Duke, Joe Pantoliano, Art Buchwald and Mike Wallace for their work in stopping the stigma of mental illness. This year, Sunshine from Darkness will honor former congressman Patrick Kennedy for his work as the author and sponsor of the Mental Health Parity & Addiction Equity Act of 2008.
The gala is the culmination of an entire day of events, following Sunshine from Darkness’ Journey to Wellness symposium that will focus on PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Drawing from its subject matter and this year’s Luminary, the evening will be full of patriotic elegance featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a fabulous feast by The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota culinary team. A special performance by the Sarasota Military Academy will be a highlight of the evening in addition to numerous honorable military veterans and notables in attendance. Finally, guests will dance the night away to Scott Blum & Friends — this band had many on their feet all night last year.

The black-tie optional evening is chaired by Lee Peterson and Emily Walsh. Tickets are $250 and available by calling 308-MIND or by visiting its website: SunshinefromDarkness.org.

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s Women and Medicine Luncheon
When: 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20
Where: Sarasota Yacht Club

The Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation is presenting an inaugural event detailing new frontiers in medicine — “Women and Medicine — Envisioning New Frontiers” luncheon. The panel discussion on neurodegenerative disease features Dr. James Schumacher, with the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System; Dr. Ole Isacson, with Harvard Medical School; and Penelope Hallett, Ph.D., from Cambridge, England. The event is chaired by Ann Charters, SMH Foundation President and CEO Alex Quarles and foundation board Chairwoman Margaret Wise. Tickets are $50 per person. For information, call 917-1286.


Palm Ball ‘An Evening in the Garden of Good and Evil’
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4
Where: Bay Preserve at Osprey

If you’ve seen this year’s invitation to the Palm Ball, with its charcoal shadows and smoky glows set on a jet black background, then you know it’s probably going to be a slightly spooky evening.

The fifth annual Palm Ball, themed “An Evening in the Garden of Good and Evil,” is chaired by Ariane Dart, Pauline Joerger, Amie Swan, Margaret Wise and honorary Chairwoman Cornelia Matson. Proceeds from the outdoor event benefit the critical land-conservation initiatives on our bays, beaches and barrier islands.

Tickets are $350. Call 918-2100.

Cooking for Wishes
When: 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15
Where: Michael’s On East

You may just want to take the entire day off from work, because for the first time, there will be an exclusive Cooking for Wishes “after-party” at Michael’s Wine Cellar.

The second interactive luncheon, co-chaired by Terri Klauber and Denise Mei, has the goal of raising $63,000 this year — enough to grant about nine wishes. The four-course luncheon features tables of eight and a live auction that includes a wish auction. The event has raised $59,000 to date.

Tickets are $150. Call 952-9474.

Couture in the Courtyard
When: 11 a.m. Monday, March 12
Where: South Florida Museum

The co-chairwomen don’t pretend it’s anything but an afternoon of fashion and socializing for the ladies. However, if men want to bask in the glory of a Saks Fifth Avenue runway fashion show, glitzy raffle packages and, of course, champagne, they’re more than welcome to attend.

The event, now in its third year, always sells out early. Pink is the signature color, as seen throughout the South Florida Museum's beautiful Spanish courtyard, which will feature an elevated runway that runs up and around the fountain statue. New this year is a mini boutique for post-fashion show shopping. Selected runway items will be available for purchase as well as other merchandise.

This year’s raffle promises to be every bit as good as last year’s, which included fabulous weekend stays, jewelry and VIP baseball game packages.

Tickets are $75. Call 746-4131, Ext. 14.

Corinthian Gala ‘Supper Club & Speakeasy’
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Bathtubs filled with gin. Cigarette girls. Police officers.

The Corinthian Gala — an event that happens only once every three years — is going all-out this year. The evening, which benefits the Sarasota Memorial Health Care Foundation, begins with cocktails and piano music in the foyer of the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. The party will first move into the ballroom, staged as the “Peacock Supper Club” during dinner, which afterward will be transformed into the Corinthian Club Speakeasy. The transformation effect will be pulled off through fabulous lighting and furniture reflecting the time period.

Tickets are $350. Call 917-1286.

A Madcap Evening ‘Animal Crackers’
When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 13
Where: Senior Friendship Centers

This year’s "Madcap Evening" will be a truly “ducky” party. For the third consecutive year, Harold Ronson will chair the event. Honorary co-chairs are Gerri Aaron and Marvin Albert and Harry and Victoria Leopold.

The party will feature great moments from Groucho Marx’s famous TV series, “You Bet Your Life,” and famous movie characters such as Dr. Hugo Z. Hackenbush and Capt. Jeffrey T. Spaulding. Singers from the Sarasota Opera will return to add beauty to all the levity, and, as always, there will be a few surprises in store. Dinner will be presented by Phil Mancini, of Michael's On East. Tickets are $150. Call 556-3205.

Celebration Luncheon
When: 10:30 a.m. boutique shopping; 11:30 a.m. luncheon Tuesday, March 20
Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

You had better tune in to the 24th annual Celebration Luncheon presented by Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County, because it promises to inform, educate and entertain while focusing on the theme “media literacy.” With six powerhouse co-chairwomen, including Louise Bruderle, of West Coast Woman; Kelley Lavin, of Gulfshore Media; Lisl Liang, of SRQ Magazine; Diane McFarlin, of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune; Julie Milton, of Scene Magazine; and Lisa Walsh, of the Observer Group; the event is sure to send out strong messages about the current status of the media and its impact on girls.

This year’s She Knows Where She's Going Award winners are strong, smart and bold — Flori Roberts and Pamela Truitt. The Donna Brace Ogilvie Board of Trustees Award will also be given to Susan Jones, of JCI Chemical Inc., and the Jones Family Foundation. The Girl of the Year Award will be presented to 13-year-old Shayla Brown. Call 366-6646, Ext. 211 for information.

2012 Children First Celebration Gala
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 21
Where: Michael’s On East
We’ll meet you at the Tropicana! The Children First Celebration Gala has become so popular over the past few years that the sell-out event has moved from the Sarasota Yacht Club to a new location — Michael’s On East. Last year’s aquatic-themed event was a complete hit with guests and so was the auction, which included a trip to Costa Rica.

This year’s theme is “Meet Me at the Tropicana.” The event is chaired by Mindy and Wayne Rollins, Gerri Aaron and Marvin Albert, Jo and Stan Rustein and Drs. Heidi Anderson and Paul Brannan.

Proceeds from the event fund the daily services provided to 600 children from 12 locations in Sarasota County. This is the organization’s largest event of the year.

Tickets are $200. Call 953-3877, Ext. 124.

Men Who Cook
When: 6 p.m. Sunday, April 15
Where: Longboat Key Club and Resort Harbourside Dining Room

Will John Currie bring back his Mexican lasagna for another go at this year’s Men Who Cook dinner? Will any of these chefs convince someone else to prepare their dish? You’ll just have to wait until April to find out!

Nearly 25 of Sarasota’s leading men will showcase their favorite recipes at the second extravaganza, featuring food, food and more food. Each chef will prepare 20 portions of his signature dish and also have his recipe featured in the Men Who Cook cookbook. And, just like last year when Scott Greer raised more than $3,000 selling cakes, the event will feature an old-fashioned cake auction, plus a parade of chefs, live music and Men Who Cook memorabilia. Co-chairing the event are Beverly Bartner, Molly Schechter and Margaret Wise. Tickets are $150. Call 351-9010, Ext. 4712.

Gulf Coast Cheese Fest: The Cheese Ball
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 28
Where: Fête Ballroom

The crème de la crème of the Gulf Coast Cheese Fest events, the first official Cheese Ball will be held in the Château de Fromage, otherwise known as the Fête Ballroom at the Polo Grill.

Dress camera ready and be ready to “c’est cheese” for the paparazzi while you float between the fabulous food stations and elegant passed hors d’ oeuvres and twirl to lavish entertainment. The event benefits G.WIZ—The Science Museum. Tickets are $100. Call 309-4949.