Black Tie Untied

+ Girls rule!
More than 800 people attended Girls Inc.’s 25th annual Celebration Luncheon Thursday, April 4, at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. This year’s theme was “Invest in the Power of Girls” and honored Girl of the Year Zandy Sanders and the Observer Media Group’s own Lisa Walsh was awarded with the “She Knows Where She’s Going” award.

Prior to the luncheon, guests had a chance to buy items from a variety of the businesses run in Dream Harbor, including baked goods, purses, bows, art, clothing and furniture. The girls kicked off the luncheon singing, “Change the World.” Caitlin Fritzsching, mayor of Dream Harbor, was the Master of Ceremonies, and chairs Chris Pinckney and Johanna Gustafsson welcomed the crowd to the event.

A variety of current and former Girls Inc. girls spoke about the importance of Girls Inc. in their lives and both Sanders and Walsh gave powerful speeches that received both tears and standing ovations from the audience.

+ Garden party
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens was transformed into a “Midnight at the Oasis” for the 32nd Orchid Ball Saturday, April 6. Chairs Wayne and Mindy Rollins went all out making sure that the guests had an amazing experience.

The evening entertainment included snake charmers, fire eaters, belly dancers and musicians from International Productions by Tahja as well as two 3-year-old camels, named Nomad and Oakie, from Big Cat Habitat on display for people to take photos with, feed and pet. The guests got into the theme, showing off their best desert caravan finery.

Watch the video below to see a performance by the dancers and musicians of International Productions by Tahja and see more photos online, as well in next week’s Black Tie.