Black Tie Untied

Florida Studio Theatre held their annual Bag Ladies and Baubles luncheon Thursday, March 7 in the new John C. Court Cabernet at Florida Studio Theatre. The fun girls day out included a silent auction on an assortment of bags and fun accessories, the chance to buy jewelry from Optional Art and a raffle. More than 70 women enjoyed champagne and lunch while being entertained by Florida Studio Theatre’s very own Improv troupe. To start off the luncheon, Chairwomen Susan Morin, Nancy Rand and Marie Kropp performed their own rendition of “Hello Ladies,” with Marie Kropp on piano and lead vocals. Check out the performance below.



This year’s Banyan Bash took place on Out-of-Door Academy’s Siesta Key campus with the theme being “Back to Our Roots.” The evening was more casual than years past, something that the guests enjoyed, especially the men who got away with not having to wear tuxes and ties. Highlights from the event included the addition of a half-court shot challenge and the coveted live auction item — a puppy.

The half-court challenge, inside the Dart Athletic Pavilion, allowed guests to take a shot at winning a free year of tuition for their child. While some participants were way off the mark, a few got pretty close with one even swirling in the hoop and then popping back out at the last second.

Denise Aberle introduced the Dakota Sports Retriever puppy, Mayblossom, to the crowd throughout the evening. The bidding war was intense, but in the end, the adorable 3 month-old puppy went for $7,000.