Black Tie & Tales

+ Highlights from the 2012-2013 season
Once again, a season has flown by. Here are favorite moments that you remember …

Steve Wilberding: “One thing I loved was Co-Chairs Clare Segal and Margie Barancik dressed in white tie and tails at JFCS Gala. Also, the Orchid Ball stood out with its atmosphere and very gentle camels. The Rollinses certainly brought a fresh perspective to Selby Gardens.”

Kyla Weiner: “Pat Benatar, rocking out and sounding exactly like she does on iTunes, at Firefly Gala … the most amazing costumes and insane décor was at Planned Parenthood’s Halloween Bash … and the best hair, wigs and scrunchies were at ‘Rock of Ages.’”

Nora Johnson: “The highlight for me was the camels at Orchid Ball.”

Scott Anderson: “My most emotional moment during this past season was at the Child Protection Center’s Gala, ‘Blue Ties and Butterflies.’ The Child Protection Center for a first-time event raised more than $300,000 that evening! … The most beautiful gala was for the Sarasota Ballet — from the outside performance to the perfect gala under a tent at USF … The most interesting new event was Poetry Life weekend, created by Georgia Court. Listening to local students read their own poetry was beautiful … The event which made us all remember, if we were alive then, was the event for Designing Women Boutique with Clint Hill.”

Cliff Roles: “For me, the most exciting memory of the gala season was Circus Sarasota’s Pedro Reis up on the high wire, carried by Blake and Nik Wallenda, as a live auction item at the Circus Sarasota Gala. You could hear a pin drop.”

Myron Ash: “While it seems that the Sarasota social season is dominated by glitz and glamour, I am particularly impressed by the quality of the entertainment we are so privileged to enjoy. Yes it’s true that certain events, such as the annual JFCS fundraiser, featuring the Sarasota Orchestra, combines upscale entertainment along with exclusivity. The symphony luncheon featuring its more jazz-oriented musicians is a highlight for me as was the Eight Over 80 luncheon … Other events I enjoyed were Circus Sarasota’s gala, the Senior Friendship Center’s fun and frolic dinner and Catholic Charities’ beautiful event at the Ritz-Carlton.

Susan Jones: “I thought ‘Rock of Ages’ was a blast. Everyone had a great time with the retro theme and really got into the outfits. In addition, any time Phil Mancini has fun with an event, it is always awesome … Also, ‘Night of Hope’ was particularly touching because of Katie Moulton and Beth Knopik. That night stands out for me. I thought the delivery of the mission that night was right on.”

Mary Kenealy Barbetta: “The best first dance I’ve ever seen was at the wedding I did for Kara and Drayton Saunders.”

Dr. Allison Silver: “At Key to the Cure — watching the reaction of the person whose name we called as the winner of the glittery gold Jimmy Choos! She was jumping up and down and screaming — that made me laugh.”

Kay Mathers: “I loved Sarasota Ballet’s Gala at USF — the performance outdoors was dramatic and beautiful — gorgeous night overall … I, of course, loved Celebration Luncheon and the inspiring speech by Girls Inc. alumna Gabby Holt, which clearly shows the long lasting impact Girls Inc. has.”

Steve Seidensticker: “Gulf Coast Community Foundation rooftop luncheon with Andrew Weill stood out to me. Not only did 400 Sarasotans get to hear him tell it like it is, but everyone got an amazing view of Sarasota from the rooftop of the Palm Avenue Garage. And for many, it was their first experience with The Francis even before it was finished.”

Margaret Wise: “Well, of course, my favorite moment was the party that my friends gave in my honor in December, at Katherine Harris’ home, which raised $160,000 for Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Asolo Rep. Is was the most beautiful party I have ever been to, and one that really touched my heart.”

+ ‘Tis the new season … As we move into summer living, don’t forget next season is just around the corner. BT is collecting events for the 2013-2014 Black Tie social calendar — if we don’t know about it, we can’t cover it! Email the following information to [email protected]: name of your event; group hosting; group benefiting; time, date and place; ticket price; chairperson; contact name; phone number and email; website and event description.

+ Tidbits
Hats off to Barbara … Friends teased Barbara Brizdle about not being able to find a Publix without a navigation system, but nobody questioned her party-planning skills — not after attending her millinery-themed, 70th birthday luncheon May 3, at Sarasota Yacht Club. Guests picked their table by picking a card from a hat, then proceeded to create their own chapeau to wear and take home. The lone boy toy in the crowd of more than 60 was Brizdle’s husband, Larry Schoenberg. Barbara’s party planning helpers included seven table hostesses and her home manager, Beverly McFarland.
Wedding bells are ringing … Sarasota Ballet’s Sara Sardelli, Ricardo Graziano and Kate Honea recently hosted a wedding shower for dancer Rita Duclos, at Posh. Guests included dancers from the company, friends from the area and supporters of the ballet, including Lauren Walsh. Duclos will marry Matt Dudonis July 13, at the Bird Key Yacht Club … Funny man ... At Circus Sarasota’s “La Cirque Appetit,” Chuck Sidlow performed a reverse “strip tease dance” — he began talking about how they aren’t just clowns and went from his clown costume and full makeup down to his tux and no makeup. The event began with 120 guests as Laughter Unlimited luncheon in 2007, at the Bird Key Yacht Club. This year’s event had 420 people in attendance, including Tana Sandefur, who chaired the inaugural luncheon.

+ Black Tie Affair
Designing Daughters Gala ‘Chic in the City’
Benefiting: Designing Women Boutique
When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 17
Where: The Francis
Tickets: $85 or $95 at the door
designingwomenboutique.org

This year's urban evening, presented by Designing Daughters, a sub-committee of Designing Women Boutique, is chaired by Montana Taplinger and Ashley Gruters. The trendy evening will include food, drinks, Chinese raffle, girls and guys night out auction, a red-carpet entrance, photo booth, dancing and a few other surprises.