Black Tie & Tales

+ Celebrating Doris
The party was pure Doris Kaplan. Sons David and Gary Kaplan came to Sarasota for the slightly belated celebration of their mother’s 85th birthday. (David’s twin, Earl, was on a business trip.) Her boys spoke of Doris with such affection and humor that everyone present was just a bit envious. They shared Doris stories and sayings, including, “I’ve never met a woman who wasn’t beautiful or a man who wasn’t handsome.” Doris added, “Every place I go is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.”

Kaplan’s enthusiasm is heartfelt and genuine. The many friends she has made since first coming to Longboat Key in 1969 love her for it and responded energetically to her request that they wear hats to her party Oct. 23, at Michael’s Wine Cellar. Among them: Beatrice Friedman, Mary Ann Fair, Dottie Baer Garner, Heloisa Jennings, Evelyn Koshner, Claire Love, Sylvia Pastor, Marcia Roth, Roddy Samuels, Renee Sheade and Angela Stowe.

+ Tidbits
Time to take a stand … Mitchell and Dawn Epstein hosted this year’s Stand Up Dinner to benefit the YMCA Oct. 24, at their waterfront home. To thank generous bidders who decided to “Stand Up for Kids” at the Going for the Gold gala in May, the Epsteins extended their hospitality and hosted their fourth Stand Up Dinner. Guests, including Paul and Carina Bowman, Dan and Debbie Dannheisser and Ron and Dorothea Morris, were treated to a sunset cocktail party and an Asian-inspired dinner, which Chef Alyson Zildjian catered. Mitchell personally selected wines and champagne from his wine cellar ... DWB sell-out … Designing Women Boutique’s Dec. 9 gala, to be held at Asolo Theatre and Treviso Restaurant, is almost sold out. However, to make sure you don’t miss out, a new option is now available — guests can enjoy the cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception pre-show in the Asolo lobby and then attend the show only. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased by calling 366-5293 … Dynamic duo … Mother-daughter team of Kristine Nickel and Lindsey Nickel-de la O have been named co-chairs of Girls Inc’s 26th annual Celebration Luncheon, which will be held April 3, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Tickets are $100. Call 366-6646 for more information … Name whoops … It was not Brent Greeno doing the Miley Cyrus twerk at CANDance as commented in last week’s BT&T it was Jim Heimlich — and he had the action down pat.

+ Black Tie Affair

2013 Miracle Ball
Benefiting: All Children’s Hospital Guild Sarasota/Manatee Branch
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: The Francis
Tickets: $150
Contact: 730-7082