Black Tie & Tales

+ Celebrating legacies 
The SPARCC board of directors hosted a reception Sunday, Nov. 17 to honor retiring board members Derek Billib, Jean Gay, Mary Ann Robinson and Lisa Walsh.

The four women have collectively dedicated more than a century of service to the SPARCC board, with Gay starting in 1979 when the organization was created. Robinson reminisced telling stories of when she used to wear a beeper and go out into the night to pick up women in need.

Seen mingling at the reception were Diane Muir, Michael and Coral Pleas, Jim and Susan Lanier, Tim and Diane Muldoon, Robert and Scottie Brown and Sam and Erika Quartermaine.

See more photos here.

+ Shoe divas
WOW is all that can be said for Wine, Women and Shoes Friday, Nov. 15. The all-day affair (well, weekend-long affair) kicked off with champagne flowing and women galore. A few tidbits from the luncheon … Co-Chairwomen Emily Stroud and Diana Kelly Buchanan were radiant … The Met and June Simmons Jewelry pop-up shop was fabulously fashionable … Sharon Petrik made a trip to Sarasota from Europe for the luncheon … Ariane Dart announced the March 29 Firefly Gala headliner (The Go Go’s) as well as the new event location (The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club) … Michelle Snyder showed her excitement after purchasing a dog silhouette purse, “Who could resist a puppy and tiara?” … Milly designer Michelle Smith judged the top shoe nominees — Alexandra Coles (Pump Me Up), Pagie Kuhn (Perfecto Stiletto), Aimee Cogan (Extraordinary Embellishment), Melissa Miller (Flat Out Fabulous), Felice Schulaner (We Just Love It!) and Liebe Gamble (Booty Licious) strutted their shoes down the runway … The sole men deserve an award for their commitment — between escorting all the women into the luncheon, serving and selling wine and performing their choreographed dance, including one in MC Hammer gold harem pants — these men worked hard for a great cause.

BT's favorite shoes of the day ...

+ Tidbits
Scenes from “Show Boat” … At the opening night of Asolo Rep’s “Show Boat,” The Players’ Artistic Director Jeffrey Kin was mistaken for Noah Racey. People kept saying, “We loved you in ‘PULSE.’” … Eight-year-old Lilly Mae Stewart, who stole the stage in The Player’s production of “Annie” last winter, went pro for “Show Boat.” She’s also the face of Tervis … Stylish sighting? … Rumor has it that designer Michael Kors made an appearance last weekend at The Ringling’s “Icon of Style” exhibit … Hot flash … Saks Fifth Avenue hosted a David Yurman trunk show, “The Artist’s Palette,” Thursday, Nov. 14. Shoppers got to see the expanded representation of the new collection, including limited pieces such as a $22,000 gold cable coin cuff bracelet … Special safari … Michael’s On East and Admiral Travel International hosted visiting executive chef Anna Ridgewell from South Africa’s Londolozi Game Reserve last week. A wine tasting on Nov. 7 and interactive dinner on Nov. 8 helped raise more than $100,000 for the newly created All Heart Fund at the Good Work Foundation, a special fund established in honor of Steve and Beth Knopik’s daughter, Leanna.

+ Black Tie Affair
HospitaBull Evening
Benefiting: USF Sarasota-Manatee
When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3  
Where: Michael’s On East
Tickets: $100
Contact: 359-4563