Black Tie Untied

+ Donte’s Den ‘Top Dog’

Donte’s Den held its Westminster-like dog show spoof "Top Dog" Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium.

There was an open bar and food provided by nine local restaurants for owners to enjoy during "Yappy Hour" prior to the competition. WWSB ABC7’s John Scalzi lead the competition, which included Best Kiss, Owner Look Alike, Best Wag, Sit … Stay … Whatever, Best Smart Pet Trick and Best Dressed categories.

The event benefited Donte’s Den Foundation. See more photos here.

+ St. Martha’s Interactive Dinner ‘Taste of the Mediterranean’

St. Martha’s held its annual interactive dinner and auction Saturday, Oct. 5, at Michael’s On East. Amanda Lopez chaired the event and was in attendance along with the committee members who all donned blue aprons.

Guests mingled, bid on silent auction items and were introduced to the live auction items, poodle pups Saint and Martha, prior to the "Taste of the Mediterranean" themed interactive dinner.

After thanking all those who made the dinner auction happen, Rebecca Blitz announced that it was Fr. Fausto Stampiglia’s birthday as Phil Mancini wheeled out a surprise birthday cake. Everyone sang "Happy Birthday" and the priest blew out the candles on his cake, along with Fr. Sebastian Szczawinski, whose birthday was earlier in the week.

Michael’s On East executive Chef Jamil Pineda and Phil Mancini took the stage and instructed the guests on how to cook each course — all to raise money for St. Martha’s Catholic School.

See more photos here.