Black Tie Untied

Purim Masquerade Ball honoring Robert and Esther Heller, Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy and David and Patti Wertheimer

Guests donned eclectic masks at the Purim Masquerade Ball Saturday, March 8, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. The event, which benefits The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, honored Robert and Esther Heller, Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy and David and Patti Wertheimer for their involvement and support of the Jewish communities and Israel.

The theme of this year’s event was “Purim,” representing the story of good and evil — good prevailing, in light of the good that the honorees have put out in the community.

Following the dinner, guests danced the night away to the sounds of Double Vision — and the fun didn’t stop there. An after party in the foyer, featuring DJ Kuma, kept the party going late into the night.

David and Edi Chaifetz, Dr. Joshua and Julie Green and Mort and Bunny Skirboll co-chaired the event.
 

Polo Under the Palms

It was a beautiful day for a polo match, which was included in the all-day event Polo Under the Palms Saturday, March 8. Guests dressed “casually chic” gathered at Sarasota Polo Club to enjoy the sport and support Center for Building Hope and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Gates opened at 3 p.m. and guests enjoyed the camaraderie of friends while watching the finals of the USPA sanctioned Polo Under the Palms 12-goal tournament. Following the tournament, guests gathered in the pavilion to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while listening to live music by Ben Hammond. Songs from Zac Brown Band and Otis Redding set the vibe for enjoying a spring afternoon on the polo grounds.

Following cocktail hour (and after the polo players had freshened up and returned to the grounds), guests enjoyed a dinner catered by Chef Tommy Klauber of Polo Grill and Bar/Fete Catering and Chef Jeremy Hammond-Chambers of Innovative Dining.

This year’s event, chaired by Jamie and Mary Uihlein and James P. and Christie Uihlein, was hosted by Little Owl Charities, Inc. The organization, which is in its inaugural year, focuses on raising money for and to boost awareness of organizations that pursue advances in cancer research.