Black Tie Untied

It may have rained every day this weekend, but the skies cleared up just in time for every evening social event. From a wine walk, to a eclectic fashion show to a gala featuring the Go Go’s, Black Tie’s got it covered.  

Wine Walk to Cá d’Zan

Guests spent their evening strolling The Ringling estate Friday, March 28, for the second annual Wine Walk to Cá d’Zan. With five stations set up throughout the grounds, guests tasted fine wines and sampled delicious food during the self-guided tour, which included cuisine, entertainment and food pairings with cultural influences of Chile and Argentina, Italy, Japan and more.

iconcept6

Guests gathered at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium Friday, March 28, for iconcept6 "Art Meets Fashion" runway event. The sixth annual event, which benefits Art Center Sarasota, featured designs by local artists, which were made from nontraditional or recycled materials.

The audience was not only entertained by the eclectically beautiful designs, but co-Hhosts Lorenzo Hubbard and Mallory Gnaegy kept everyone laughing the entire night.

Firefly Gala

Sarasota saw nothing but grey skies and continual rain Saturday, March 29, but the weather cleared up just in time for Forty Carrots Family Center’s Firefly Gala, which worked out well considering the event was held on the grounds of The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club.

“We were checking the radar every 30 minutes to see when it was going to stop,” says Chairwoman Ariane Dart.

The rain didn’t deter the guests from getting dressed to the nines for the event either — from stunning dresses to 80’s inspired black tie attire. Guests were as elegant as the event itself. Decorated with sequins and purple, the tent was sparkling with chandeliers, rope lighting and gemstone centerpieces — touching on 80’s style, but keeping it tasteful.  

Chairwoman Ariane Dart kicked off the evening, greeting guests as they arrived to the secluded golf club, where they enjoyed a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by a live auction and dinner.        

“This year was more successful than ever,” says Dart, “We got the beat.” The paddle raise alone raised more than $50,000 alone at the event.

The live auction included a priceless experience of going backstage to meet the event’s musical guests, the Go-Go’s. Not only did the highest bidder get to go backstage (and bring a few friends with as well), but also ended up dancing on stage with the band during the show. 

Following the show, guests made their way back into the tent where they continued to dance the night away. The energy was high and more importantly, so were the funds raised for Forty Carrots Family Center.