Black Tie & Tales

+ An honored woman
Much has changed since Circus Sarasota first honored John and Tana Sandefur at its 2009 gala, “An Evening of Ageless Delight.” John died later that year and Tana died just a few weeks ago. But thanks in no small part to their stalwart support, Circus Sarasota has thrived and grown into The Circus Arts Conservatory. How fitting that its 2015 gala will honor Tana’s memory on Jan. 30, at the Big Top’s new location in Nathan Benderson Park.

Just recently, at the Nov. 4 Wit and Wisdom luncheon, Gerri Aaron, Carol Buchanan, Renee Hamad, Janet Hunter, Roxie Jerde, Carolyn John, Sophia LaRusso, Graci McGillicuddy, Marjorie North, Gloria Moss, Alice Rau, Betty Schoenbaum and Jocelyn Stevens — or better known as “The Tanettes, ” — honored their dear friend. Donning sashes and hats, each spoke of the friendship and memories they cherish.

+ The dirty little secret of philanthropy
He was thinking about how much pleasure he gets from leading a philanthropic life and realized many folks likely believe you had to be a multimillionaire to be a philanthropist. So Harry Leopold flew off a letter to Janna Overstreet, executive director of the Lifelong Learning Academy. His query: Did she have any interest in doing an educational program on the joy of philanthropy? Before he knew it, they were in a meeting with Arthur Guilford and Dennis Stover of USF Sarasota-Manatee. Mere months later, we have Discover the Joy of Giving, a series of five afternoon conversations with top national and local experts in January and February. They are emphatically not requests for donations; topics include “The Purpose and the Power of Giving” by Tracy Gary, author of America’s bestselling book on philanthropy, and “The Charitable Impulse” by James A. Joseph, former ambassador and presidential Cabinet member. The fee is a tax-deductible $100 per person, including a cocktail reception after each session; 100% will benefit the Lifelong Learning Academy.

The kicker here is that participants will vote on distributing a total of $25,000 in grants from the Leopold Institute for Philanthropic Studies. To register, visit the Lifelong Learning Academy website, thelifelonglearningacademy.com.

+ Tidbits
What would you wear? … Overheard at Studio South Fitness: a client wondering, “What to put on?” A walk at 7:15 a.m., the gym at 9, a meeting with investment managers at 10:15 and a lunch date at Michael’s at noon? The trainer’s helpful response: “Deodorant.” … Twinning … Wearing a matching mommy-and-me Lilly Pulitzer pattern with mom Diana (and the cutest pink Gucci shoes), Lilly Buchanan made her social debut at the Lilly Pulitzer Luncheon and Fashion Show … Relocating … Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center President and CEO Olivia Thomas is about to say farewell to Sarasota and hello to Texas after eight years at the helm of SPARCC. Thomas’ husband, Pat, relocated to Dallas with Hewlett Packard and she will follow at the end of the year. “I’m a native Texan and have relatives living there, so it’s sort of a homecoming for me, but Pat was born at Sarasota Memorial so it is more of a culture shock for him,” says Thomas, who is looking forward to their new adventure … Honoring the life of Betty Schiff ... Her family is inviting her friends to a brief memorial service followed by coffee and sweets. The Nov. 23 service begins at 2 p.m. followed by reception at Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key. No RSVP is necessary. For more info, contact [email protected].

+ Black Tie Affair
Havana Nights — Party at the Point
Benefiting: Historic Spanish Point
When: Friday, Nov. 21
Where: Historic Spanish Point
Tickets: $200
Contact: 966-5214, Ext. 2950
Chairs: Kristen and Joe Farrell and Barbara and Todd Stainbrook
Wardrobe call: Cuban chic