Black Tie & Tales

+ The substance behind the style
Phil King, the recently retired executive director of Glasser-Schoenbaum Human Services Center, is famous for sartorial splendor, which was much in evidence at the Nov. 14 “Philanthropy Is Always In Fashion” fundraiser in his honor. Co-Chairs Marlene Hauck, Bunny Skirboll and Gail Welch pulled out all the stops with a slideshow, a video, several live encomia and even a special “Phil King Salmon” dish created in his honor by Hyatt Executive Chef Kory Foltz. The 300 guests included several from King’s previous hometown. Among them was emcee Betty Wilson, who heads up the Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, and singer Brenda Williams, Indy’s top entertainer.

In the five years since King assumed leadership from Glasser-Schoenbaum Human Services Center’s revered founder, Dr. Kay Glasser, King dramatically increased awareness of the center, integrated it into the broader philanthropic community, and, in a glorious grand finale, initiated and completed a drive to build the Sally and Sam Shapiro Babies and Children’s Medical Center. Bravo, handsome!

+ The Ron and Jimmy Show
This is a big year for Ron Carter and Jimmy Neal, the couple formerly and lovingly known as “Mr. Florist.” It is the 15th year for their “Living With AIDS: What a Drag” and this year’s drag show, “The White Gayla,” was the most successful yet, attracting more than 250 guests and raising about $40,000 for Community AIDS Network. That net is thanks in large part to Michael’s On East and others who donate the food and drink, and the Michael’s waitstaff headed up by captain Henry Alberico, who contribute their services, as they have since the beginning. The drag queens do the same, including stunning emcee Amy DeMilo, who was a perfect mix of naughty and nice. And Steve Patmagrian got back into his staging groove for the event, also gratis.

This is also the 50th anniversary year for Ron and Jimmy as a couple. They met in 1964 at the home of a mutual friend in Atlanta and celebrated their golden anniversary this summer with a trip to Savannah.

+ Tidbits
Wedding bells coming up … Valerie Leatherwood said “yes” and fiancé Harry Leopold says they will marry within a month. That’s scarcely time to print invitations … Didn’t I just see you … Observed at their own Nov. 13 Taste of Friendship event and again at the Nov. 14 Glasser-Schoenbaum gala: Centers’ Senior Vice President Erin McLeod and new Marketing and Development Director Marty Katz … A popular recognition … Asolo Rep honored a major supporter at the first Starry Night Dinner of the season, which took place at the home of Stanley Kane. This year, the spotlight shone on Warren and Margot Coville. Warren originated the FSU Conservatory’s “adopt a student” program, has been a driving force behind the Asolo endowment and he served as board president for a year. Their daughter, Betsy, was part of the proceedings, with a delightful bit of doggerel verse that had everyone smiling … Fashionable feet … Wendy Feinstein donned a pair of Tango Zapatos at A Fashionable Evening: A Tribute to Phil King — a pair she picked up while in Argentina for a tango dancing retreat … Retail addition … L. Boutique’s Crystal Stephens, who is expecting a baby in May, recently surprised co-workers Becky Carr, Julia Hoppe, Mary Heise, LeeAnne Swor, Emma Smith and Sarah Macrae with “L. Aunties” cookies to announce the big news … Thanks, Joe … Mary Kenealy Barbetta secretly planned and hosted a party for outgoing commissioner and husband Joe Barbetta Nov. 12, at The Francis. More than 100 guests stopped by throughout the evening to toast and congratulate the commissioner for his time spent bettering the community.

+ Black Tie Affair
Designing Women Boutique Dinner & Style Show Gala ‘Serengeti Nights — Passport to Elegance’
Benefiting: Designing Women Boutique
When: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Michael’s On East
Chairs: Montana Taplinger, Ida Zito and Bert Minot and Honorary Chair Betty Schoenbaum
Tickets: $250
Contact: 366-5293