Black Tie & Tales

+ Friendship Centers makes new friends
The theme for the March 10 Friendship Centers’ fundraiser was “Friendship Around the World” and the event set new records with 250-plus guests and $120,000 net funds raised. The evening was true to theme in every detail with music from bagpiper Gary Reinstrom of the Jacobites to the sounds of First Brass of Sarasota. A Fund-A-Need table raised money for services from balance classes to dentures; the silent auction featured a Viking cruise won by Barbara DePaul and jewelry from each of the continents donated by Ron Taub and Marcia Jean Taub, and there was a paddle raise to fund a much-needed new phone system. Friendship Centers, which provides services for older people, drew on younger ones to entertain: Spotlight Theatre Productions and Irish Dance Academy of Sarasota.

+ Oh what a night!
Friday, March 13 was lucky for friends and admirers of Lee Peterson and her late husband, Bob, and Bunny Skirboll who gathered for “An Evening at the El Morocco Supper Club” at Michael’s On East. The local Sunshine from Darkness organization, an affiliate of IMHRO (International Mental Health Research Organization) and the One Mind Institute, presented the evening.

The room was full of love and heartfelt admiration for the honorees. Jeff Peterson and his sister Janice Peterson Radder told how their parents launched their battle against brain disease when it affected their son David Peterson 40 years ago. They have since worked tirelessly and invested generously to raise research funds. The Petersons have also been long-time, major supporters of the Asolo Rep, the Sarasota Opera and many other Sarasota nonprofits. Marlene Hauck set the stage for Skirboll, who shared her story of founding Compeer, a global program that provides supportive friendship and mentoring relationships to adults with mental illness. Compeer operates locally out of Coastal Behavioral Healthcare.

Among those enjoying the “Evening at the El Morocco:” David and Edie Chaifetz, Angel Hissom, Bob and Joan Biller, Jerry and Karen Callahan, Dawn and Ric Duques, Anne Harka, Phil King and Dennis Stover, Diane Roskamp, Mary Ruiz, Dr. Sam and Norma Savin.

+ Tidbits
“We didn’t know you weren’t black” … So said chanteuse Brenda Williams, who entertained at “An Evening at the El Morocco,” when she met cosmetics and theater legend Flori Roberts. It turns out that Williams discovered Flori Roberts Cosmetics, the first department store line of cosmetics for African American women, when she was only 16 and that she wore them when she was in the Mrs. America competition. Flori was thrilled, proclaiming: “This is my legacy!” ... Consigned to be glamorous … “An Evening at the El Morocco” Chairwoman Gail Welch and Marlene Hauck were both absolutely stunning in 1940s looks, glittery gowns from local, nonprofit consignment stores. Welch bought her Victor Costa at the Woman’s Exchange for $40; Hauck scored at Encore and More for $30 … Hopes fulfilled … Neuro Challenge Foundation’s new fundraiser “Cause 4 Hope: Unmasking Parkinson’s Disease” made its debut March 12 and not only achieved but exceeded its objectives. With Co-Chairs Sharyn Weiner and Deb Knowles Kabinoff at the helm, the party honored philanthropists Nola and Larry Hietbrink. It was a sellout with 250 guests, and the paddle raise alone produced $100,000 … Royal presence … Admiral Travel’s Malaka and Ryan Hilton were among a select group of travel industry professionals and London High Society invited to attend the March 2 grand reopening of London’s iconic luxury hotel The Goring. The quintessential English property is located just a short stroll from Buckingham Palace and considered a favorite of the Royal Family with Princess Kate staying there the night before her nuptials to Prince William. The Hiltons rubbed elbows with royalty as the Duchess of Cambridge herself was in attendance for the lavish affair.

+ Black Tie Affair
SPARCCle By the Bay
Benefiting: SPARCC
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, March 26
Where: Sarasota Yacht Club
Chairs: Carol and Larry English
Tickets: $250
Info: 365-0208, Ext. 106.