Black Tie & Tales 5.7.15

+ To honor and celebrate a retirement
That was the purpose of the luncheon that Pauline Joerger threw for Ariane Dart April 24 at the hostess’s home. Ariane is passing on her baton after five years as a co-chair of the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast’s Palm Ball. Pauline says, “Ariane brings a lot to her leadership when she takes something on; she brings herself, her time, her work, her creative input and her philanthropic involvement, and she helped us continue and grow our successful event.”  

The 24 guests included the Palm Ball committee, Conservation Foundation board members and longtime supporters, among them Jamie Becker, Janelle Beruff, Sharon Black Floyd, Mickey Davis, Bianca Lawrence, Cornelia Matson, Nora Johnson, Amy Sussman and Margaret Wise.

+ The merry, merry month of May, part two
The Sarasota social season that wrapped up the first weekend in May for so many years now keeps going strong right up to the end of the month. And is it not intriguing that two of the town’s biggest moneymakers — YMCA Foundation’s “Going for the Gold” and the Dick Vitale Gala — take place this month?

May 15 – ‘Wizard of Oz Sing-Along’ benefiting Community AIDS Network: This is a “newbie” and a Sarasota first for a format that is a huge hit in many markets. Watch the 1939 classic film, sing along with Judy Garland (with the help of bouncing-ball lyrics) and dress up (optional) as your favorite Oz character. Enjoy cocktails, the movie and numerous nibbles including gourmet popcorn. 8 p.m. at the Francis. $75; 366-0461.

May 15 – ‘From Showers to Flowers’ benefiting Glasser-Schoenbaum Human Services Center: Another “newbie,” this luncheon’s title is descriptive as well as catchy, because the agencies housed on Sarasota’s “Campus of Caring” help their clients move from tough situations to better lives. Luncheon includes a mother and child fashion show from Picobello and Main Street Traders, a champagne chance drawing and free access to the gardens after lunch. 11:30 a.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. $95; 365-4545.

May 15 – Dick Vitale Gala benefiting the V Foundation: Sarasota’s most successful benefit has raised more than $13 million for pediatric cancer research to date. This year’s 10th anniversary edition will have a bigger, better after party, a special gift for all guests and scores of sports celebrities including John Calipari from Kentucky, Jimbo Fisher from Florida State and Lovie Smith from the Tampa Bay Bucs. 6:30 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. $1,000; 350-0580.

May 29 – ‘Tribute to Veterans Service to Community Awards’ Luncheon benefiting Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast programs and services to local veterans: Retired U.S. Army Col. Troy C. Scott is the chairman and emcee of this event. Award recipients are U.S. Army Spc. Georgie Alfano-Cronk, retired U.S. Army Col. Linda L. Gould, U.S. Army 1st Infantry Lt. Daniel Kunkel and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ted Smith. This third edition is the first to include female honorees. 11:30 a.m. at Michael’s On East. $45; 366-2224, Ext. 142.

Wishing you a happy summer, and we look forward to seeing you next season!