Black Tie & Tales 10.29.15

Molly the Magnificent
Our very own Molly Schechter was honored with the Hidden Gem award at The Friendship Center’s inaugural “People Helping People” awards breakfast Oct. 20, at Michael’s On East for her dedication, volunteerism and fundraising work that she, along with her partner, Harold Ronson, have done for the center that over the years netted a quarter million dollars.

“It’s a good thing that I’m not 100%, because I’d love to lay into Molly.” — Harold Ronson when presenting Molly Schechter with the Hidden Gem Award at The Friendship Center’s “People Helping People” Awards breakfast

Boy, oh, boy — Schechter was elegant, gracious, funny and classy. The room was shockingly quiet and polite while Schechter accepted her award and graciously diverted the attention away from herself to the amazing work and people of The Friendship Center. But we’re not surprised; she’s always been our gem. Also of note, the breakfast ended five minutes earlier than scheduled.
— Emily Walsh
 

Social Editor soirée
Marjorie North Hirons has put her social-editor pen to rest, but it was no surprise to see so many somebodies turn out for her 70th birthday celebration Oct. 22, at Designing Women Boutique. Oh-so-poised 10-year-old Bella North stole the show from heavyweights like Carolyn Michel and Renee Hamad, not to mention every heart in the room, with her loving comments about “my grandma.”

iPhone Shopping
What do you do when the only trunk show of your favorite designer, who only designs one-of-a-kind pieces, is taking place and your best friend can’t go? Marilyn Morgan went to the Tatiana Palnitska trunk show and grand re-opening of the newly renovated Dream Weaver Collection Oct. 22 without her BFF as planned, but she brought along her trusty iPhone and texted photos of pieces for her friend to pick out.

Tidbits
Fall of the fall ... While performing “The Hustle” to Donna Summer’s “Last Dance” with partner Max Lototskyy at CANDance, Jamie Becker’s hairpiece flew off, but that didn’t stop her. She kept right on dancing, which is a sign of a true professional! ... All that glitters ... Who but the ever-so-glamorous Elisabeth Waters would sport a Swarovski crystal-encrusted Fitbit? ... Cha-cha champions ... Spotted at this year’s CANDance were past champions Scott Anderson (2011), Dr Tanya Schreibman (2010), Bambi Famous Kaine (2012), Dr. Anne Chauvet (2006), George Mazzarantani (2014), Wendy Feinstein (2013), Emily Walsh (2007) and Susan Jones (2009) (see photo above). ... In bloom ... Marie Selby Botanical Gardens kicked off this year’s Orchid Ball “Gowns in the Garden: Experience the Growth” with an elegant launch party at The Met Fashion House, Day Spa & Salon hosted by Geoffrey and Brenda Michel. Guests included Co-Chairs Kara Saunders (and hubby, Drayton), Liebe Gamble and Rochelle Nigri, Honorary Chairs Margie Cooper and Jenn Stutler, Michael Saunders and Ron Burks, Deborah Blue and George Adley, Sharyn Weiner, Tav and Jessica Ortiz and more. ... New & notable ... “Conversation and Cocktails” addressing the sexual assault crisis in our military and featuring Emmy Award-winning journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault. Sponsored by new nonprofit Protect our Defenders founded by Sarasota’s Nancy Parrish. The event is 5:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Francis. Tickets $150 via 343-2488 ... The doorbell must be broken ... Word is that the invitations to Saks Fifth Avenue’s private showing of Graff jewelry at the home of Katherine Harris Ebbeson Oct. 22, were hand-delivered by a gowned-and-bejeweled model, who stepped out of a Bentley or Rolls limousine. Unfortunately, BT must not have been home.

Black Tie Affair
‘Cirque de Beauté’
Benefiting: Circus Arts Conservatory
When: 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6
Where: Sophie’s, Saks Fifth Avenue
Tickets: $100 (includes a $25 Saks gift card)
Contact: Michelle Brault, 556-5356 or [email protected]