- November 24, 2024
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A jewel of an idea
This column greatly admires the creativity that engenders special, magic moments at an event, and there is no better example than the gift from Michael Chokr and his family-owned Diamond Vault on the occasion of the Sarasota Ballet’s 25th Anniversary gala, “A Sterling Affair.”
It started with talks between Chokr and the ballet’s outreach coordinator, Sara Sardelli, and culminated with the presentation of a custom necklace to all 60 dancers and the ballet’s leadership.
Ballet Director Iain Webb always wears dog tags, given to him by a mentor. They were the inspiration for a sterling silver medallion designed by Chokr with the 25th anniversary logo on one side and Webb’s signature on the other, a gemstone noting the level of the dancer dotting the “i” – a diamond for principals and junior principals, a ruby for soloists, and so on.
Chokr says, “At Diamond Vault, we listen to our clients’ story and what they are celebrating or commemorating and we apply our experience and product authority to create a one-of-a-kind piece of personal jewelry. As we approach the celebration of our 40th year, we look to help the community celebrate its milestones with grace and aplomb.” If that sounds like a commercial, they deserve it for a spectacularly creative and generous way to support the Sarasota Ballet’s anniversary.
And the nominees for Outstanding Oscar Night Event are …
“An Evening with Oscar,” producers Community AIDS Network and the Players Theatre, starring Bob Trisolini as emcee with food and beverage by Café L’Europe. The community outreach event attracted more than 200 attendees and presented its Humanitarian Award to Michael Cuffage, Carolyn Michel, Mary Ann Robinson, Arnold Simonsen and posthumously to Roberta MacDonald Turoff.
“An Evening at the Oscars,” producer Van Wezel Foundation, starring Josh Groban and directed by Mary Kenealy events. Food and beverage by Michael’s On East. The 15th annual fundraiser that supports arts education for children set new records for guest count, 550, and dollars raised, more than $250,000. Lead sponsors: Amicus Foundation and Boar’s Head. Event co-chairs Brenda Maraman and Wendy Merriman.
And the Oscar goes to … both events were winners.
Super girls to chair ‘Supergirls’
Tickets for the 28th Annual Celebration Luncheon benefiting Girls Inc. of Sarasota County are now on sale. “Supergirls” is the event theme and an apt description of co-chairs Veronica Brady, Susan Jones and Sally Schule. The “She Knows Where She’s Going Award” will go to long-time supporter Aimee DeMariano Cogan, and Tyesha Brown will be honored as “Girl of the Year.” There will also be a special in memoriam tribute to Donna Brace Ogilvie, a Girls Inc. National Distinguished Board chair and passionate supporter of the local operation who died Oct. 4, at the age of 105. The luncheon is April 1 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Tickets are $125 and available online at girlsincsrq.orgor by calling 366-6646, Ext. 218. Fair warning – it is advisable to get your tickets early.
Tidbits
Calendar confusion … It was bound to happen, and it did, to Jackie and Angus Rogers. On Feb. 26, Jackie was about to bid on a silent auction item at “Foodlosophy” benefiting St. Jude Children’s Hospital at Michael’s On East when her husband took her gently by the elbow and informed her that they were at the wrong event and needed to get over to the Hyatt for the Education Foundation’s “Evening of Excellence” … How small a small world … Didn’t Jean and Joe Volpe buy the house on Westbrook once owned by Scott Georgeand John Mason? Joe Volpe, of course, was the longtime general manager of the Metropolitan Opera and George formerly represented many singers who performed there and at the home that the Volpes now own … A birthday every four years … “Our little camper along with doctor’s advice decided Monday was the day,” emailed Drayton Saunders. A great big Observer welcome to their leap year little girl Kinsley and congratulations to Drayton and Kara Saunders and Grandma Michael Saunders. “Grandma Michael” has a certain ring to it, wouldn’t you say?
CORRECTION
Although it would be great if all events were free, we erroneously told you one was in a listing in Season Magazine. If you were interested in the Sarasota Garden Club’s Party in Paradise, make sure you know that the ticket price for this event is $75. Call 955-0875 to reserve yours.
