Kayleigh Omang says goodbye to Observer Media Group — but not to nonprofits

Not goodbye, just see you later

I put off writing this until my last day.

Procrastination and journalism go together like, well ... nothing, but the task of writing what is my last column to my beloved black tie readers was just too daunting.

But then I went to my last event April 30 as an Observer Media Group employee, the Girls Inc. Celebration Luncheon, and it became pretty clear that I needed to hear the message.

The energy of the Girls Inc. Celebration Luncheon is unlike any other. It’s not only full of the kind, caring individuals who surround each and every event — it’s also full of girl power. True and honest girl power.

Felice Schulaner, this year’s “She Knows Where She’s Going Award” honoree, ended her speech by telling the audience, “You can do great things — go do them.” And it’s as simple as that. Thanks Felice, I needed that.

A year and a half ago, I saw an advertisement online for a “Black Tie Reporter.” I didn’t really understand what that meant, but they needed a social butterfly and photojournalist, so I said, “I’m in.” It was the only job I applied for as I wrapped up my college career, and after hearing stories of my colleagues applying for hundreds of jobs, praying they got an interview with one (and if they were lucky, in their college major) I should have been a little more concerned about my future. But I wasn’t.

As I close this chapter of being your Black Tie editor and move on to what may still be the unknown (while remaining here in Sarasota), I’m in the same state of mind. And that’s thanks to OMG and all of you readers.

Thank you OMG, for taking a chance on a girl from Fargo, N.D., who thought she knew a lot about photography, a little about fashion and nothing about the Sarasota philanthropic scene. Actually, I didn’t know a lot of things. I didn’t know I was going to photograph a private concert with Jason Derulo AND Kesha, or meet and (nervously) chat with my favorite author, or pet so many adorable, adoptable dogs and cats, or meet my best friends.

I’m looking forward not only catching up on sleep — y’all have kept me pretty busy — but figuring out my passions and pursuing them full-force. I have big ideas, big dreams and as Felice said, it’s time for me to “go do them.”

— Kayleigh Omang

Editor’s Note: Until our new Black Tie reporter, Harry Sayer, begins, contact Managing Editor of Arts and Entertainment Niki Kottmann at [email protected] with your Black Tie questions/comments/concerns.

Tidbits

Fitting tribute ... Sarasota YMCA held its inaugural Circle of Champions Celebration May 2 at the home of Stanley Kane. The date of the event coincided with the birthday of Kane’s late wife, Janet Kane, so to mark the occasion, a yellow flag with her name flew over their property. The family affair continued when the chance drawing was pulled by the couple’s daughter, Betsy Kane-Hartnett. Wines from her winery, 2880 Wines of Napa Valley, were also served. Talented partners ... Designing Women Boutique awarded $140,000 in grants to more than a dozen local nonprofits May 2, and to kick off the festivities, several groups receiving funding performed before (and after) the awards presentation, including Dynasty Stars and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.

— Niki Kottmann