Black Ties & Tales: Yes, I'm Still Here

OK, so that’s half a year down. How are you doing?

Pretty good, I hope. I’m not sure I can explain how I’ve been, it’s been a wild few months. My life has kind of transformed into this endless circuit of late night parties, jotting down names, recharging batteries and getting photos up on our website. I’m not sure when I started, and I’m not sure when I’ll end — sometimes I blink and it’s a new month. I’m not sure I’m affected by time the way I used to be, I move through it differently now.

I can’t believe it’s 2020 — when did that happen? What is the world like now? Do people still dance and dream? What’s going on with the president?

Just kidding ... mostly. Most of this “I’m surviving” attitude is overblown; this isn’t really a gauntlet that’s wearing me down. It’s definitely a lot, but it’s kind of the best thing, you know? Each night is something new. Sure, there have been some near-constants — event chairs to photograph, the Michael’s On East ballroom, familiar faces, Cliff — but there’s always a new wrinkle to enjoy, a new addition or committee change or entertainment angle to explore.

Healthy competition — finding ways to improve your fundraisers year to year — is good for you, and fun for me. And it’s definitely good for the people in need across Sarasota, of whom so many have been helped through the philanthropic efforts of this community. 

I don’t know what happens next, but that’s the fun of it. But I’ll be around, camera in hand, to document it.  As I predicted so many months ago, it’s been an absolute pleasure to witness the good work Sarasota does. And I hope you’ve enjoyed my coverage of these events, because I’m just getting started.