2023: Best of Black Tie

It was a year filled with the three F's: fun, fashion and fundraising. Here are some of our favorite moments from the area’s social scene in 2023.

By Observer Staff
| 5:00 a.m. December 24, 2023

Tessa Paulson, Lyn Sky and Mary Katherine Wellborn at Make-A-Wish Southern Florida's Cooking For Wishes on Feb. 23, 2023.

Black Tie

Oh, what a year! If there’s one thing to say about 2023 and the social season, it’s this: Black Tie is back. The events, the people, the parties, the fundraising. In true Sarasota style, socialites went big with their wallets and their parties this year to make an impact for the Sarasota-Manatee area’s numerous nonprofits.

Here are some categories worth noting in 2023.

The top earners

The fashion show at Wine, Women & Shoes sported a rock’n’roll theme.

Every year, two events are the envy of the town when it comes to how much money they’re able to raise: The Hospital Gala and Wine, Women & Shoes. In 2023, they continued their winning streak with events that netted big bucks. At the Hospital Gala held Jan. 7, the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation raised more than $1.5 million for the hospital’s Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute Oncology Tower with the richest paddle raise you’ll see in town. Likewise, at this year’s Wine, Women & Shoes, Forty Carrots Family Center netted $1 million for all of its early childhood programming and services.

New kids on the block

Vic Cipolla and Jessica Obiezinski took home the prize at Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s first Sunset Showdown March. 4.

In addition to the traditional events this year, some newbies made their debut on the scene. Among the most notable, Sarasota Contemporary Dance put locals on the dance floor to shake their money makers with the pros in its first Sunset Showdown March 4, a competition in the “Dancing with the Stars” style. Circus Arts Conservatory brought international DJ sensation Steve Aoki to town for its first Wonderball concert May 12, and All Star Children’s Foundation transformed Michael’s On East into a starry delight for its inaugural Twinkle Ball Nov. 14. That date served a dual purpose — it’s also co-founder Graci McGillicuddy’s birthday.

Star-struck

Chairwoman Amie Austin, co-chairwoman Sarah Karp, president and CEO Jeffrey Peterson, actress and speaker Jennifer Holliday, co-chairwoman Taylor Karp Teymuri and Executive Director Marlene Hauck.

Every year we get graced with a few celebrity visits — because, who wouldn’t want to come to Sarasota in the spring? This year brought Kenny Loggins to rock the night at the Van Wezel Foundation’s Inspiration Gala, as well as some Broadway razzle dazzle with actress and singer Jennifer Holliday for Sunshine From Darkness’s Inspiring Hope Dinner.

Author Erik Larson showed off his surprising humor at the Library Foundation for Sarasota County’s Author Luncheon and classical music lovers got a special treat when Yo-Yo Ma came to perform with the Sarasota Orchestra at its annual gala in March. And all this doesn’t even include the Ringling Town Hall lineup for the year, which included Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, chef José Andrés and political commentator Thomas Friedman.

Best dressed

Pat and Larry Thompson make their debut at Ringling College of Art + Design’s Avant-Garde.

Who doesn’t love a good theme? Certain events are known for their ability to get guests to put on a show of their own with their attire. This year was no different.

Joshua Beadle lets them eat cake at Equality Florida’s Masquerade Ball.

Ken and Carolyn Woodworth with Elizabeth Unruh and Brendan Assaf with Ringling Royals at the Fairytale Ball on April 1.

Local celebrities

Speaking of celebrities, there’s no shortage of amazing talent right here in town, which was shown several times this year when our local celebs put on a show of their own.

At the Circus Gala, the Circus Arts Conservatory’s students dazzled the audience with feats defying gravity and the ability of human joints. Capping the show was a performance by local Broadway star, Colleen Buchmeir.

Those who have been to a Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe performance already know the brilliance of founder Nate Jacobs, but at its annual April Fools Fete, his musical talent was on full display in a special performance.

Andy Sandberg performs at the Hermitage’s 20th anniversary concert.

And as a rare treat to mark the Hermitage Artist Retreat’s 20th anniversary, Artistic Director Andy Sandberg led a show that matched his theater experience with talent from multiple Broadway performers and local theater stars.