Black Tie Year in Review: 2024 packs in the surprises
By
Observer Staff
| 5:00 a.m. December 23, 2024
Wine Women & Shoes co-chairs Renee Phinney and Allison Imre have the guests laughing as they deliver their co-chair welcome.
Janet Combs
Black Tie
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What a year! The Black Tie season came out bigger and better in 2024 with stylish events, gorgeous themes and a few changes to keep things fresh (including maybe some not-so-welcome ones with a few hurricanes).
But those who participate in Sarasota's philanthropy know that although the parties can be dazzling, there's a reason for the season: raising millions to fund the numerous nonprofits in town and their worthwhile causes.
Here are some of our favorite moments of the year from the social scene.
Standout Moments
Flip Flops & Fashion
Given the fact that Venice Beach and Sharky’s on the Pier got hammered with hurricanes just a few weeks prior to this event, Sharky’s on the Pier and Children First rallied to get everything ready for Flip Flops & Fashion on Nov. 1. It gave both organizers and attendees a much-needed moment to celebrate.
Jeremy and Alysha Shelby model with their children Jersey, Ashyer and Alyza
Wine, Women & Shoes
Wine? Shoes? The occasional shirtless male? Five-hundred or so of your new best friends? This blockbuster event for Forty Carrots Family Center always seems to outdo itself, and this year was no exception.
The ultimate in 'soleman' pedigree: Carl Troiano returns in his tux for a second year and may have been Jake Gelber's reference for a 'soleman' position.
Photo by Janet Combs
Jane Jankulovski and Ethan Kidd-Oyakhilome define their core values at WW&S 2024.
Photo by Janet Combs
Spotted from 10 tables away: Dolce & Gabbana's Canvas Floral Print Sandals worn by Claire Conway.
Photo by Janet Combs
Hospital Gala
Holy sparkles, Batman. Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation's Hospital Gala is one of the most successful fundraisers of the year in terms of dollars, but it also sets the bar for beauty in transforming The Ritz, Carlton Sarasota into one of them most elegant event backgrounds around.
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota ballroom sparkled with decorations for the Hospital Gala.
Photo by Lori Sax
Stacey Corley with Chris and Dr. Kirk Voelker
Photo by Lori Sax
Nancy DeVries and Jennifer Hunnings
Photo by Lori Sax
Artful Lobster
After being impacted not once, but twice by hurricanes, the Hermitage Artists Retreat dusted the sand off itself and kept on marching with its Artful Lobster event, relocated to The Ora under the circumstances.
Scotti Horowitz, Dan Malawsky, Tess Koncick and Willa Nance
Photo by Janet Combs
The Sweet Escape Trio created a routine that showcased talents including strength, endurance, acrobatic prowess, and a lot of flying blonde hair. Members are Allana Belanger, Alina Reutska, and Raushaniia Sakun.
Dressing in theme for the gala, Queen Darlene Albanis poses with King Greg Duay
Photo by Janet Combs
Slack rope performer Antino Pansa defies gravity at the Summer Circus Spectacular, which runs through Aug. 17.
Image courtesy of David Shapiro
Amy Hoskins, Ingrid Eishman, Megan Leaf, Melissa Howard, Inna Snyder and Jennifer Groff
Photo by Lori Sax
Mirali Chawla, Umbreen Khalidi-Majeed and Nathalie Michalowski
Photo by Lori Sax
More than 1,200 guests turned out for the second Wonderball.
Photo by Lori Sax
Standouts
We love a good theme — and the folks who commit to carrying it out in their wardrobe choices for the evening. These patrons went the extra step to make their attire pop.
Inspired by Yayoi Kusama's painting, "Eyes Flying in the Sky," Pearl DeBrular repurposed a $6 Goodwill dress with her own design to fit the theme of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Orchid Ball.
Photo by Janet Combs
The lone wearer of cat ears is Kendra Simpkins, with Carrie Dennison to celebrate Cat Depot's 20th anniversary.
Photo by Janet Combs
Katherine Harris as the Good Witch, and her counterpart, Elle McComb, aka The Wicked Witch of the West at Cooking for Wishes, benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Photo by Janet Combs
Kathleen Coty and Carol Kalikow at Children First's Fairytale Ball.
Photo by Lori Sax
Ron Kendall is dressed in style with Kristi and Michael Ballantyne at Party in Paradise, benefiting Gulf Coast Conservation Foundation (now Big Waters Land Trust).
Photo by Janet Combs
Ringling Students Isabelle Drischler and Kendall Gathas at Ringling College of Art and Design's Avant Garde event.
Photo by Nancy Guth
Jonathan Coleman and Rick Kerby don their masks with all the accompanying style at the Sarasota Opera Gala.
Photo by Lori Sax
Carl Troiano and Charlotte Stewart coordinate perfectly for Sisterhood for Good's Masquerade Ball.
Photo by Nancy Guth
Best surprises
You never know what unexpected thing you'll discover at an event.
Shianne Akers models gloves, a ball gown and champagne at New College of Florida's annual Clambake event.
Photo by Janet Combs
Charlie Klippel and Rosemary Scribner delight guests Heidi and Bob Rittenhouse at the Ringling Museum Garden Dinner.
Photo by Nancy Guth
Best Dessert
To celebrate its 75th anniversary the dessert at Sarasota Orchestra’s gala was a pure masterwork: a tiny grand piano made of chocolate filled with fresh berries and topped off with white chocolate bearing the event’s logo.
Sarasota Orchestra chose this amazing creation for dessert: chocolate pianos filled with fresh berries and topped off with an edible design/logo celebrating its 75th anniversary.
