Black Tie Untied

'Designed to Give' 

Designing Women Boutique held its annual gala and style show “Designed to Give” Monday, Dec. 9, at Asolo Repertory Theatre and Treviso Restaurant. The annual event (which was sold out before invitations were printed!) benefits Sarasota’s arts and human services organizations.

Jane Thompson, Designing Daughters president, Carol Phillips, Board of Trustees president, and Chris Sancin, Ambassador’s Guild president, co-chaired the event. Ida Zito, president-elect, was the sponsorship chair for the event.

The evening began with a cocktail reception and silent auction in the Asolo Lobby followed by the entertainment and style show in the Mertz Theatre. The entertainment show included performances from multiple art organizations, such as Sarasota Ballet, Players Theatre and Circus Sarasota as well as a style show consisting of 24 local women models. 

After enjoying the performances, style show and live auction presented by Dr. Arthur Guilford, the guests then made their way to Treviso Restaurant for dinner to complete the evening.

JFCS Gala ‘Celebrating the American Spirit’

Jewish Family and Children’s Services held its 8th annual gala, themed ‘Celebrating the American Spirit,’ Sunday, Dec. 15, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Ken and Peggy Abt co-chaired the event in which 510 guests celebrated the work of JFCS in the local community. Bea Friedman, honorary chair, sponsored the Sarasota Orchestra performance.

After enjoying cocktail hour and a fabulous American-themed dinner, complete with old-fashioned apple pie for dessert, guests enjoyed a performance by Sarasota Orchestra that took them through American history. The entire room even sang along as the Orchestra played pieces such as "From Sea to Shining Sea" and "God Bless America."