Black Tie Untied

+ Happily ever after …

SPARCC held its annual family event Princess and Pirate Ball Saturday, May 4, at the Sarasota Polo Grounds. Denise West chaired the fun-filled event and mingled with all the princesses and pirates in attendance.

Prior to dinner, the children played at craft tables; had their faces painted; and interacted with balloon artists and a caricaturist. Many children — and adults — “broke the rules” when they had dessert before dinner and noshed on marshmallows covered in sprinkles and chocolate.

Costumes were highly encouraged and children donned their best princess gowns and pirate garb to the event. But, you didn’t have to be child to get into the spirit; some parents also dressed up for the occasion. The evening included dinner, dancing and a silent auction.

View photos here.

+ Night of the Jade Butterfly

The YMCA Foundation of Sarasota held its 22nd annual Going for the Gold fundraiser Saturday, May 4, at the Frank G. Berlin Sr. YMCA. The theme of the event, “Night of the Jade Butterfly,” turned the Y into an Asian paradise.

Dawn Epstein and Pat Martin chaired the evening and Kuniko Yamamoto provided music. Cirque Vertigo dressed as butterflies and provided aerial acts and Adelaide Boedecker, accompanied by Ann Moean, provided an operatic performance during dinner.

Many of the items up for bid during the silent auction were Asian inspired, specifically the jewelry and some of the home décor pieces. For more coverage check next week’s Black Tie section.