+ Hidden heroes
Every party has them: staff and volunteers who deal with the endless, often mind-numbing, behind-the-scenes work. They are equally invaluable and invisible — but not this time. Kudos to Senior Friendship Center staff and volunteers who did so much to make “A Night at the Opera” so successful, including Paul Tomasi and Caroline Allen and many more in addition to the ladies in the photo.

+ Several new places to put your purse(s)
Two events are looking for donations of accessories you no longer use. The fourth annual “Bag Ladies and Baubles,” benefiting Florida Studio Theatre, will be held April 1, at the FST Cabaret. To donate new, vintage or slightly used purses and costume jewelry, simply drop it off at Florida Studio Theatre. The $75 lunch ticket includes improv by the FST Troupe and Vintage Whine. For reservations, call 366-9017.

Make-a-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida, Suncoast Sarasota region is sponsoring its second “Handbags and Happy Hour” dedicated to designer handbags. Donate yours at the customer service desk at Saks Fifth Avenue during March and April and you will receive 15% off any store purchase made that day. Or you can donate directly by calling the office at 952-9474. The event is from 6 to 9 p.m. May 6, at Michael’s; tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the event. Buy tickets online at http://handbags.kintera.org.

+ Oh, what a night!
March 27 is going to be a doozy.

There’s “Bollywood,” the 29th annual Orchid Ball at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. The wardrobe calls for saris and turbans or black tie. Auction highlight: a trip to New York, including air, hotel and a custom-made couture gown by Bibhu Mohapatra, whose collection will be modeled at the event. Chairwomen are Emily Walsh Parry and Karin Leereveld. Tickets are $250. Call 366-5731, Ext. 229.

There’s also “An Evening at the Avant-Garde: The Pajama Party” at Ringling College of Art and Design. One wears what one sleeps in — birthday suits excluded. Auction highlight: a pink elephant for a child’s room by Rae and Charles Eames, donated by Michael and Kathy Bush. Tickets are $175. Chairs are David and Amy Sessions and honorary Chairwoman Ulla Searing. Call 359-7589.

There’s a new event at the Sarasota Opera: “Baubles, Bids and Bubbles.” It is bubbly and hors d’oeuvres with an auction of jewelry treasures from the private collections of opera supporters. Chairs are Richard and Patricia Hull. Tickets are $50. Call 366-8450, Ext. 402.

If none of those appeal, check out Chillounge Night on Palm Avenue benefiting United Cerebral Palsy. Ticket is only $20. Call 448-0995.

+ BT tidbits
Happy Birthday, Eve … BT isn’t telling what birthday Eve Kommel celebrated March 9. You wouldn’t believe it anyhow … Pique-nique piques curiosity … Veronica Brady reports that the recently arrived invitation to Sarasota’s spring signature event can be misconstrued that the fashion show is at the Saks store. Not so. The whole fabulous event happens at Bayside Gardens of College Hall, at New College … Wow! …The recent Evening of Excellence raised a whopping $250,000 for the Education Foundation of Sarasota County … Au revoir … Nikki and the Rev. Jim Nilon entertained friends at brunch March 12, at Florida Studio Theatre. They enjoyed lox and bagels and were entertained by the FST improv group assisted by the Nilons’ grandson, Quinn, 11, who stole the show. The party’s purpose was to say ‘so long’ before the Nilons hop into their RV and head west for several months … End note … Susan Harris died March 1. Condolences to her mom, Helga Harris, and daughter, Ali. 

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