- April 17, 2024
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Star Studded Sarasota
We had loads of celebs in town last week for the Sarasota Film Festival, but the rich and famous can’t seem to stay away from our little town. This week, two celebs stopped by some of our favorite spots — Alec Baldwin was staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota for the week with his wife, Hilaria Thomas and their 10-month-old babe, and on Saturday, Michael Kors stopped by Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for a tour of gardens given by the CEO Jennifer Romienecki. We even have pictures to prove it.
Hats off to the Designing Daughters
Lady Feast ... a term we heard while mingling at Girlfriend’s Night at The Ritz-Carlton Spa on Thursday, April 14, and we guess, you can say that is what it was. First of all, let’s talk about the décor. So Staged events brought the WOW factor to the spa terrace and lawn — leather lounge seating, draped Greek columns — it was spectacular. The event had an overwhelming response, bring in nearly 300 guests to the shopping and spa spectacular. Organized by Kelsey Alholm and hosted by the Designing Daughters, the open-to-the-public event was a kickoff to the Designing Daughter’s annual gala “Hot Havana Nights,” being held Friday, April 22, at Servandos. The response was impressive, and we’re sure the Daughter’s raised the awareness for which they were looking.
Last words that deserve to be famous
Only a few days after its record-breaking “Sea of Dreams” gala, Children First had another gathering, this time to dedicate the Gerri Aaron Education Wing at its Orange Avenue center. Development director Carol Butera welcomed a crowd including Gerri’s daughter, Allison and partner Marvin Albert, Johnette Cappadona, Leslie Jones, Phil King, Linda Monda, Marie Monsky, Diana Lager, Stan and Jo Rutstein, Betty Schoenbaum, Dennis Stover and Sally Yanowitz. Guests took a tour of the facility, which serves more than 500 children whose families are living in poverty and has a waiting list of 300 more. The “Purple Crayon” class totally charmed the audience with two songs. Then Children First President and CEO Philip Tavil, who is celebrating his 20th anniversary with the organization, revealed the wing’s new identification. Mr. Tavil and his very large-hearted donor made for another charming visual. Mrs. Aaron concluded her brief, thoughtful and well delivered comments with this quote from Francis Bacon: “In charity, there is no excess.”
Notable events we stopped by this week...
Lighthouse of Manasota hosted the "Art in the Dark" benefit on Saturday, April 16, at Michael's On East. The non profit provides specialized services for children and adults with vision loss in Sarasota and surrounding counties.
Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast hosted its 13th annual Luncheon and Silent Auction on Wednesday, April 13, at Michael’s On East. At the close of the Luncheon, Pastor Bill Hild of FirstSarasota led a "$20,000 in 10 Minutes Challenge,” where the organization surpassed their goal, raising $28,400 in ten minutes. “We are thrilled by this and $20,000 will be matched by Ken and Joann Johns along with the Keith G. Hirst Benevolent Fund, bringing our total for this aspect of the event to $48,400,” says Missy Cooper, Director of Marketing and Communications.
Tidbits
Showered with love...The beautiful Sara Sardelli was showered once more before she ties the knot. Hosted by Syndey Goldstein in Michael’s Wine Cellar, her bridal brunch was attended by her wonderful friends from the Sarasota Ballet ... So many beautiful brides ... Bride-to-be Lacey Anderson was given a bridal brunch Sunday, April 17, hosted by her aunts Barbara Catlin and Lynn Catlin. Guests in attendance included mother of the bride Betsy Catlin Anderson, Michelle Messick, Melanie Nielsen, Kelly Turner, Leigh Ann Webb, Wendy Merriman amongst others, and what a sweet surprise, Lacey’s maid of honor, Chrissy Catlin who is currently living in Dallas, flew down to be by her side for the celebration ... Twinning ... Jennifer Rust and Mary Beth Goddard were spotted wearing a different color of the same dress at Asolo Rep’s Starry Night Dinner 3 at Nikki and Jeff Sedacca’s home on April 16. Goddard exclaimed, “Who wore it best?? No! Don’t do that!,” after Black Tie snapped a shot. We thought both ladies wore it fabulously.
