As 2009 goes down in Sarasota social history, we reflect on a rewardingly productive and positive period. There were big anniversaries to celebrate — Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Opera, Asolo Rep and Women's Resource Center among them. There were re-stagings of long-established events, such as "Going for the Gold" to "Element Au"; and the traditionally staid Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Corinthian Gala into the decidedly lively "Rock the Ritz." We all got "Wired" at Black Tie Bash and were decked out for themed events such as ARC's “Best in Show†gala, Planned Parenthood's Halloween Bash and HSSC's "Hot Dogs Cool Cats Goes Animal House" — all in the name of supporting Sarasota’s cherished arts- and human-services organizations and all good reasons to look forward to 2010. Thank you for inviting Black Tie to participate.
Pat and Dr. Larry Thompson lead the parade at Ringling College of Art and Design's "An Evening at the Avant Garde" in March.
Knickole and Kevin Curtis, Knick Barger and Pam Humbert at SPARCC's Hoe Down at Hi Hat Ranch in May.
Gail Bowden, Denise Mei and Nicole Sacco at United Cerebral Palsy's �Someone�s in the Kitchen with Tommy and Phil� in September.
Lee Chaverin at Sarasota Opera Guild's "A Night in New Orleans" in November.
John and Chris Currie at Asolo Repertory Theatre's 50th Anniversary Starry Night Dinner Series in April.
Mary Forte, Charlene Wolff, Katie Moulton and Eileen Curd at Habitat for Humanity's Hammers and Hope in March.
Liebe Gamble and Kyla Weiner at Planned Parenthood's "Safe Sex: Halloween Bash" in October.
Kim Githler, the late Janet Kane, Betsy Kane-Hartnett, Katherine Kane West and Dr. Susan Weinkle at YMCA Foundation's "Element Au" in May.
Rita Greenbaum and Karin Gustafson at Animal Rescue Coalition's "Best in Show" gala in March.
Hershey Hannum loves on Dave Weiner at Animal Rescue Coalition's "Dogs' Night Out" in January.
Penny Hill at Circus Sarasota's gala in January.
Sandy King, Noelle Haft, Steven King and Alex Miller at Humane Society of Sarasota County's "Hot Dogs Cool Cats Goes Animal House" in October.
