The annual fundraising event was held at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens on Dec. 3.
By
Niki Kottmann
| 9:36 a.m. December 4, 2016
Black Tie
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Gorgeous gowns and handsome suits were aplenty Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Designing Women Boutique Annual Gala: “An Evening in the Enchanted Garden.”
The night’s festivities began with drinks and hors d’oeuvres on the lawn of Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens, where guests socialized and watched the sunset over Sarasota Bay. Attendees then adjourned to the great room for a performance by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. The WBBT performers gave a musical introduction for the 16 fashion show models as they made their grand entrance.
Instead of a runway, the fashion show took place on the square dance floor in the center of the room, so organizers got creative and set up small platforms for the models to display their outfits — all of which were from Designing Women Boutique. After the show, guests dined on braised short ribs with winter-root mashed potato, haricots verts, roasted baby carrots and roasted red peppers before getting the chance to bid on several live-auction items.
After the auction was another performance by the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, this time featuring classics such as “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder. The performers kept everyone’s toes tapping into the night as guests got their turn on the dance floor.
Michael Klauber was all smiles as he watched guests enjoy his new venue, which has never hosted an event of this size. His one-word description was Sponsorship Chair Ida Zito’s favorite: “magical.”
Gary Heard with Jack and Nancy Hartley
Bev Bartner, Co-Chairwoman Margaret Wise and Susan Buck
Production Chair Carolyn Michel thanks the event’s sponsors.
Chris Seager and Karin Gustafson
Lynn Robbins and Eva Seger
Members of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe perform.
Marlene and Hal Liberman with Barbara and Bill Epperson
Myra Beisler, Mary Nealie, Scott Zelniker, Karen Kaufman and Flora Major
Olga Giminez models a gown from Designing Women Boutique.
Designing Women Boutique Founders and Event Co-Chairwomen Jean Weidner-Goldstein, Diane Roskamp and Margaret Wise
Diane and Bob Roskamp
Auctioneer Michael Klauber encourages the crowd to increase their bids.
Jaleh and Mehrdad Sahba
Barbara and Richard Danzig
Heather Clark models a gown from Designing Women Boutique.
Anthony Liga, Joan Campo-Liga, Chris Sancin, Bert Minot, Dr. Holly Barbour and Gary Hansell
Rob and Jennifer Rominiecki
Members of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe perform.
Linda and John Hopkins
Pam Revels and her mother, Helen Wilson
Jane Krombeen models a gown from Designing Women Boutique.
Gloria Good and her son, Brad Good
Tammie Sandoval and Greg Badger
Sandy Moore models a gown from Designing Women Boutique.
A handmade “enchanted garden”-themed gown designed by Anne Chauvet added to the botanical motif.
George Kole and Judy Zuckberg
Members of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe perform.
Andy Bennett and Flori Roberts
Sponsorship Chair and Board President Ida Zito with Production Chair Carolyn Michel and Bob Plunkett
Anne Chauvet models a gown from Designing Women Boutique.
Peter Miller and Hermione Gilpin
Diane Roskamp dazzles in a Van Cleve Collection gown that was hand-picked for her by the designer.
Members of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe perform.
Teri Hansen and Peter Swain
Deb Coleman and Sally Schule
Sponsorship Chair and Board President Ida Zito welcomes the crowd.
Jim and Charlie Ann Syprett
Lauren Walsh models her unique enchanted garden-themed ensemble.
Members of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe perform.
Co-Chairwoman Jean Weidner-Goldstein with Cheryl Loeffler
