Women in Philanthropy honor 12 at Inaugural Soiree

Being in the company of Katherine Harris and Margaret Wise is a treat. These powerful women display integrity and character while being kind, compassionate and talented — and you just might end up in a downright giggle with them as if you have been friends forever.

Harris and Wise are the founders of Women in Philanthropy and, acting as co-chairs together with Creative Director Tatyana Sharoubim Stewart and Communications Director Dayle Hoffman, held the group’s inaugural soirée Dec. 7 after being rescheduled due to the hurricanes. 

The WIP mission statement reads: “To honor the indelible legacy of exceptional women philanthropists, past and present, whose virtues of integrity, compassion, humility, and kindness have perennially enriched our community’s fabric for decades. From these exemplars, we aspire to motivate and engage new generations in virtuous and intentional community enrichment and philanthropy.”

“Philanthropy is not just writing a check. These are some of the exact traits that shape a philanthropist, and we want to be sure we are properly mentoring the younger generation as we honor the past and present,” said Harris as she gave last-minute finishing touches to floral arrangements while some 300 guests enjoyed a cocktail hour in the expansive auto court of Cap de Joie, her home on Sarasota Bay. 

Volunteers attired in Oscar de la Renta and dancers from the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School graced the interior with perfect poses as guests made their way into the mansion, through the salon and out to the waterfront. “We are making philanthropy fashionable,” said Stewart.

Honored at this event and in attendance were Marie E. Johnson-Colbert, Flora Major, Elizabeth Moore, Nikki Sedacca, Ariane Dart, Mary Kay Henson, Sherry Koski and Graci McGillicuddy. 

Included as honorees, posthumously, are Margery Barancik (1936-2019), Judith Economos (1940-2024), Lee Peterson (1926-2017) and Virginia Toulmin (1925-2010).

With Becky Souflis directing her staff from Simply Gourmet by Metz, the tables were adorned in hues of blues with matching hydrangea centerpieces. The French-fare menu included artisan greens, surf and turf and a European chocolate mousse coupe.

Tom Koski served as the auctioneer for the auction, which featured a rooftop dinner for 14 held atop Cap de Joie that went to a very lucky buyer for $50,000. All proceeds will benefit area nonprofit organizations, including Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.