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Orchid Ball dazzles with 'Nature of Abstraction' theme


  • By Janet Combs
  • | 1:36 p.m. February 8, 2026
Charlie aand Chrystal Bailey, Morgan and Liz Bentley and Renee James Gilmore
Charlie aand Chrystal Bailey, Morgan and Liz Bentley and Renee James Gilmore
Photo by Lori Sax
  • Black Tie
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On Saturday, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens provided the backdrop for a black tie evening doused in a powerful primary color composition that rivals the most beautiful of artist palettes. 

The decor was fitting for the theme of this year's Orchid Ball, "The Nature of Abstraction," which was carefully executed in details ranging from the black-and-white tunnel through which guests entered the dining tent to the colorful centerpieces presiding over each table.

The event, which welcomed 500 guests, also acts as a sneak preview for Selby Gardens' new exhibit, "Alexander Calder: The Nature of Movement." 

Dazzling repeat co-chairs Leibe Gamble and Ashley Kozel ensured every detail of the evening ran smoothly as it raised funds for Selby Gardens' community education programs, international research, conservation and displays. 



Event Co-Chairs Liebe Gamble and Ashley Kozel
Event Co-Chairs Liebe Gamble and Ashley Kozel
Photo by Lori Sax
Rob Rominiecki and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki
Rob Rominiecki and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki
Photo by Lori Sax
David Perkowski, Allison Imre, Glen Rieth and Renee Phinney
David Perkowski, Allison Imre, Glen Rieth and Renee Phinney
Photo by Lori Sax
Alaia and Gigi Rogers
Alaia and Gigi Rogers
Photo by Lori Sax
Anthony and Leslie Hines
Anthony and Leslie Hines
Photo by Lori Sax
Dawn Spencer and Jim Volpenheim
Dawn Spencer and Jim Volpenheim
Photo by Lori Sax
Ashley Czak, Adrienne Bavar, Emily Stroud and Chelsea Dunbar
Ashley Czak, Adrienne Bavar, Emily Stroud and Chelsea Dunbar
Photo by Lori Sax
Robby Grohnbach, Claire Geiger and Katie and Nick Kominos
Robby Grohnbach, Claire Geiger and Katie and Nick Kominos
Photo by Lori Sax
Guests move through a long curtained walkway to the tent where dinner will be served.
Guests move through a long curtained walkway to the tent where dinner will be served.
Photo by Lori Sax
Nickolas and Jourdan Reinhart with Deb Kabinoff and Scott Taylor
Nickolas and Jourdan Reinhart with Deb Kabinoff and Scott Taylor
Photo by Lori Sax
Michael and Stacey Corley
Michael and Stacey Corley
Photo by Lori Sax
Albert and Halyna Frias
Albert and Halyna Frias
Photo by Lori Sax
Joan and David Alexander with Molly and Mark Ballow
Joan and David Alexander with Molly and Mark Ballow
Photo by Lori Sax
Joan and Bart Levenson
Joan and Bart Levenson
Photo by Lori Sax
Steve Levie and Alegra Buffington
Steve Levie and Alegra Buffington
Photo by Lori Sax
Alyssa and Paul Fiumino
Alyssa and Paul Fiumino
Photo by Lori Sax
Isa Lambert, Amber Burgess and Wendy Cudzilo
Isa Lambert, Amber Burgess and Wendy Cudzilo
Photo by Lori Sax
Moriah Taliaferro and Merissa Kihnke
Moriah Taliaferro and Merissa Kihnke
Photo by Lori Sax
Amie Austin and Mario Oliva
Amie Austin and Mario Oliva
Photo by Lori Sax
Selby CEO Jennifer Rominiecki kicks off the program.
Selby CEO Jennifer Rominiecki kicks off the program.
Photo by Lori Sax
Michael Faello and Betsy Tilkemeier
Michael Faello and Betsy Tilkemeier
Photo by Lori Sax
Ryan and Ashley Hedrick
Ryan and Ashley Hedrick
Photo by Lori Sax
Chris and Evita Parisi
Chris and Evita Parisi
Photo by Lori Sax
Robyn Holl and Jeff Schwartz
Robyn Holl and Jeff Schwartz
Photo by Lori Sax
Ken Lumpkins and Breeze Lambert
Ken Lumpkins and Breeze Lambert
Photo by Lori Sax
David Perkowski, Allison Imre, Phil Mancini, Renee Phinney, Glen Rieth with Heather and Clint Kasten
David Perkowski, Allison Imre, Phil Mancini, Renee Phinney, Glen Rieth with Heather and Clint Kasten
Photo by Lori Sax
There were ll different kinds of flowers in the centerpieces.
There were ll different kinds of flowers in the centerpieces.
Photo by Lori Sax
The centerpieces followed the abstract theme of the evening.
The centerpieces followed the abstract theme of the evening.
Photo by Lori Sax
The centerpieces followed the abstract theme of the evening.
The centerpieces followed the abstract theme of the evening.
Photo by Lori Sax
Kristin and Joel Oldham
Kristin and Joel Oldham
Photo by Lori Sax
Debra Blue wears an Orchid Ball matching headpiece and George Adley wears his blue velvet.
Debra Blue wears an Orchid Ball matching headpiece and George Adley wears his blue velvet.
Photo by Lori Sax
Kirk and Chris Voelker
Kirk and Chris Voelker
Photo by Lori Sax
The tables are all set and waiting for the guests.
The tables are all set and waiting for the guests.
Photo by Lori Sax
All different kinds of flowers  were decorating the tables
All different kinds of flowers were decorating the tables
Photo by Lori Sax
Yellow and red flowers decorated the tables.
Yellow and red flowers decorated the tables.
Photo by Lori Sax

 

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