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Black Tie

Executive Director Julie Leach and Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 4, 2024
It's no joke: WBTT goes calypso for April Fools' Fete

Guests celebrated Caribbean culture at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s spirited event.

  • Black Tie
Co-chairs of Cooking for the Arts are Ryan and Sepi Ackerman, and Molly and Ethan Biter, who are all parents at Southside Elementary School.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • March 29, 2024
Southside School Foundation for the Arts draws a colorful crowd

The interactive dinner raises money for arts programs at the elementary school.

  • Black Tie
Mark Sherin and Cihan Cobanoglu, dean of USF School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 29, 2024
Hospitabull serves up best from USF’s hospitality school

Students delighted guests with a top-notch dining experience at the annual fundraiser.

  • Black Tie
Emily Riddell and Michael Sneed with rose performers Kriston Burnstein and Taylor McDuffy
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 28, 2024
The Ringling toasts Mable’s birthday with Wine & Roses

The annual event brought museum lovers together in Mable Ringling's rose garden for a beautiful evening.

  • Black Tie
Co-founders Lori Kayser and Tony McEachern
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 28, 2024
Team Tony raises money at 7th annual Jackets and Jeans

The event, held March 2, raised $105,000 to provide peer support to cancer patients.

  • Black Tie
Speakers M. Blair Marshall, Amy Budke and Amie J. Miller
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 25, 2024
SMH Foundation hosts 11th annual Women in Medicine

The annual luncheon educated women about the dangers and treatment of lung cancer.

  • Black Tie
Jessica Hays, MaryEllen Mancini and Vickie Smith
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 25, 2024
SPARCC showcases the best of Sarasota at annual runway show

Featuring items from SPARCC's Treasure Chest boutique, the fashion show highlighted the "Seasons of Sarasota."

  • Black Tie
Art in the Dark co-chairs are Veronika and Dr. Philip Ames, with their daughters, Mila and Vivian
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • March 24, 2024
Art in the Dark gala raises funds to bring solutions into sight

The Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center's annual gala benefits those who have vision loss.

  • Black Tie
Emmy and Tony award winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth speaks to the crowd before preparing to perform.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 24, 2024
Kristin Chenoweth wows at Transformation Gala

Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s annual fundraiser provided an evening of top-notch entertainment.

  • Black Tie
Ringling students Pearl Taylor, Dria Anderson-Whittaker, Sonia Rosa, Marina Elaine and Sarafina Murphy Gibson
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 18, 2024
Ringling College goes Hollywood for Avant-Garde

More than 400 guests channeled their favorite characters for one of the most highly anticipated fundraisers of the year.

  • Black Tie
Darrell and Ashley McGhee
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • March 17, 2024
Mote Marine makes a splash with its fintastic Party on the Pass

Guests enjoyed a casual night of good food and fun drinks to benefit Mote's marine animal rescue, rehabilitation and release programs.

  • Black Tie
Honoree Centerstone of Florida CEO Melissa Larkin Skinner and Rodney Skinner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 17, 2024
Second Giving Breakfast focuses on helping children

Safe Children Coalition honored four individuals for their efforts to care for kids in the community.

  • Black Tie
Josh Mellits, Lynn Amy Levenson, honoree Bart Levenson and Joan Levenson
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 11, 2024
Aviva Senior Living honors eight over 80

The annual brunch celebrated eight individuals over 80 years old who have made an impact on community.

  • Black Tie
Lissa Murphy, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida Barbara Zdravecky and Barbara Banks
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 11, 2024
Planned Parenthood celebrates the BRAVE at annual gala

More than 400 attendees came to celebrate Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida on March 7.

  • Black Tie
In 2003 Linda Slavin co-founded Cat Depot, and she always has full support from her husband, Ken, and of course, Noel.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • March 10, 2024
Feline fine at the 20th Anniversary Gala for Cat Depot

The nonprofit celebrated by spotlighting several of its residents looking for their fur-ever homes.

  • Black Tie
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Santa (Steven Trudell of St. Petersburg) gets the runners fired up just before the start of the 2025 Jingle 5K Dec. 12 in Lakewood Ranch.
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Longboat Key Police Deputy Chief Frank Rubino (left) accepts a framed display of medals, patches and pins that demonstrate his 45-year career in law enforcement.
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