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Black Tie

Easterseals VP of Philanthropy Jill Gass with Michael and Terri Klauber and Easterseals President and CEO Tom Waters
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 7, 2024
Students and adults shine at Easterseals annual luncheon

More than 350 people came to support the nonprofit at its annual Abilities Shining luncheon March 6.

  • Black Tie
SCD dancer Zoe Austin's baby boy is due on May 20, and studio coordinator/Co-director Melissa Rummel's baby girl is due on April 19.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • March 6, 2024
Sarasota Contemporary Dance holds its own Dancing with the Stars

Dancers competed with fierce moves — and even fiercer fundraising.

  • Black Tie
FST Marketing Director Robert Whyte, Development Associate Helena Rankin, Acting Apprentice Lorelei Frank, and Children's Theatre Associate Kacy Jones
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • March 6, 2024
Florida Studio Theatre celebrates 50 years with an anniversary Shindig

The theater feted guests to its golden anniversary party with cocktails, dinner and, of course, a show.

  • Black Tie
Jarrish Jones, Travis McDowell, Geoffrey Gilot, and Isaiah Smith from Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties greet guests.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • March 5, 2024
Boys & Girls Clubs celebrate Youth of the Year with Steak and Burger cookout

The annual event brings together supporters and attendees of the area's Boys & Girls Clubs.

  • Black Tie
Mickey Davis and Tomeka Koski
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 3, 2024
Banyan Ball Extravaganza marks ODA's 100th anniversary

The gala kicked off a year's worth of celebrations planned for The Out-of-Door Academy's centennial.

  • Black Tie
Actress, author, memory expert, and health advocate Marilu Henner is the keynote speaker
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • March 3, 2024
Tidewell Foundation holds luncheon with laughter, tears and Marilu Henner

The 15th annual Signature Luncheon provided moments of grief, hope and inspiration.

  • Black Tie
Speaker Elizabeth Smart and Chair Ollie Johnson
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 1, 2024
Junior League of Sarasota welcomes Elizabeth Smart to Legacy Luncheon

The abduction survivor's message of hope and overcoming obstacles inspired the nearly 400 guests in attendance.

  • Black Tie
Senior Friendship Centers staff welcomed 150 guests to their Blooming Friendships Gala on Feb. 29 and include Amanda Olsen, Declan Sheehy, Jodel Velarde, Julie Ann Barowski and Kathy Pappas
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • March 1, 2024
Friendships bloom at the Senior Friendship Centers leap-year gala

The nonprofit honored Project Pride's Jason Champion as its Friend of the Year.

  • Black Tie
Outgoing President Bruce Udell with incoming President Deb Kabinoff
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 27, 2024
Jewish Federation’s 65th anniversary bridges past and future

The celebration also premiered The Ora, the organization’s new event space.

  • Black Tie
Co-Chair Kim Becker, Event Chair Marjan Zaun and Circus Arts student Rikki Hettig-Rolfe Meaux
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 27, 2024
Party Under the Stars takes celebration under the big top

Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation's annual event adopts a circus theme at Sailor Circus Arena.

  • Black Tie
Chloe Niebuhr, Maggie Graham, Executive Director Sarah Wertheimer, and Learning and Engagement Director Ben Jewell-Plocher
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 26, 2024
Embracing Our Differences spotlights this year's installation at annual luncheon

The large-scale art installation in Bayfront Park features artists and students from around the world.

  • Black Tie
Asolo's Managing Director Ross Egan, with Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 25, 2024
Asolo Repertory Theatre celebrates 65th anniversary with gala

The packed dinner and party at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota had a "We Got Rhythm" theme.

  • Black Tie
From Cirque Vertigo are the Tin Man Aydar Rakhmatullin, Cowardly Lion Roma, Cooking for Wishes Co-Chair Terri Klauber with Luna staring as Toto, emcee Michael Kaluber, and performers Braden Baker, Faith Marie, Ainsley McLaughlin, Steffi Goldstone, Lincoln Rhoades and Farrah Moreno
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 25, 2024
Cooking for Wishes follows the yellow brick road

Guests at Make-A-Wish's annual dinner had fun cooking a dinner with a "Wizard of Oz" theme.

  • Black Tie
Lorraine Cersosimo, Shannon Pokorski and Karen Brady
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 20, 2024
Catholic Charities celebrates 40 years of serving all at its annual ball

Hundreds gathered for the event held Feb. 17 at Micheal's On East that benefits the Diocese of Venice's work in the community.

  • Black Tie
Heather Koester, Allison Imre and David Perkowski
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 19, 2024
Sisterhood for Good's fundraiser no phantom

During its masquerade ball Feb. 16, the nonprofit raised funds for its community grants program.

  • Black Tie
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