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Black Tie

The SMHF Board of Trustees held its annual gala on Jan. 10 with more than 650 guests in attendance.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • January 11, 2026
Hospital Gala guests make it a record-breaking night in raising funds for innovation

In its ninth year, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation's annual gala focused on raising money to bring new technologies to the SMH system.

  • Black Tie
Israeli-American violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman and his wife, Toby, founder of the Perlman music program.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • January 11, 2026
Perlman residency celebrates same great program in new downtown location

In its first year using downtown venues, the Perlman Music Program Suncoast Winter Residency culminates with a successful performance and dinner.

  • Black Tie
Faith Adesanya walks the SPARCC Runway show in 2024.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2026
6 social events not to miss in '26

As the next Black Tie season descends upon us, it's chock-full of fundraisers to attend. In addition to a few perennial gems in our selections, there are also some special occasions worth noting.

  • Black Tie
Fabian and Pascale Hoyez
    By
  • Lori Sax
  • January 2, 2026
Selby Gardens rings in 2026 with guests aglow

A jovial crowd enjoyed a private display of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Lights in Bloom before dinner, dancing and a front-row seat to Sarasota's fireworks at midnight.

  • Black Tie
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2025
Black Tie highlights top moment of 2025, in photos

The Sarasota social scene was full of photogenic moments during the past year. It was a tough job, but we picked some of our favorites.

  • Black Tie
The World of Chucko photo-bombs Dana Dalpra, Lauren Hersh and Tami and Phillip Lanham.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • December 14, 2025
Sarasota Art Museum steps into Style Moderne for annual Art Bash

The theme of the evening echoed the museum's winter exhibition, which features works from the Art Deco era.

  • Black Tie
SPARCC Holiday Luncheon co-chairs Melissa Silva, Tina McGovern and Cator Hartley
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • December 11, 2025
SPARCC holiday luncheon welcomes record turnout

The annual event, which supports the Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, had more than 320 guests at Michael's On East.

  • Black Tie
Co-chair Kara Wootson, Planned Parenthood Director of Philanthropy Lauren Stroman, Co-chairs Lissa Murphy, LaVerne Green and Roz Painter-Goffi
    By
  • Lori Sax
  • December 8, 2025
Supporters Rise & Shine for Planned Parenthood brunch

At the event, attendees heard from a panel to receive an update on women's sexual and reproductive health issues.

  • Black Tie
Britnie Sutika, CEO Kristie Skoglund, Kimberly Treharne, Paola Pinillos and Kate Reed
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • December 7, 2025
Florida Center for Early Childhood hosts 2nd annual Wonder Gala

The evening raises funds to help provide prevention and early intervention services to young children facing possible academic, social and economic challenges.

  • Black Tie
Celia Young, Pat Reinhart, Ina Goldberg and Sherry Wheeler channel their inner flapper style for the Great Gatsby-inspired Poinsettia Luncheon.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • December 5, 2025
Sarasota Opera Guild rings in holidays at Poinsettia Luncheon

The guild raises money to support the Sarasota Opera while promoting the appreciation of opera in the community and encouraging the next generation of singers.

  • Black Tie
Bill and Robyn Sadlo, Barb and Jay Lancer and Marjolaine and Steve Townsend
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • November 23, 2025
Boys and Girls Clubs' Champions for Children honors Baranciks' legacy

At its annual gala, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Desoto Counties celebrated the work of Charles and Margery Barancik.

  • Black Tie
Kristin Morton, John Grady Burns, Pat Mudgett and Kellie Menke
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • November 21, 2025
Founders Garden Club welcomes celebrity floral designer to annual luncheon

John Grady Burns gave attendees of the club's annual Flower Talk a few tricks for creating a beautiful floral arrangement.

  • Black Tie
Troy Turner and Resilient Retreat founder Dr. Sidney Turner
    By
  • Lori Sax
  • November 17, 2025
Resilient Retreat transports guests to the Mediterranean

With a farm to table experience, guests enjoyed a Mediterranean meal al fresco to benefit the nonprofit's mission of helping survivors of trauma.

  • Black Tie
Marie Monsky and Marvin Kadesh
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • November 17, 2025
Brunch plays a note to raise money for Sarasota Youth Orchestra

Patrons of the Sarasota Orchestra gathered for its annual brunch to fundraise for the youth orchestra and support music education.

  • Black Tie
Raleigh Mosely, Donald Frison, Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs and Jazzmin Carson
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • November 17, 2025
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe shows off its heart and soul at fall gala

Lively performances brought the night — and fundraising mission — to life at the organization's annual fall fundraising event Nov. 15.

  • Black Tie
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 »
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  • February 16, 2026
Healthy Start Sarasota hosts Together We Bloom at Brown's Grove
2
The only access point to Bradenton Estates II is proposed from 18th Avenue East.
  • February 16, 2026
Manatee County commissioners approve 80 homes on 18th Avenue East
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Manatee County Library Services Manager Tammy Parrott and Sue Ann Miller, president of the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library, believe the second floor of the facility will be put to good use.
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Lakewood Ranch Library is about to reach new heights
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Kelly Gilliland grew up in Sarasota and has now lived in Lakewood Ranch for 25 years.
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A Floridian's guide to National Margarita Day

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