The Civilized Life in Sarasota: February 2013

As with every year, the theme of the Education Foundation's Evening of Excellence was inspired by a work of art from the previous year. This year's theme of My Blue Heaven, was created from last year's Blue Child, by Holly Mastay.

A charming legacy - this year's event chair was Taylor Tollerton Collins, the daughter of Jim and Susan Tollerton. Jim was the first board chair of the Ed Foundation 25 years ago and now Taylor is also serving on the board. I like to see that!

The atrium of Michael's On East was buzzing and filled to capacity by the 400 attendees all jostling to see the 25 works of art. It was such a joy to watch the student artists interacting with everyone and watching all the faces of the proud parents. Nothing could be sweeter!

I so enjoy seeing all the creativity of the best of the best of Sarasota County students. Their work is inspiring. Jimmy Dean was the auctioneer and the top bid of the evening was Katya Young's painting, Homeland Captivity for $3,500. There were several works of art I would have liked to take home! This is a terrific event to start or add to your art collection.

This delightful event is always on my schedule. You should plan on attending next year!

Others seen in the crowd were Carolyn Robinson, John and Fran LaCivita, Leslie Loftus, Yen Reed, Dr. Carol Probstfeld, Darlene Wedler, Michael and Nancy Longworth, Shirley and Jim Ritchey, Peter and Katie Hayes, Mike and Evelyn Bryant, Peg McKinley and Chuck Surman, Tom and Sherry Koski, Caroline Zucker, Tricia Fulton, Dr. Donal O'Shea, Dr. Arthur and Lynn Guilford, and on and on.

Ed. Fdn. Executive Director, Susan Scott, with event chair, Taylor Collins

Veronica Brady, Jay Berman, and Susan Brennan

John and Michelle McCarthy

Dennis Stover with Chris and Dr. Ken Pfahler

Cliff Roles and Libby Early

Dr. Larry Thompson and Mike Pender

Dan and Jennifer Vigne

Dorothy and Don Stuart

Committee member Elizabeth Rose watching for bidders

Sarasota High School Jazz Combo entertaining

The centerpiece

The program book

The salad

The dessert

A gorgeous, crisp, alright, downright cold and very windy, evening, allowed the luscious fur coats to come out to play at New College's Inaugural Ball. I was keeping my fingers crossed all week for a cool evening, so I could break mine out! It might have been cold, but the spirit of the evening was warm and inviting, as love and admiration for New College and its new leader, Dr. Donal O'Shea, was heartily celebrated.

All the marvelous extra touches were in place as guests arrived up the circular drive to the mansion. The college's acapella group, Acapellago, greeted guests and then it was in to the receiving line, where Dr. O'Shea and the four hardworking chairwomen, Kathy Coffey, BJ Creighton, Renee Hamad, and Patricia Johnson, who all looked quite beautiful, were welcoming the 400 guests.

The Charles Ringling Mansion, now called College Hall, is such a gracious setting for an event. It is one of the most elegant venues in town for a black tie gathering or any gathering for that matter. Just being there puts a little extra "la-de-da" in your step as you greet your friends with hugs and kisses.

As I mentioned, there were furs galore and stunning gowns on some of the most high profile women in town. It really was the place to be. I loved being there because I have long been involved and supported New College, mainly through the Library Association, and have so many happy memories of that enchanting place. It seemed everywhere I turned, there was another friend.

After cocktails, a bagpiper, in a salute to Dr. O'Shea's Scottish heritage, led the guests out of the mansion into the magnificent tent, dazzlingly decorated by Affairs in the Air. There were MANY chandeliers hanging in the tent, or as I might saying, swaying in the breeze! The strong winds had the entire tent moving all night! Each tent pole was covered in glittering beads - really pretty. I wished I gotten out to the tent earlier, so I would have had better photos of the tent. My pictures do not do it justice. The centerpieces, by Flowers by Fudgie, just added more glamour to the occasion.

I must say, Bless the Abe Guard Orchestra! They not only played wonderfully - the crowd was up dancing all night - but they were blissfully quiet during most of dinner, so you could talk with your dinner companion. And I must say, my dinner companion, Bobby Wood, whom I had never met before, was so interesting, with lots of southern charm thrown in for good measure! Of course, you just know he would be fascinating, since he is the husband of the terrific Janice Zarro!

Another really nice thing? It was so lovely to attend an event and not have to sit through any kind of auction. It was truly just a dinner dance, albeit, a very elaborate and glamorous dinner dance!

The food catered by Michael's On East, was so delish! I loved the Kobe short ribs and sea scallops. I think I could have eaten two helpings!

Attention was given to every minute detail. I loved the lux invitations, program books, table cards, place cards - all the paper goods were so refined and a throwback to a more gracious time. Edith Ringling would have approved!

It was a truly majestic welcome to a visionary leader. We are so glad you are here, Dr. O'Shea!

So many others were scene in the crowd. I will try to name a few in addition to those photographed below: Shannon and Robert Warren, Diana Lager, Karin Gustafson, Jean Martin, Patricia and Chris Caswell, Jon Thaxton and Dru Greene, Mary Ruiz, Gwenne and Gen. Ron Heiser, Michael Longworth, Mike and Marie Pender, Billy Robinson, Charlie Lenger, Jim Shirley, Kelley Lavin, Sam and Jane Skogstad, George Kole and Judy Zuckerberg, Mary Ann Myers, Linda DesMarais and Doug Barker, Heather Dunhill and Ted Meekma, Chip Gaylor and Jody Fountain, John and Denise Saputo, Rabbi Jonathan and Marty Katz, Charlotte and Kurt Stringfellow, Dennis Rees and Felice Schulaner, Lauren and Bernd Koken, Kathy Killion and Steve Miles, Bill and Betsy Johnston, Jono Miller and Julie Morris, and oh so many fabulous more!