»culture THE BUZZ restaurant, The Front Porch, and a culinary competition winner himself on the Food Network’s “Chopped” reality TV show, was on hand as one of the judges. A split decision forced Lagasse to pick the winning burger himself and he awarded the Gator team the Ultimate Tailgate Burger trophy, foreshadowing the coming competition on the football field. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Local celebrities put on their boogie shoes Nov. 10 to raise nearly $50,000 for the local chapter of the American Lung Association at the fifth annual Oxygen Ball. A crowd of 275 filled the University Center Club to watch routines that paired the “local stars” with professional partners from Fred Astaire Dance Studio. The Judges’ Award winner was Bert Pope, who partnered with Leslie Reithmiller and hammed it up during a lively salsa. The normally low-key City Commissioner Nancy Miller dazzled the audience with a routine that included her sliding across the dance floor and being lifted and spun by partner Daniel Foxworth. She was presented with the Fan Favorite award, after raising $9,000 worth of “votes.” Others cutting the proverbial rug were Dr. Mignon Emenike, with dancing partner Alex Medina; John Gandy doing the hustle in vintage polyester with Stephanie Hafer; and Elizabeth Mack, dancing with David Feliciano. Judges included Mike and Dena Dill of Fred Astaire, Brian Cook, chief executive officer of presenting sponsor Capital Regional Medical Center, and Rosanne Dunkelberger, Tallahassee Magazine editor and a celebrity participant two years ago. Keeping the night lively were emcees City Commissioner (and last year’s Dancing with the Local Stars winner) Gil Ziffer and his lovely wife, Gail Stansberry-Ziffer. Attendees could choose from 85 silent auction packages, and Malcolm Mason of Manor Auctions revved up the crowd with live auction items including a VIP experience from the Miami Marlins and tickets to the FSU/UF game. Also on hand were Natalie Cook, Dr. Uchenna Emenike, Shawn Hafer, Tim and Rene Bolek, Christine Thurman and Lt. Col. John DeVillez, Dr. Cory and Betsy Couch, Steve and Patty Ghazvini, Dr. and Mrs. Amer Rassam, Molly Kellogg and Brian Schmauch, Debbie Lightsey, Kristen Hensley and Patrick and Malissa Henning. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Local jewelry artist Quincie Hamby turned her Midtown business’ holiday preview party Oct. 15 into a fundraiser for the Tallahassee animal shelter. Patrons were greeted by adoptable dogs from the shelter and were invited to purchase dog dishes made by local artists. Young artist Andie Baggett donated an animal portrait to the cause. Hamby was also showcasing abstracts by South Florida artist Larry Tobe, who was there along with his daughter, Lynn Palmer, and son, John Tobe. The hostess served guests, including Susan Baldino, Portia Thomas and Donna Tornillo, fresh organic green appletinis and gluten-free chocolate cupcakes with a secret ingredient to make them sweeter (OK, not so secret. It was grated raw beets!) Also on hand making their wish lists were Karen Woodall, Millie Smith, Bonnie Holub, Tirzah Conrad, Kate MacFall, Joan Helms and Barbara DeVane. n
New Year. New Name.
Outstanding Results in 2013! NAI TALCOR is the largest locally owned Commercial Real Estate Company in Tallahassee. Brokerage Company for Office, Industrial, Multi-Family, Acreage and Retail Space. Property Management currently handles over 4 million square feet!
1018 Thomasville Road, Suite 200A Tallahassee, FL 32303 850 224 2800 ■ www.talcor.com tallahasseeMagazine.com January–February 2013
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