ON THE FLIP SIDE: A+E Embracing Our Differences: Student artist shares a powerful message. On Pointe: Sarasota Ballet raises the barre at youth program fundraiser. 6
BLACK
TIE
YOUROBSERVER.COM
THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017
Montana Taplinger and Ida Zito
Photos by Niki Kottmann
Co-Chairwomen Anne Marie Timm, Sheena Maini, Ashley Reeves, Kelly Calamaras and Ashley Gruters
A Fashionable Gala:
Shipwrecked Friday, May 5, at Mote Marine Aquarium & Laboratory Benefiting Designing Daughters NIKI KOTTMANN BLACK TIE REPORTER
S
upporters of Designing Daughters were spotted May 5 in the most glamorous shipwreck in Sarasota
history. The more than 300 guests at A Fashionable Gala: Shipwrecked partied among the sea creatures at Mote Marine Aquarium & Laboratory for the seventh annual Designing Daughters gala, where they enjoyed cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, mugged for a photo booth and bid during a silent auction. Several majestic mermaids made appearances, including aerialist mermaid Cameo, who was the center of attention during her aerial silk act. DJ Imminent set up atop the shark tank to provide the tunes that kept guests jamming late into the evening of nautical glitz and glamour.
Brenton and Pallas Cloud with Brad and Christen Benson
Above: Sarafina Herself poses as a mermaid. Left: Tiffany Wenzel and Nikki Taylor
Chelsea Stickley and Betsy Wild