ON THE FLIP SIDE: A+E < ‘Aida.’ Inside the biggest production in Sarasota Opera history. Mardi Gras Gala. Unmask an evening of Goodwill giving. 8
BLACK
YOUROBSERVER.COM
TIE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016
Photos by Heather Merriman Saba
Above: A “Champagne Sunrise” was the signature drink at Palm Ball. Right: Christine Johnson, Co-Chairs Jamie Becker and Margaret Wise, Honorary Chairwoman Cornelia Matson and Co-Chair Mickey Davis
Palm Ball ‘Connect. Reflect. Protect’ Saturday, Feb. 6, at Bay Preserve | Benefiting Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast
T
he rain couldn’t stop the glamour at Palm Ball this Saturday at Bay Preserve. Knowing a downpour was the likely scenario for the evening, the event committee quickly decided to request a larger tent to accommodate the social hour, which is held outside on the Bay Preserve grounds. Moving cocktails inside to the larger tent didn’t damper the evening at all. The décor was stunning as always — chandeliers covered in moss hung from the tent ceiling, and vibrant lights shined on the tent walls, bringing the tropical feel of palms and plants together beautifully. From the cocktails to the glamorous attire (the women took the invitation’s suggestion to dress “black-tie tropics” seriously) to the décor and music, it was a flawless evening.
Brandon Taaffe and Tammy Taaffe
PAGE 2 HEATHER MERRIMAN SABA BLACK TIE EDITOR
The décor had a tropical theme. George and Kimberly Manooshian