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RECIPE FOR HAPPINESS OCT. 18
By popular demand,
THE 2008
Since technology is modernizing at a rapid pace, marketers need to know how to communicate with future generations while holding onto baby boomers. Hear from some of the experts from Google, Microsoft, Herman Miller, Target Corporation and more at Ringling College of Art and Design’s International Design Summit. For more information, call (941) 351-5100.
SARASOTA ORCHESTRA 60TH ANNIVERSARY OPENING NIGHT NOV. 1
The opening night of Sarasota Orchestra’s (formerly the Florida West Coast Symphony) Masterworks series celebrates seven master performances of great masterpieces, the 60th anniversary and the orchestra’s smart, youthful new look. For more information about the opening night dinner, call (941) 953-3434.
WINE, WOMEN AND SHOES NOV. 6-8
Time once again to kick up your heels for Sarasota’s children when Forty Carrots Family center presents Wine, women and Shoes. Women will crowd the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Ballroom—pocketbooks open—to unleash their passion for high fashion footwear, all the benefit Forty Carrots free parenting programs. Nationwide, Wine, Women and Shoes has raised more than $2.5 million for women’s and children’s charities in 10 metropolitan cities. In 2006, Sarasota was the first city to host this dynamic event outside Napa Valley, where it had been created by vintner Elaine Honig. Wine 101, which kicks off the festivities Thursday at Fleming, is presented by top women vintners in the wine industry. For more information, call (941) 365-7716.
USF BRUNCH ON THE BAY NOV. 4
Celebrate USF Sarasota/Manatee’s milestones and their contribution to our community and our local economy. For more information, call (941) 359-4737 or visit www.sar.usf.edu/giving.
KIDS’ NIGHT OUT DINNER AND AUCTION NOV. 7
“Kids’ Night Out,” a benefit dinner for the Boys & Girls Clubs celebrates Hometown Heroes at The Ritz-Carlton-Sarasota. The evening features Henry Winkler, who, rumor has it, doesn’t know how to ride a motorcycle but does know how to deliver an inspirational speech.
Did you know that after-school programs are proven to greatly reduce the prospect that children and teens will be caught up in a life of crime? The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County not only provide a safe haven; the clubs provide a sense of place and belonging through programs that positively influence young people’s lives. Attend Kids’ Night Out and help a child be safe. For more information, call (941) 366-3911.
EXTRAVAGANZA NOV. 8
Out-of-Door Academy is hosting its annual fund raiser, “A Vintage Affair: Roaring the Night Away” at Dolphin Aviation in Sarasota. Not only for parents; the entire community definitely roars with excitement at this rousing dinner and auction. For more information, call (941) 349-3222 or go to www.oda.edu.
FIRST STEP OF SARASOTA NOV 12
First Step is committed to help those with substance-abuse troubles get quality and affordable care and treatment. To help reach the goal of providing care at an affordable cost, First Step hosts its 40th Annual Celebration Dinner at Michael’s On East. For more information, call (941) 552-2476.
An Evening with Moffitt Cancer Center Nov. 12
Moffitt Cancer Center hosts its annual dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota and invites you to meet Sam Donaldson and hear about his personal battle with melanoma. Moffitt brings a team of scientists to our region to help fight cancer, and along with its affiliate, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, also brings trust and optimism to our community. For more information, call (813) 745-4327.
STONE CRAB FESTIVAL NOV. 13-16
What’s one sure sign that fall has arrived? Stone crab season, and The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort has been celebrating this delectable moment for 18 years. On one of the nation’s most celebrated beaches, this festival touts some of the greatest chefs and entertainment. And it’s one of the best places to see a familiar face and meet some new ones. For more information, call (800) 4-Colony.
EFEST NOV. 15-16
For the fourth year, more than 175 exhibitors will provide green education in a fun and lively environment on Lakewood Ranch’s polo grounds. Music, games and great food are part of this family-fun day celebrating Earth. For more information, call (941) 924-9065.
NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY LUNCHEON NOV. 18
Everyone is talking about change in one form or another. Although it applies to all aspects of life, none is more relevant than “Change the World with a Giving Heart.” That is the theme of this year’s National Philanthropy Day luncheon at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota where you will meet some of the many who have changed the world. For more information, call (941) 921-5410.
Children’s Reading Day NOV. 23

Beth Price, author of I’m adopted, I’m Special, will speak at Reading Day.
“Good children's literature appeals not only to the child in the adult,
but to the adult in the child.”— Anonymous.
Parents, this is your chance to reinforce reading in a fun and nonacademic atmosphere. Highlighting charming Gillespie Park and promoting reading to all the young people of Sarasota, Reading Day takes place on 10th Way—one block north of 10th Street and S. Orange Ave. Special author events will be held inside the ethereal wonderland of the Sarasota Children’s Garden. Sarasota Magazine will set up its annual book sale and swap (both children and adult books), so parents, you’ll have a chance to get in on the action too. For more information, call (941) 325-3505 or visit www.childrensreadingday.org.
SARASOTA BALLET’S DOWNTOWN SERIES NOV 28-30
Alison Dubsy in "Checkmate"
“What could be a more perfect ballet for the Opera House than one inspired by the music of Sir Arthur Sullivan [of Gilbert & Sullivan]?” proclaims Ian Webb, Artistic Director of the Sarasota Ballet. The first program of the downtown series performed at the newly renovated Sarasota Opera House includes performances of George Balanchine’s Divertimento No. 15, Dame Ninette de Valois’s Checkmate and John Cranko’s Pineapple Poll. For more information, call (941) 351-8000.
Clearing your clutter? Sarasota Magazine and SunTrust are partnering to collect used books for the annual Children’s Reading Day book swap and sale. Bring your used books (both children and adult) to any SunTrust Banking location or to our Sarasota Magazine office at 330 S. Pineapple Ave. The book sale will take place during Reading Day, Nov. 23. For more information, call (941) 487-1116.
Sarasota Magazine celebrated our area’s nonprofits in September with a cocktail party at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Rooms were abuzz with optimism and excitement about the season, while Michael’s On East provided tasty hors d’oeuvres. And everyone was talking about the stunning centerpieces provided by Mr. Florist. (Our offices enjoyed them for days after the event.) Kudos to Pritchard’s Piano and the Artist Series for adding graceful piano entertainment to the evening.
Sarasota Magazine salutes all charities, arts organizations, philanthropists, and especially our loyal nonprofit and promotional partners.