Sarasota, Florida – The grand ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota was a literal sea of feathery masks as more than 350 guests attended the Asolo Theatre Festival’s Enchanted Evening in Tuscany on Saturday, January 28, 2006. The second annual Asolo Ambassadors Society Induction Ceremony occurred during the festivities in the Grand Ballroom where honors were bestowed upon a special group of Asolo supporters.

Upon entering the grand foyer, guests mingled, enjoying cocktails and wine as servers passed among them with trays of Bruschetta, Mini Beef Wellingtons and Kalamato Olive and Artichoke Tarts. Adding to the glitter was a wide range of silent auction items from wine baskets and silver to jewelry and art work.

Promptly at 7:30 p.m the doors to the grand ballroom opened. Guests immediately heard the sounds of the DeLeon fifteen-piece Society Orchestra and saw a canopy of twinkling lights and Tuscan backdrops. The dance floor filled up immediately as guests danced to a variety of Italian Orchestra pieces and Broadway show tunes.

The Italian inspired ornamentation added an authentic quality to the “Tuscan” theme of the evening, wowing guests with a magical display of lighting, table decorations and Italian countryside tapestries that transformed the room into a true Tuscan landscape. Centerpieces by Whit’s End on Palm Avenue and OrchidMania awed partygoers as elegantly displayed tall, glass vases filled with an array of orchids, lilies, and roses. Affairs in the Air and New Atmosphere Productions, local party planning companies, designed and created the spectacle of lights and decorations that crowned the room.

During dinner Asolo board president Nancy Markle welcomed guests and the Gala co-chairs Nikki Feldbaum and Leslie Sharp. Nancy and Cary Findlay also inducted this year’s Ambassadors, giving the entire crowd a chance to show their appreciation. After which live auctioneer Jimmy Dean took over and began accepting bids for a trip to Egypt and Italy, both to be led by Malaka Hilton of Admiral Travel. Auctioneer Dean rounded out the live auction with a MCI Heritage Golf Tournament package, a 2006 U.S. Open Championship Trip, and a Bill Mack bonded sand relief sculpture. Gala proceeds, which will benefit Asolo education and artistic programs, exceeded expectations at about $130,000.

The dancing continued on into the night. “This is my last gala as the artistic director of the Asolo,” Howard Millman told the crowd, “but it’s been a hell of a ride.” Indeed, Millman and the rest of the Gala attendees had a truly joyous evening, one not to be forgotten!

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