November
Nov. 26: Cesar Chavez Memorial Dinner begins at 6 p.m. at the Golden Apple Dinner Theater in Sarasota, and will honor three people: Santiago Rafael Cruz, a union organizer for the Farm Labor Organizing Committee who was killed recently in Mexico while representing undocumented Mexican farmworkers seeking work in the United States; Luz Corcuera, head of Healthy Start Manatee; and Jim Delgado, a lawyer for Latino farmworkers and immigrants. The evening includes a one-act play, “Earth and Dust” written by Sarasota playwright Corinne Fleisher. Proceeds from the evening benefit the family of Santiago Rafael Cruz. Tickets: $35. Information: 351-8726.
Nov. 28: Roy's First Anniversary Party is a celebration of Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at their location, 2001 Siesta Drive, Suite 100, Sarasota. The evening features guest chefs Sean Murphy, of the Beach Bistro, and Darwin, from the Selva Grill and Roy Yamaguchi, founder of the restaurant chain. Tickets: $95, to benefit United Cerebral Palsy. Information: 957-3599.
Nov. 30: “heART & SOUL Gala and Live Art Auction begins at 6 p.m. at the South Florida Museum, and features a live auction of 25 pieces of jury-selected art. Proceeds will benefit students and programs in the Manatee County Public School District in the form of grants and scholarships. The artwork to be auctioned will be eon display at ArtCenter Manatee from
Nov. 20 through
Nov. 29. Tickets to the gala: $100. Information: 708-8770, ext. 2148, or 708-8770, ext. 2149.
Nov. 30: “A Love Affair” Gala celebrates Sarasota Ballet's opening night and welcomes new artistic director Iain Webb. The evening begins with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. on the bayfront terrace at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and continues with outdoor dining and music at sunset, followed by the Sarasota Ballet's 8 p.m. premiere performance of George Balanchine's "Allegro Brillante" and Sir Frederick Ashton's "The Two Pigeons." After the performance, guests and the company return to the Grand Foyer for an afterparty with a DJ and dancing. Individual gala tickets: $250; afterparty-only: $75. Information: 359-0099, ext. 110.
December
Dec. 1: The 40th annual Mistletoe Ball, presented by the New College Library Association, begins at 6 p.m. at the Charles Ringling Mansion at New College of Florida. The event heralds the beginning of the holiday season with dinner by Michael's on East, music by the Buzzcatz and a live auction. Tickets: $250, with proceeds to benefit the
Jane Bancroft Cook Library at New College. Information and reservations: 487-4675 or send e-mail to ncla@ncf.edu.
Dec. 11: Canine Christmas is set for 10 a.m..-3 p.m.. at G. T. Bray's amphitheater, and offers various events for dogs and their humans, including contests such as best tail wagger, longest ears and “pooch smooch” at 11 a.m.; “American Fido” talent show at noon; a Canine Fashion Show at 1:30 p.m., pet photos taken with Santa, silent auction, drawings, vendors for animal-related products, refreshments including hot dogs and hamburgers. The Humane Society offers microchipping for $25 from 10 a.m. to noon. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash, have inoculation tag and be social. Admission to the festival is a donation of cash or a bag of dog food or toys. Cost for all contests: $5. Information: 746-3611 or visit www.caninechristmas.com.
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