ON THE FLIP SIDE: A+E < REIMAGINED SPACE: Alfstad& Contemporary reopens. WELCOME BACK: Asolo patrons kick off the new season. 2
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017
A SPECIAL GIFT
David Grybosk and Erik Abrahamson sport their blinking sunglasses, which were a party favor.
Photos by Niki Kottmann
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium President and CEO Michael P. Crosby and Chairwoman Judy Graham
Oceanic Evening Saturday, Oct. 28, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota | Benefiting Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium NIKI KOTTMANN A+E MANAGING EDITOR
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Above: Courtney and Paul Tarantino Right: A wicked witch ran around the event laughing hysterically and getting guests in a “Wizard of Oz” frame of mind.
ions, tigers and ... marine life? Oh my, it must be Oceanic Evening. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium transformed the ballroom into a deep-sea Emerald City Oct. 28 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. The “Wizard of Oz” theme was also evident beyond the ballroom. As guests mingled in the foyer during cocktail hour, they heard the cackling of a wicked witch dressed the part, running around with a broom in hand. Inside, guests were greeted by the ‘‘Great Cros,’’ aka Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium President and CEO Michael P. Crosby, on the video screen. “There’s no place like Mote!” he assured guests. Later in the evening, Crosby took to the stage to share the laboratory’s mission for the future. Much of what he said has been outlined in the organization’s 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan, but one announcement was new and garnered rousing applause from the crowd. “Beyond 2020 there will be an evolution of our City Island campus,” Crosby said. “Early in the new year, we’ll announce the rebirth of Mote on the mainland.” Guests ended their evening with dessert and dancing to the music of the Buzzcatz. Top: The ballroom was a sea of green Oct. 28 at The RitzCarlton, Sarasota. Above: Rochelle Nigri with Michael, LaRue and Ali Chokr.