Manasota Solve, Inc. Poinsettia sales. For information (941) 748-0094.

Sarasota Film Society Cine-World Film Festival. Festival screening of more than 50 feature films from around the world, Burns Court Cinema, $5 members; $7.50 non-members/per film. For information (941) 364-8662.

Take Stock in Children, Sarasota County Fall luncheon/dinner. Lunch or dinner to revise scholarships and awareness. For information (941) 373-7060.

December 2004

2 - Arthritis Foundation/Southwest Region Jingle Bell Run/Walk. Fund-raising 5K run with 1-mile option, Bradenton. For information (800) 741-4008, ext. 227.

3 - The Florida Center for Child and Family Development, Inc. Festival of Trees, Lights and Holiday Gifts. Black-tie optional dinner, drinks, auction and dancing, Michael's On East, $150/person. For information (941) 371-8820, ext. 1030.

3 - Ringling School of Art & Design Dream Makers Fundraising Breakfast. Annual new donor fundraising breakfast, Hyatt Sarasota, free. For information (941) 309-5455.

3 thru 4 - Sarasota Garden Club, Inc. Classic Bloomers. Crafts and holiday plants, Sarasota Garden Club, free; items to purchase. For information (941) 955-0875.

3 thru 5 - Junior League Holiday Tour of Homes and Tinsels & Treasures. For information (941) 953-5600.

4 - New College Library Association Mistletoe Ball. The oldest black-tie event in Sarasota, signalling the start of the holiday season. Dinner, dancing and auction, Charles Ringling Mansion, $200/person. For information (941) 359-4600.

7 - La Musica Di Asolo, Inc. Sonata a Due. Good music, good food and good company. An evening that starts with wine and hors d'oeuvres, followed by music recital and dinner, Charles Ringling House, $125-$175/person. For information (941) 346-1795.

8 - United Cerebral Palsy Hyatt Sarasota World's Largest Office Party, Michael's On East, $15/person. For information (941) 957-3599.

11 - Art Center Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade. An elegant evening as a participant in Sarasota's annual holiday boat parade aboard the luxurious Lady Sarasota yacht, departs from Hyatt Hotel pier. For information (941) 365-2032.

11 & 12 - Gulf Coast Men's Chorus Holiday Concerts. Holiday inspired repertoire of full chorus and smaller ensemble pieces featuring guest artist Sharon Scott, Holley Hall, $20/person. For information (941) 957-0404.

16 - SOULSPEAK/Sarasota Poetry Theatre SOULQUEST. Informal sessions for people who wish to learn more about SOULSPEAK poetry or who wish to find a more spiritual way to express themselves, 535 Columbia Court. For information (941) 366-6468.

16 - The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art Third Thursday at Cá d'Zan. Drinks and sunset on the grounds of Cá d'Zan. For information (941) 359-5733.

17 - Sarasota-Manatee Arch Family Holocaust Education Center of the Florida Holocaust Museum COEXISTENCE...A New Generation. A luncheon and fashion show to feature children and family members of all ages and cultures, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, $125/person. For information (941) 378-8837.

17 - Police Athletic League of Sarasota County, Inc. Sarasota All-Star PAL Bowl. All-Star high school football game between Manatee and Sarasota counties, Manatee County, $6/person. For information (941) 361-6350.

18 - Sarasota Opera Opera Ball. Fourth annual ball, one of Sarasota's leading elegant affairs, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, $275/person. For information (941) 366-8450, ext. 246.

28 thru 31 - PAL Sailor Circus Holiday and spring circus performances, Sailor Circus arena, $10-$14/person. For information (941) 361-6350.

29 and 30 - Florida West Coast Symphony, Inc. Perlman Music Program Dinner. Dinner and performance by gifted young musicians. Faculty includes Itzhak Perlman, dinner at Michael's On East; concert at Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center. For information (941) 953-4252.

31 - Sarasota Ballet of Florida, Inc. New York Tavern to Broadway Bash. Lavish New Year's Eve party with dancing, dining and a dramatic balloon drop at midnight, Hyatt Sarasota, $250/person, $50 "Babysitter Discount" for those over 40. Sponsorships also available. For information (941) 359-0099, ext. 120.

Other events happening in December:

WEDU Channel 3 Florida West Coast Public Broadcasting, Inc.On-air pledge drives to obtain new members and increase individual financial support, WEDU Studios. For information (800) 354-9338 or (941) 330-0716.

WUSF Public Broadcasting Membership drives. Pledge drives to increase membership base and maintain financial support, at station studios. For information (813) 974-8624.

January 2005

4 and 5 - All Children's Hospital Telethon. Multiple event weekend anchored by 22 hours of live television on WFLA News Channel 8, WFLA News Channel 8, Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg Hilton, Tyrone Mall. For information (727) 767-4199.

7 thru 9 - The Florida Center for Child and Family Development "Born to be Wild". Kickoff party for Thunder by the Bay motorcycle festival. Live music, silent auction and food. Casual dress. Leather and fringe welcome, Michael's On East, $25/person. For information (941) 371-8820, ext. 1030.

8 and 9 - NARSAD The National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia & Depression Sunshine from Darkness Symposium. Free research symposium on the latest treatments for mental illness and gala dinner with a performance by Michael Feinstein, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, gala $275. For information (941) 308-MIND.