While there are still plenty of events and to-dos on the horizon, each year the annual Grand Dames Tea to benefit PACE Center for Girls sort of marks the end of the “season.”
Even as we don our pretty spring dresses, hats or fascinators, and for some of us, gloves for this beloved event – we can feel the shift in the air. Spring break and Easter are winding down, theatre seasons are wrapping up, traffic is getting a little lighter, and there’s no denying that the heat and humidity are starting to waft their way into Southwest Florida.
A beautiful day at the Broadway Palm
But, this unforgettable PACE event ensures that the big part of the season goes out with a fabulous bang, and this year was no exception. As always, the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre hosted the event impeccably and the generosity of owner Will Prather and his family is always so very appreciated. Everything was perfect, from the pretty flower arrangements on the tables to the delicious tiny sandwiches and the pretty little sweets. It can’t be easy to host a tea for up to 400 people, but the Broadway Palm makes it look perfectly effortless year after sparkling year.
Three Incredible Leaders
The ladies that sparkled brighter than diamonds, of course, were the 2026 Grand Dames: Bobbie D’Allesandro, Gail Markham and Arden McCurdy – three VERY accomplished women of a certain age who openly shared their life stories and the wisdom they’ve gained along the way. Bobbie D’Allesandro, former superintendent of Lee County Schools, had some great stories about how her career came to be, the challenges, and the many rewards. Gail Markham, community leader, business owner, and founder of the Lee County Pace Center for Girls, shared how she overcame a difficult childhood in an abusive home to become one of our area’s most respected leaders. Arden McCurdy is a philanthropist and businesswoman who talked about the importance of giving back to her community.
Gorgeous hats and devine dresses and stunning shoes
I always walk away from the Grand Dames Tea filled with respect and admiration for the powerful women on the stage, but most importantly, I find myself so inspired by them and my fervent hope is that the PACE girls are motivated to learn that regardless of ones circumstances, overcoming challenges IS possible with education, mentorship, and love. Meanwhile, guests outdid themselves with their afternoon tea fashion choices. Mary Love was in bright and cheerful orange floral with a matching fascinator and her charming boyfriend Gary Griffin on her arm, Alexandra Bremner wore a gold-toned vintage hat secured by a dazzling brooch (both inherited by her late mother, Grand Dame Eunice Bremner), Jennifer Pavich was gorgeous in an ice blue jumpsuit and a whimsical blue fascinator, Dawn Belamarich looked elegant in a black and white ensemble that had a Chanel vibe, and the always fashionable Mark and Susan Blust coordinated her groovy pink dress and fascinator with his bright pink tie. Hot pink was the chosen color for Doris Colgate, Susan Bennett, and Karen Reynolds Scott – all who looked lovely – while Donna Lovejoy, Melissa Mitchell, and Krista Anderson rocked florals for spring. Afterward, many of us convened to local celeb chef Harold Balink’s brand new bar in the Bell Tower, Vibe, for Gail Markham’s 75th birthday celebration – and while it hasn’t officially opened yet, I can tell you that the vibe is going to be off the charts! While there, I got to see Sandy Stilwell, Sunny Lubner, Amy Sanford, Stefanie Ink, Jennifer Nelson and even Sheriff Carmine Marceno stopped in to wish Gail a happy birthday – what a perfectly memorable day to close out the winter season. Now, let’s raise our glasses to a fabulous summer season filled with fun events and light on humidity (hey, a girl can hope).
