Envision a ballroom with twinkling lights swirling around the ceiling, and trees adorned with strings of white lights. Place white roses and baby’s breath as the centerpiece on every table. Put the men in suits and many in tuxes. Just for fun, add in some white tuxes. Dress the women in their best finery – ballgowns and colorful cocktail dresses. And for good measure, give tiaras to the twenty or so committee members who created this enchanting evening known as the PPYC Commodore’s Ball.
The event, held March 1, at the Isles Yacht Club began with Master of Ceremonies, Sue Smith, welcoming the parade of past commodores. This march concluded, of course, with the honoree of the evening, current Commodore Diane Segger, escorted by her husband Graham Segger.
In a time-honored tradition, the commodore was celebrated in a poem written by club member Anna Marie Kotsen, entitled “An Enchanting Commodore.” The poem began with a phrase that encapsulated Diane’s efforts at the helm of PPYC during the 2024-2025 season: “Like a magnet, she attracts her subjects with striking force. Her sparkling eyes, like beacons in a shadowy night course.” Phrases such as “ebullient, encouraging, elegant, empowering, eager, expressive, enthralling, and eloquent” captured Diane’s enthusiastic style.
*In a time-honored tradition, the commodore was celebrated in a poem written by club member Anna Marie Kotsen, entitled “An Enchanting Commodore.”
After the reading of the poem by Kellee Gabel, the club followed tradition and presented the commodore with a gift of gratitude. This year’s gift was a beautiful memory album, chronicling the numerous events and comradery that are the hallmarks of PPYC. Diane, in her inimitable, gracious style, responded by instructing the committee members, who had organized the evening, to open the gift bags placed at each of their tables. Out came the aforementioned sparkling tiaras.
Next came a gourmet meal, with attendees choosing prime rib, seared salmon, or stuffed chicken Boursin. Wine and conversations flowed and concluded with a delicious crème Brulé and coffee. But no PPYC event would be complete without the final element – dancing.
Music was provided by none other than the well-known marina favorite, the Kollections. The groups’ talents lie not only in their stellar musicianship, both instrumental and vocal, but in their ability to appreciate the tastes of their audience. Time-honored favorites of Buffet and Diamond had the crowd up on their feet from the very first song. But this group, which spans quite an age range in their members, also delighted the audience with popular songs by more current artists such as Chris Stapleton. Of course, ever popular numbers such as the Electric Slide were not omitted.
The group danced the night away and were on their feet way past Punta Gorda midnight. As always, the Commodore’s Ball, one PPYC’s signature events, was a night that members will remember for years to come. This “Enchanted Evening” was truly enchanting.
PPYC – A Place to Belong.
