New York Yankees Boys &-Girls Clubs luncheon
Whoosh! In bounded 300 New York Yankee fans bearing balls, hats, jerseys, shoes, posters, jerseys and more, most making a beeline for players Aaron Judge, then Giancarlo Stanton, then Gary Sanchez. The 22-year spring training ritual for the Boys-&-Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay - 20 to 30 minutes of free autograph signing and lunch with the entire team and coaches - has raised 300 and up, plus a silent auction of signed Yankees memorabilia and a 300,000.
Firehouse Gala
Paradise found! Past swamps and mangroves they drove to get to the Firehouse Gala, hosted by Danita and Glenn Dickman for the Firehouse Cultural Center on private Dickman Island in Old Tampa Bay near Ruskin. Extraordinary sunset views greeted the nearly 300 guests, with the Sunshine Skyway bridge in the horizon as they sipped cocktails in a tiki lounge pavilion, followed by dinner in a crowded tent on the waterfront March 3. Polynesian and fire dancers lit up the night. Later a cognac and cigar bar opened and the Rumba Brothers kicked up a tropical salsa beat.
"After several years of attending this gala, this was one over the top," said Art Keeble, a founding board member when the center opened in 2012 as the South Shore Region arts and cultural hub. Programs are offered to residents of all ages, including arts workshops and performances, fields trips, concerts and camps.
"Not all programs are free so this lovely evening will fund our scholarships so no one is ever turned away," said Georgia Vahue, executive director.
Cup of Compassion
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay responds to more than 160,000 requests for help every year, said CEO Clara Reynolds at the 15th annual Cup of Compassion fundraising breakfast, recounting a suicidal woman named Mya's experience calling the 2-1-1 helpline in the midst of a financial crisis. The 400-plus guests were moved watching a video of Celia Staples and H.B. Plant High junior Emily Surak share their stories. Staples turned to the Corbett Trauma Center for counseling after she was sexually assaulted in Peru. Teen suicide prevention advocate Surak said she was motivated by a friend's attempt to end her life.
Donations that Feb. 22 morning at the Tampa Convention Center, plus sponsorships and pledges raised 25,000 Sustainer Society matches from Bob Gries, Melanie and Richard Gonzmart, Dan Doyle Jr. and Dan Doyle Sr.
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