Bay Magazine Oct. 2025 by Times Total Media

THE EDITOR

by Kathy Saunders

PAY IT FORWARD

The Tampa Bay area is a very giving community, and that is the focus of this issue of Bay.

Our annual Charity Register features fundraising events designed to help the local organizations that support our neighbors with everything from food and shelter to clothing and education.

Many of those charities were founded by individuals like Howard Gobioff, who simply wanted to “make the world a better place.” We profiled the Gobioff Foundation, created by the late Google engineer, who passed away from lymphoma at the age of 36. His survivors have honored his dying wish by donating more than $5.2 million to causes that Gobioff loved, including the arts and human rights.

We also talked to local nonprofit consultants Merrill Stewart and Ryan Gonzalez, who shared their tips for turning nonprofits into successful, mission-driven ventures.

To access our Charity Register and some of the upcoming events, visit tampabay.com/bay.

▲ 24 FASHION

Need a new look? We’ve got you covered with stunning gowns and shimmering pantsuits.

59 CHARITY REGISTER

Embrace the love of community and plan your social calendar by this year’s Charity Register. This special section showcases the most anticipated fundraising events benefiting charities in the Tampa Bay area.

10 CONSULTING

Consultants Merrill Stewart and Ryan Gonzalez share their top tips for nonprofit organizations.

14 PROFILE

The Gobioff Foundation has donated over $5.2 million to local charities.

20 ARTS SCENE

Murals and myths are the focus of events at The Dalí Museum this month.

36 BOOKS SCENE

Author Michael Connelly returns with his newest book, “The Proving Ground.”

40 GIVING BACK

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa has invested over $10 million in local philanthropy.

46 SOCIAL SCENE

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CONSULTING MEET THE EXPERTS

Local consultants Merrill Stewart and Ryan Gonzalez share their playbook for helping nonprofits thrive as mission-driven, results-focused enterprises.

BY AMY SCHERZER • PHOTO BY BRIAN JAMES

NWith the charity social season in full swing, Bay magazine asked the pros to share some thoughts on how nonprofits become successful, mission-driven businesses.

● Nonprofits are businesses, philanthropy is the investment and the development team is the sales force. “They’re called nonprofits for tax reasons, but they have to operate as literal businesses and deliver measurable, bottom-line results,” Stewart said. “Funders and philanthropists want a return on their investment.”

onprofit consultants Merrill Stewart and Ryan Gonzalez, together with their clients, have raised millions of dollars for every kind of cause: children, animals, health care, the arts, education, housing and the environment. From big-picture strategy to hands-on implementation, their services range from overseeing capital campaigns to securing sponsorships, crafting messaging and designing events from start to finish.

Though they operate independent businesses, the women frequently collaborate, working as an extension of a client’s team. “We zoom in at the level of doing,” Stewart said. “We don’t believe in cookie-cutter consulting,” Gonzalez added. “We step in, roll up our sleeves and the work gets done.”

Stewart, 45, launched Marketing & Business Solutions in 2013 in St. Petersburg. Gonzalez, 43, of Wesley Chapel, soon followed with her own firm, The Touchstone Collective — named, she said, “because we touch so many and leave an imprint behind in everything we do.”

The women recognized their complementary “make-big-things-happen” energy while working together at the Glazer Children’s Museum in 2017. Gonzalez served as senior director of development, and Stewart consulted on fundraising and long-range planning. “Merrill became my mentor when I left the museum, and I followed her lead into independent consulting,” Gonzalez said.

Bay area corporations also tap into their knowledge to maximize their philanthropic investments. “Budgets are getting smaller, and companies don’t always know which organizations to trust,” Gonzalez said. “We build relationships to see what they can do together.” Or as she likes to put it: “We’re the middle women.”

Amy Scherzer has covered the philanthropy beat in Tampa Bay since 1986.

● Donors and corporate sponsors need to see tangible and timely outcomes, not just see their logo on a gala table or a fun Instagram post. “With changing times, they want to be involved to feel like they are making an impact outside of an event,” Gonzalez said.

● Bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes signature events lose their luster, or a fancy fundraiser outlives its purpose. “Galas are great for bringing people into the pipeline, but spending less on a smaller, intimate event can actually accomplish more,” Stewart said.

● Don’t be afraid to ask. Philanthropy is about relationships, “building trust, confidence and awareness of opportunities to fulfill shared goals for the greater good,” Stewart said. “The No. 1 reason people don’t do something is simply (because) they weren’t asked.”

● Flexibility and humor are essential when chaos is out of your control, “like when Mother Nature crashes the party and brings guests named Helene or Milton,” Gonzalez said. “Don’t overthink it. We like to say there’s no such thing as failure, only lessons dressed up in disguise.”

Merrill Stewart and Ryan Gonzalez.

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PROFILE

SMALL GRANTS, BIG DREAMS, LASTING IMPACT

The Gobioff Foundation’s modest checks are mighty helpful to artists, curators and human rights advocates.

Neil Gobioff and Dr. Gianna Rendina-Gobioff.

Photo by Dave Decker Photography.

BY AMY SCHERZER

I“call it the best job I never wanted,” said Neil Gobioff, musing on the challenges versus rewards of suddenly inheriting responsibility for the Gobioff Foundation in March 2008. Just weeks before his death at age 36 from lymphoma, Howard Gobioff — Neil Gobioff’s brother and one of Google’s first engineers — told his family not only about his diagnosis but also about the philanthropic foundation he had quietly funded with $4 million earned during nearly a decade at Google. With little time to discuss his wishes, Howard Gobioff’s sole guidance was to “make the world a better place.”

Since then, Neil Gobioff and his wife, Dr. Gianna Rendina-Gobioff, have distributed more than $5.2 million honoring Howard Gobioff’s love of the arts and commitment to human rights, not including Gobioff Foundation microgrants and other disbursements.

With an average grant of less than $10,000, the foundation seeds projects and stretches the resources of emerging artists and grassroots nonprofits. In fact, nearly half of the $3.6 million donated to Hillsborough and Pinellas arts organizations went to groups with budgets under $200,000.

In 2018, when the Florida Legislature drastically cut arts funding statewide, the Gobioffs stepped up, creating the Tampa Bay Arts Bridge Fund to offer “disaster relief.” Community supporters doubled their $100,000 lead gift and helped dozens of organizations survive the shortfall.

In the five years since the death of

George Floyd, the foundation’s Juneteenth program has provided $600,000 to 30 organizations working to improve Black lives, ranging from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to The Okra Project.

The funding strategy is transparent and easily accessible on their website, gobioff-foundation.org. You can also see a list of past grantees to get an idea of their year-round grantmaking. Arts education, for instance, is excluded, said Neil Gobioff, 51, since there are ample funders in that area.

“Reach out to us to have a conversation, and we’ll decide if we want to have a meeting,” said Rendina-Gobioff, 51, who holds a doctorate degree in educational measurement and research from the University of South Florida. “No need for a huge application process that goes nowhere.”

The Gobioffs’ response is usually quick, but neither takes a salary, and there are

no staff or board members to assist.

Post-pandemic, the Gobioffs were excited to earn IRS approval to launch a $500 microgrant program that has since supported 57 Tampa Bay artists and curators. Up to four grants are awarded each quarter; applications for the next cycle must be submitted by Dec. 1.

“I love it when the money goes beyond just the funded event,” said Rendina-Gobioff, mentioning a dance company now performing its third season and a playwright’s work seen at the Tampa Bay Theatre Festival that became a solo showcase a year later.

“The artists are very grateful. Often the event would not have taken place or the artists would have gone unpaid without the small boost,” she said.

Philanthropy also extends to the next generation of Gobioffs. As parents of two children, ages 16 and 20, the Gobioffs started a Youth Board, educating not only their kids but also their cousins and the children of Howard Gobioff’s closest friends. Over the past three years, the kids have collaborated to give out $5,000 grants, researching organizations, making site visits and learning from consultants before choosing the one they think will make the biggest impact.

To the traditional philanthropic mantra of giving “time, talent and treasure,” the family likes to add two more T’s: “ties” — creating community connections — and “testimony” — promoting organizations they believe in.

Said Neil Gobioff: “It’s incredibly gratifying to continue my brother’s legacy.”

CO MM UN IT Y IN TH E U. S. FO R AL L AG ES SI NC E 20 18 AT LA KE WO OD RA NC H, GR EA T MO ME NT S

ARTS SCENE by

Maggie Duffy

MURALS & MYTHS

The theme for The Dalí Museum’s Sueños de Dalí benefit this year is “Olympus Reimagined: A Night of Surreal Myths.” At the museum’s suggestion, “costumes may channel mythological legends, warped archetypes or Dalínian takes on power, beauty and chaos.” You can even find a mood board for inspiration on the website. It happens Oct. 25. Tickets start at $140 for members; VIP tickets start at $625. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. thedali.org/event/suenos-de-dali.

October is also your last chance to see the terrific exhibition “Outside In: New Murals Inspired by Dalí” at The Dalí Museum through Oct. 26. St. Petersburg-based artist Chris Parks, who works under the moniker Palehorse, took inspiration for his mural from the relationship between Salvador Dalí and his wife, Gala. Parks is one of the founding curators of the Shine Mural Festival, and he and his wife, Michelle Tannu, have been instrumental in bringing muralists from around the world to establish Shine.

Parks used a combination of Indian goddesses to represent Gala, celebrating and honoring “all that she did to bring out the best in Dalí and to allow him to do the work that he did,” he said. “It’s very personal for me as well, as my wife has been a huge support (to) me over the years. This is a way for me to honor that relationship and also … all of those partners who are behind the scenes

The Dalí Museum is preparing for its annual benefit, which will return on Oct. 25.

Creative guests enjoy last year’s Sueños de Dalí gala. Photos courtesy of The Dalí Museum.

helping artists to do what they do.” 1 Dalí Blvd., St. Petersburg. 727-823-3767. thedali.org.

Chilling performances with ghostly thrills at Jobsite Theater

My favorite holiday of all happens in October: Halloween. What’s not to love?

It relies on imagination and creativity, even if it’s on the dark side. To get in the spirit, I’m checking out Jobsite Theater’s “Ghost Brothers of Darkland County,” running Oct. 15-Nov. 9. It’s written by none other than the master of horror himself, Stephen King. But it has a bluesy-country score written by John Mellencamp, resulting in a Southern Gothic musical that’s sure to be delight-

fully chilling. It follows a shadowy figure named The Troubadour and is set in an eerie cabin in the woods, so I’ll probably opt for a matinee performance. The Oct. 25 evening performance will include an American Sign Language interpreter. Individual tickets start at $29.50 and are subject to increase by demand. 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827. jobsitetheater.org.

Dancing and toasting to the Tampa Museum of Art

The Tampa Museum of Art is holding its 39th annual gala, Pavilion: “Foundations: Building Connections,” on Nov. 1. The black-tie affair will include entertainment, dancing, dinner and cocktails, while the

philanthropy will bolster the museum’s commitment to making “art more accessible to all” and expand its outreach initiatives. 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. 813-274-8130. tampamuseum. org.

Hats off to The Florida Orchestra

The Florida Orchestra Guild of St. Petersburg is a nonprofit corporation that supports The Florida Orchestra. The guild has a roster full of events that will benefit the orchestra, starting on Oct. 14 with La TEA Do at the St. Petersburg Woman’s Club from 2-4 p.m. Hats are encouraged. Individual seats start at $65, tables of eight are $600 and sponsorships range from $250 to $1,000. fogsp.org.

Palehorse represents Salvador Dalí’s wife, Gala, as a combination of Indian goddesses in his mural in “Outside In: New Murals Inspired by Dalí.”

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FASHION

gala

GLAMOUR

It’s gala time at Bay, and we have some what-to-wear options for the range of celebrations we highlight this month. From black-tie dinners to star-studded dances and cocktail hours, our stylist has selected dazzling outfits for the generous philanthropists and special donors who keep the Tampa Bay community thriving.

PHOTOS BY BRIAN JAMES • STYLING BY TINA JACKSON

Embellished couture gown with detachable sheer sleeves, $1,199. Rhinestone butterfly earrings, $39.99. Switching Up Styles.

and Scarlett embellished

Portia

feather-sleeve gown, $400. Arden Bridal & Boutique. Bow rhinestone earrings, $49.99. Switching Up Styles. Donatello Gian wraparound tennis bracelet, $51.99. Nordstrom.

Arizona sheer floral cocktail dress with detachable sleeves, $499. Arden Bridal & Boutique. Mach & Mach double-bow clear ankle-strap pumps, $1,240. Neiman Marcus.

Toccin Hattie sleeveless tie-neck top, $495. Toccin flare pants, $525. Neiman Marcus. Blue by Betsey Johnson Kelli sandals, $119. Betsey Johnson. Crystal ball earrings, $39.99. Embellished stretch cuff, $29.99. Flower pearl ring, $49. Beaded stretch bracelet, $29. Switching Up Styles. Mini fabric Kensington bag, $235. Kurt Geiger.

Couture embellished off-the-shoulder gown, $769. Arden Bridal & Boutique. Deepa Gurnani Perry wing drop earrings, $98. Donatello Gian wraparound tennis bracelet, $51.99. Nordstrom. Dahlia pearl ring, $450. Oxford Exchange.

Lapointe feather blouse, $1,350. Neiman Marcus. Etro cropped pants, $1,198. Etro cropped blazer, $1,950. Floral earrings, $48. Nordstrom. Tia sandals, $119.95. Steve Madden. Rectangle handle clutch, $49.99. Switching Up Styles.

Alice + Olivia Justin sequin blazer, $795. Alice + Olivia Justin sequin pants, $350. Neiman Marcus. Alexis Bittar molten puffy earrings, $245. Alexis Bittar collar necklace, $495. Tennis bracelet, $51.99. Oxford Exchange.

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Brian James IG: @brianjamesgallery brianjamesgallery.com

Téa Bremner, assistant IG: @tea.bremner.photography

FASHION STYLING

Tina Jackson tinajstyle.com IG: @tinajstyle

Meah Jackson, assistant

HAIR & MAKEUP

Melissa Collette IG: @melissa_colletteartistry

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ON THE COVER: Couture floral-sleeve embellished gown, $1,500. Arden Bridal & Boutique. Bamboo drop earrings, $72. Oxford Exchange.

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BOOKS SCENE by

Colette Bancroft

MACHINE LEARNING

Michael Connelly writes his bestselling novels in real time, setting them in the year they’re published. His latest, “The Proving Ground,” seems so ripped from the headlines it feels as if he’s writing it as you read it.

This is the part-time Tampa resident’s 41st novel and his eighth featuring Mickey Haller, aka the Lincoln Lawyer. In 2023’s “Resurrection Walk,” Haller’s high-powered career as a criminal defense attorney took a sharp turn when he accepted a pro bono case to get a woman he believed was wrongly convicted of murder out of prison.

That experience moved him to switch to civil law. He doesn’t even ride around in Lincolns anymore — although his second ex-wife, Lorna Taylor, and her second husband, Cisco Wojciechowski, are still on his staff.

Also on board for this case is investigative journalist Jack McEvoy, a character featured in several previous Connelly books, most recently in 2020’s “Fair Warning,” which revolved around criminal uses of DNA data. McEvoy wants to write a book about Haller’s current case and be a “fly on the wall” as it happens. His expertise will prove invaluable.

Haller has a most sympathetic client. Brenda Randolph is a hard-working single mom whose only child, 16-year-old Rebecca, was shot to death in her high school’s parking lot by her ex-boyfriend, Aaron Colton.

Colton is awaiting trial for murder, but Randolph isn’t suing him, nor are his parents (Colton used his father’s gun), nor the school, nor the gun manufacturer.

Haller is mounting a high-profile case against Tidalwaiv, a billion-dollar tech company whose products include an artificial intelligence program called Clair. Colton was an avid user of Clair’s chatbot capability, which he used to create a chatbot he dubbed Wren, and then developed an emotionally intimate relationship with it.

Police believe that in Colton’s conversations with Wren, the bot encouraged him to kill Rebecca — and almost persuaded him to kill himself. Haller’s case is built on the argument that Tidalwaiv was negligent in marketing its product to teens.

Haller is braced for an all-out battle in the courtroom — but not for the death of one of his star witnesses and the growing reluctance of another to testify.

At home, he’s dealing with his first ex-wife, Maggie McPherson, who experienced a traumatic loss. She should be riding high on her recent election as the county’s district attorney, but the wildfires in Los Angeles destroyed her home. She’s moved back in with Haller, who welcomes her, but she’s struggling mightily.

Connelly keeps the tension and the stakes rising in this all-too-plausible story of the power and perils of AI.

Meet the author

Michael Connelly will be in conversation with mystery writer Lori Roy (“The Final Episode”) in a Tombolo Books event at 7 p.m. on Oct. 28 at Nova 535, 535 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg. Tickets are available at tombolobooks.com/events-bookclubs/events.

BOOK PICKS: BACK TO THE FUTURE

Here are three more thrillers inspired (but not written) by AI.

“Neuromancer” by William Gibson

“The Murderbot Diaries” by Martha Wells

“Coded Justice” by Stacey Abrams

Michael Connelly. Photo by Beowulf Sheehan.

Changing Vision®

Brandon Rodr iguez, MD

Pit Gills , MD

Jeffrey Wipﬂi, MD

Rober t M. Lee, MD

GIVING BACK

Philanthropy jackpot!

Over its two decades, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa has invested more than $10 million in philanthropy for over 100 Tampa Bay organizations.

BY AMY SCHERZER

The odds are pretty high that you’ve spotted the iconic Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa logo at some of Tampa Bay’s biggest fundraisers and festivals.

Just this past year, the casino has tied the brand to the Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest ($150,000), Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

($75,000) and the St. Pete Pride parade ($50,000).

Add to that $30,000 for The Spring of Tampa Bay’s Handbags & Happy Hour benefit, $25,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Toast to Life Gala and $20,000 as the VIP sponsor of St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation’s Holiday Fashion Show. Last month, 10 community groups received $10,000 grants to mark Hispanic Heritage Month.

Jackpot! Over its two decades in Tampa, the Interstate 4 organization, just 10 minutes east of downtown, has invested more than $10 million in local philanthropy.

Beyond tax deductions and increasing brand visibility, anteing up dollars and in-kind donations to charities and cultural events also goes a long way to offset mixed perceptions about the gaming industry.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa donated $10,000 to 10 organizations that support Hispanic and Latin American communities in the Tampa Bay area. Photos courtesy of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.

Supporting everything from health care to the arts, the casino wants to show it’s a caring corporate neighbor — like when hurricanes Helene and Milton swept through Florida.

“Overnight, more than 1,000 evacuees were sheltering in the event center,” said Gary Bitner, spokesperson for the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. “World Central Kitchen set up and made hundreds of meals to serve here and deliver to other shelters.” Collectively, Hard Rock International and the Seminole Tribe of Florida donated $1 million to World Central Kitchen and American Red Cross recovery efforts.

Completing a 1,500-seat event center in 2019 made it possible to offer much more in-kind support by hosting community events on-site. “We’ve provided food, décor, AV, entertainment and staff. Every event is different, and you really can’t put a price tag on the value,” Bitner said.

But it’s the casino’s Change for Change program that makes philanthropy a daily habit. Instead of cashing out coins after playing the slot machines, guests are encouraged to donate their spare change.

“With over 5,000 slot machines, we’re ramping up to an average of $50,000 in donations a month,” Bitner said. The Hard Rock Heals Foundation chooses the benefit organizations half of the year, and the Tampa team selects local nonprofits the other six months.

“The Seminole Hard Rock has been an amazing partner for local charities,” said Allison Gorrell, a fundraising consultant for the Ryan Nece Foundation, the Gramática Family Foundation, Martinis for Moffitt and others. “For their 50th anniversary, they gave $10,000 checks to 50 charities. For National Philanthropy Day, it was $10,000 to 75 organizations, which is so incredibly generous.”

In late 2024, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa partnered with World Central Kitchen to make and deliver meals to hundreds of hurricane evacuees.

Attendees enjoy the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, which the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa sponsored this year.

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SOCIAL SCENE

Lions World Vision Institute Foundation

Eye Ball: “A Roaring ’20s Speakeasy”

Sassy flappers and zoot-suited bootleggers turned the Lions World Vision Institute Foundation’s annual Eye Ball into a “Roaring ’20s” success with 300 guys and dolls celebrating Al Capone-style Sept. 6 at Armature Works. Jazz singer Maggie Lee’s tunes set the speakeasy tone, and there were no prohibitions at the cocktail bars or dancing to the Bay Kings Band. Auction bidding on Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Lightning VIP experiences, wine tours and African safaris supported pediatric vision health programs. CEO Jason Woody updated guests on the future Vision Health Center to be built across the street from the Ybor City institute to provide comprehensive eye care, research and education. Text and photos by Amy Scherzer.

Sharon and Marc Boyes.

Adriana Williams, Jennifer Murphy, Brooke Motley and Dara Abraham.

Ron Christaldi and Sarah and Zach Glaser.

Beth Cahill and Gretchen Bauer.

Meghan McCafferty, Megan Ehrenfelt, Scott Wheeler and Doungkae Press.

Kim Lange and Lisa Camacho.

SOCIAL SCENE

Children’s Dream Fund Rays on the Runway: “Dreams Take Center Stage”

Tampa Bay Rays players had as much fun playing catch backstage as the giggling kids making their runway debuts at Rays on the Runway, the annual fashion show and cocktail party benefit for the Children’s Dream Fund. Pink Chicken and Greyson Clothiers, both from Hyde Park Village, dressed up the models Aug. 23 at Power Design in St. Petersburg. Dreamer Tripp, just 4 when he was diagnosed with leukemia, is now 8 years old. Hearing all about his recent trip to play in the snow in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, helped move the crowd to raise more than $400,000 to fulfill more unforgettable dreams for children with life-threatening illnesses. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos courtesy of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Jake Mangum and Dreamer Dominick.

Madison and Brandon Lowe with Dreamer Lilly.

Ryan and Lilia Pepiot with Dreamer Sophie.

Dreamer Gideon and Pete Fairbanks.

Jill Fleming, Ben and Leslie Cohen and Larry Platt.

SOCIAL SCENE

AdventHealth Foundation West Florida Starlight Gala:

“Once Upon a Miracle”

Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, president of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation and chair of the Starlight Gala: “Once Upon a Miracle,” helped score over $2 million for women’s and children’s medical treatment throughout the AdventHealth Foundation West Florida division. Among the 900 guests at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street was miracle premie Chloe Long, born at 1 pound, 8 ounces at 25 weeks, who spent 104 days in the NICU. Now almost 2, healthy and strong, her family inspired donor pledges from $104 to $100,000 in honor of her days in intensive care. Generous auction buys included $50,000 for 2026 Super Bowl tickets (twice), $26,000 for the Manchester United experience (twice) and $10,000 for a Sonoma wine trip that sold eight times. Postmodern Jukebox closed the Aug. 17 gala on a roaring retro note. Text and photos by Amy Scherzer.

Joel Kassewitz and Darcie Glazer Kassewitz with Wendy and David Ottati.

Brian and Judy Ford and Kristen McCall.

Tyler Batteese and Ted Gale.

Chloe, Ann Marie and Josh Long.

Front row: Frank and Renee Lee and Arthenia Joyner. Back row: Eric and Lyris Newman.

SOCIAL SCENE

The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women Gourmet Feastival: “Almost

ABBA”

“Thank You for the Music” and “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” sang out The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women supporters at the 33rd annual Gourmet Feastival, where nearly 1,000 guests turned Higgins Hall into a disco tasting party on Aug. 7. With tribute band Almost ABBA belting out timeless hits, the crowd of dancing queens and super troupers bopped between bites and sips from over 30 restaurants, breweries and caterers. Bloom TV host Gayle Guyardo emceed the evening, chatting with Gourmet Feastival co-chair chef Jason Cates and TECO’s community investment manager Julie Ward about The Centre’s life-changing programs. Since opening in 1977, the nonprofit has empowered hundreds of women (and men, too) with services ranging from career development to wellness support. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by Keith Lindquist.

Chef Jason Cates and Ann W. Madsen.

Terry Baker, Sharon Conklin Perez, Dr. Molly Hart, Trinity Oliver, Betsey Hapner, Lisa Ewing, Lynne Daboll, Evan Laszlo, Ann W. Madsen, Michael Ricci and Madison Massey.

For over 26 years, Dr Zimmer has provided unparalleled care in internal medicine to thousands of patients. The Zimmer Concierge Medical Membership takes the patient experience to the next level, infusing the highest-quality care with first-rate amenities to make your visits comfortable, convenient, and hassle-free.

We’re bringing back the idea of the family doctor, and creating physician-patient relationships that are authentic and personal. As a member, you’ll benefit from our premium services while receiving care uniquely tailored to your medical needs.

From antiquities to contemporary ar t and so much in between, there’s something for ever yone to discover at the Museum of Fine Ar ts, St Petersburg Explore our renowned MFA Collection, spanning centuries and cultures, and experience our special exhibitions showcasing groundbreaking ar tists and unique perspectives. Enrich your visit with our engaging programs and events, designed to connect you with ar t in exciting new ways Visit us in person or connect with us on social media @MFAStPete.

EX PL OR E TH E VA ULTS

FIRST GIFTS, 1962–1966 ON VI EW TH RO UG H NO VE MB ER 23 , 20 25

Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606–1669, Christ Disputing with the Doctors: A Sketch (detail), 1652, Etching and dr ypoint on paper, Gift of Margaret Acheson Stuart

ENTREPRENEURS AND CONNOISSEURS, C. 1900-1940 ON VI EW TH RO UG H FE BR UA RY 1, 20 26

Clara Driscoll, American, 1861-1944, Manufacturer: Tiﬀany Studios, American active 1902-1932, Daﬀodil Lamp Shade with Iris Base c. 1900

Leaded glass and bronze; modern wiring, Gift of Mary Alice McClendon in honor of the Museum’s 50th Anniversar y

Michael A. Zimmer MD, MACP

CU RRE NT LY ON VI EW

SOCIAL SCENE

Moffitt Cancer Center Martinis for Moffitt

Bay Area Advisors shook up the dance floor and cocktail shakers yet again at their steamy signature bash, Martinis for Moffitt, all in support of advanced prostate cancer research and young adult patient programs at Moffitt Cancer Center. Nearly 800 party guests packed the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa on July 19, dancing to the music of Ashley Smith, SugarSax and TL Jentgens, with DJ Fresh spinning the beats. The evening soared — literally — with the Aerial Dragons’ sky-high acrobatics. A silent auction of trips, jewelry, sports tickets and more helped co-chairs Dr. Derek Busciglio and Kostas Stoilas push the professional men’s club’s charity impact near $3 million since 2006. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by Joe Photo Tampa.

Dr. Derek Busciglio, Dr. Patrick Hwu and Kostas Stoilas.

Front row: Jesse Perez, Denny Gallagher, Tom Stanton, Kostas Stoilas and Corey Lilburn. Back row: Ryan Conigliaro, Brian Diesselhorst, Jason Levy, Dan Maroney, Mark Spence, Steve Frey, Shaun Bernstein, Scott Griffith and Dr. Derek Busciglio.

Gennie Swenson, Natalie Craig, Debra Bauman, Elizabeth Versaggi, Lori Menendez and Kristen Perusek.

Liz Oberndorfer Donald and Kristine Pollock.

UN PO LI SH ED IN TE NT

SOCIAL SCENE

Dress for Success Tampa Bay Empowerment on the Runway

A dozen Dress for Success Tampa Bay clients, board members and supporters modeled not just fashions but confidence and purpose at Empowerment on the Runway, the global nonprofit’s annual summer fashion show benefit to help women working to achieve economic independence. Veteran television news reporter Melanie Michael emceed the event July 20 at Higgins Hall, tying the “Strutting with Strength” theme to the organization’s mission, which includes career mentoring, financial education and professional attire services. Ann Taylor and Tweeds Custom Suits provided the fashions, Embellished catered the afternoon buffet and Wine on Wheels and Passion Fruit & Co. kept the drinks flowing. Dress for Success Tampa Bay welcomes donations of women’s job interview clothing year-round. Text and photos by Amy Scherzer.

BJ Sklar, Ruchi Bhadauria and Melanie Michael.

Seema Ramroop, Rita Lowman, Neyshika Tellis and Donna Douglas.

Alma Wiseman, Alexis and Nathan Gigee and Benjamin Halluska.

Darryl Myles and Lisette Parsons.

Register

Suncoast Voices for Children

Suncoast Voices is a lifeline for abused, neglected and abandoned children across Pinellas and Pasco counties by meeting critical needs that aren’t covered by traditional funding. Providing essentials like beds, clothing and enrichment opportunities, we help children feel safe, supported and valued We act quickly to ﬁll gaps and offer stability during uncertain times. Every child deserves more than survival; they deserve the chance to heal, grow and thrive

Parc Center for Disabilities

Parc Center for Disabilities is the heart of hope and progress in Pinellas County, serving children and adults with developmental disabilities since 1953. With a proud legacy of transforming lives, Parc empowers individuals to discover their streng ths, embrace their abilities and achieve their fullest potential. Guided by a person-centered philosophy, Parc creates opportunities for independence while ensuring every individual is valued, respected and celebrated for their unique gifts

Main Fundraising Event: Be the Voice Gala

Date: Oct. 25, 2025 Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Power Design, 11600 Ninth St. N., St. Petersburg

Description of Event: Join us for SVC’s 10th annual Be the Voice Gala. This dress-to-impress event will include dinner, an open bar, exclusive auctions, live entertainment from Le Jazz/Magic and stories of impact as we raise funds to help make an impact “Every Step of the Way” for the most vulnerable children in our community.

Ticket Price: $150

Contact: Wendy Woolley

Telephone: 561-512-0307

Email: wwoolley@suncoastvoices.org Website: suncoastvoices.org

We PREVENT, PROTECT and PROVIDE. It’s what we do It’s who we are.

Main Fundraising Event: Parc Center for Disabilities’ 56th Annual Evening of Purpose Black-Tie Gala

Date: Nov. 8, 2025 Time: 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Location: The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg

Description of Event: This year’s theme, “This is Us,” shines a spotlight on our residents and participants. Join us for an unforgettable evening of elegance and purpose featuring: • A gourmet dinner & open bar • Exclusive silent and live auction items • A moving performance by Parc’s Inspired Choir • And more Ticket Price: $250

Tampa Bay History Center

Discover Tampa’s past at the Tampa Bay History Center, where 12,000 years of Florida history come to life through dynamic exhibits, rare artifacts and engaging programs

Located on the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa, the museum offers exclusive events, curated tours and an unparalleled look at the region’s cultural legacy Support from donors helps preserve local history and expand educational outreach. Join today and be part of a legacy that celebrates the stories that shaped Tampa Bay.

Contact: Steve Lampar

Telephone: 727-345-9111

Email: slampar@parc-ﬂ.org Website: parc-ﬂ.org

The annual Parc Center for Disabilities Black-Tie Gala will truly be a night to remember!

Main Fundraising Event: Tampa Bay History Center’s Annual Gala

Date: Nov. 14, 2025 Time: 7-11 p.m.

Location: Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Water St., Tampa

Description of Event: The Tampa Bay History Center’s Annual Gala returns Friday, Nov. 14, led by Duncan and Jessica Belser Guests will enjoy live music, open bars, Columbia Café buffets and Riverwalk views The aviationthemed evening is black tie Ticket Price: $300

Contact: Lisa-Perry Richardson

Telephone: 813-675-8991

Email: lrichardson@ tampabayhistorycenter.org

Website: tampabayhistorycenter.org /gala

Aerial view of the Tampa Bay History Center and downtown Tampa. Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay History Center

The Poynter Institute

The Poynter Institute is a global nonproﬁt working to address society’s most pressing issues by teaching journalists and journalism, covering the media and the complexities facing the industry, convening and community building, improving the capacity and sustainability of news organizations and fostering trust and reliability of information. Support for Poynter upholds the integrity of the free press and builds public conﬁdence in journalism and media an essential for healthy democracies.

Ac ademy Prep Center of St . Petersburg

Our mission is to inspire and empower scholars qualifying for need-based scholarships to become future community leaders through a rigorous middle school program coupled with ongoing graduate support. Our vision is that Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg will be a beacon of excellence by guiding all scholars to achieve academic excellence from middle school through college, foster personal integrity and make a lifelong commitment to service in their communities.

Main Fundraising Event: The Bowtie Ball

Date: Nov. 15, 2025

Location: JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, 510 Water St., Tampa

Description of Event: The 2025 Bowtie Ball, an elegant year-end celebration of the free press, will recognize the distinguished careers of Jane Pauley of “CBS Sunday Morning,” G.B. “Garry” Trudeau, creator of “Doonesbury,” and Dean Baquet, former executive editor of The New York Times.

Ticket Price: $400

Email: marketing@poynter.org

Website: poynter.org /event /poyntersbowtie-ball-2025

Jane Pauley of “CBS Sunday Morning,” G.B. “Garry” Trudeau, creator of “Doonesbury,” and Dean

Times will be recognized at the Bowtie Ball.

Main Fundraising Event:

Evening of Dreams

Date: Feb. 7, 2026 Time: 6-11 p.m.

Location: The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, 150 Central Ave., St Petersburg

Description of Event: Evening of Dreams is a night of celebration and impact featuring a curated dinner, wine and cocktails, inspiring student stories and one of Tampa Bay’s most popular live and silent auctions.

Suncoast Hospice Foundation

The Suncoast Hospice Foundation, a member of Empath Health— the nation’s largest not-for-proﬁt provider of non-acute care— supports individuals with chronic, advanced and terminal illnesses, as well as those experiencing grief, across North, West and Southwest Florida. Founded in 1982 to advance Suncoast Hospice’s mission, the foundation ensures that anyone in need has access to compassionate, skilled and holistic care

Ticket Price: Starting at $350

Contact: Lacey Nash Miller

Telephone: 727-322-0800, Ext. 2109

Email: lnashmiller@academyprep.org

Website: stpete.academyprep.org

Evening of Dreams co-chairs Lynne Stamey, Beth England and Christine Hanner at Evening of Dreams 2025

Main Fundraising Event: Suncoast Hospice Gala

Date: March 7, 2026

Time: 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

Location: Opal Sol Resort, 400 Coronado Drive, Clearwater

Description of Event: Experience an evening of iridescent wonder at the 24th annual Suncoast Hospice Gala: “Opal Tropic”! Join us at Opal Sol for coastal glam, island vibes and vibrant entertainment all supporting compassionate care that brings dignity, comfort and connection to our community. Ticket Price: $400; Sponsorship packages available

Contact: Rachel Lewis

Telephone: 727-523-3419

Email: rachellewis@empathhealth.org Website: suncoasthospicegala.org

Guests enjoy an evening of dining, dancing and spirited bidding during the annual Suncoast Hospice

Baquet

The New York

Charity Register presented by

Gala.

Daystar Life

Daystar Life is a nonproﬁt in St. Petersburg dedicated to providing hope and help to neighbors in need. Through essential services like our healthy food pantry, clothing closet, ﬁnancial assistance and guidance, we support families facing hardship. Our on-site organic garden, children’s programs and workshops promote long-term stability and wellness. By combining compassion with practical assistance, Daystar helps thousands each year move from crisis toward brighter, more stable futures

Metropolitan Ministries

Metropolitan Ministries cares for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in our community through services that alleviate suffering, promote dignity and instill self-sufficiency, as an expression of the ongoing ministry of Jesus Christ.

Main Fundraising Event: Bridge Builders

Date: March 26, 2026

Main Fundraising Event: Clay Center of St. Petersburg presents Empty Bowls, supporting Daystar Life

Date: March 14, 2026

Location: Clay Center of St Petersburg, 2010 First Ave. S., St Petersburg

Description of Event: Empty Bowls is a community fundraiser where guests enjoy soup, salad, bread and fellowship while raising awareness of food insecurity. Each attendee takes home a handcrafted bowl as a reminder of the empty bowls in our community and the ﬁght against hunger

Ticket Price: $30

Contact: Erika Cinker

Telephone: 727-618-6330

Email: erika.cinker@daystarlife.org Website: daystarlife.org

Attendees search for their favorite artisan bowl at Empty Bowls last year: soup, community, and art united to ﬁght hunger

Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Location: JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, 510 Water St., Tampa

Description of Event: Bridge Builders is Metropolitan Ministries’ annual signature fundraising event that highlights real client stories and the life change you make possible. Together, as a compassionate community, we are changing the trajectory for the lives of children and families experiencing homelessness.

Ticket Price: $3,000 for a table of 10. Sponsorship opportunities available

Contact: Cindy Sofarelli, vice president of advancement and community engagement

Telephone: 813-209-1020

Email: cindy.sofarelli@metromin.org

Website: metromin.org

Clothes To Kids

Clothes To Kids provides new and quality used clothing to low-income or in-crisis school-age children, free of charge. Clothes To Kids envisions a community in which every schoolage child has quality clothing, so he or she may attend school with the conﬁdence and self-esteem needed to achieve academic success.

Main Fundraising Event: Clothes Matter - Birthday Party

Date: April 9, 2026

Time: 5:30-9 p.m.

Location: Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa

Description of Event: Shopping starts with us! Ever wonder where clothes could take you? Join us for our birthday party ordinary to extraordinary! Every gift of support helps turn everyday shopping into something out of the ordinary for children in need Celebrate our birthday with us and create an opportunity to give kids in greater Tampa Bay a truly special shopping experience. Funds raised will help provide a free week’s worth of school clothes to the kids who need it most.

Ticket Price: $150; tables of eight begin at $1,000

Contact: Sarah Shine

Telephone: 813-616-6430, Ext. 126

Email: sarahs@clothestokids.org

Website: clothestokids.org

Bridge Builders at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street.

Charity Register presented by

Guests at CTK’s largest fundraiser of the year their annual birthday party

Photo by Joe Photo Tampa.

Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside partners with families and the community to build affordable homes across Pinellas, west Pasco and Hernando counties. Through volunteer labor, donor support and sweat equity, Habitat empowers hardworking families to achieve the dream of homeownership, creating stability, streng th and self-reliance for generations to come.

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art

The James Museum provides experiences that inspire human connection and transformation through art depicting the peoples, landscapes and history of the American West and wildlife of the world. The museum engages the community through educational programs and tours for all ages that bring history to life and amplify voices that are not often at the forefront of mainstream Western art.

Main Fundraising Event: Nashville Nights: “Boots on the Beach”

Date: April 10, 2026

Location: Opal Sol Resort, 400 Coronado Drive, Clearwater

Description of Event: Over 500 guests will gather April 10, 2026, for Habitat for Humanity’s Nashville Nights: “Boots on the Beach” gala. This sell-out evening features inspiring homeowner stories, live entertainment and an exciting auction. Join us as a sponsor to support affordable homeownership

Ticket Price: Sponsorships and weekend stay packages are available!

Contact: Morgan Mandelker

Telephone: 727-536-4755

Email: mmandelker@habitattbg.org

Website: habitattbg.org

In 2025, Nashville Nights raised over $1. 25 million to build homes, communities and hope across Tampa Bay!

LAMPLighters

Since 1986, LAMPLighters has been dedicated to serving families in need by engaging in activities to improve their health, education and rehabilitation and providing opportunities for their spiritual development. These passionate women focus on raising funds for children sheltered at Metropolitan Ministries and Joshua House. LAMPLighters has also established learning labs and libraries at these shelters.

Main Fundraising Event: Jamboree at The James

Date: April 11, 2026 Time: 6-10:30 p.m.

Location: The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, 150 Central Ave., St Petersburg

Description of Event: Grab your dance partner, dust off your cowboy boots and ride on over for an evening of country Western fun in celebration and support of The James Museum! The 2026 event theme is inspired by the iconic Route 66. Ticket Price: Starting at $200

Contact: Debbie Sokolov, CFRE, MNA Telephone: 727-892-4200, Ext. 1034

Email: debbie.sokolov@ thejamesmuseum.org Website: thejamesmuseum.org

Main Fundraising Event: LAMPLighters Fund Hope – 40th Anniversary Celebration: “Ruby Jubilee”

Date: April 18, 2026 Time: 7-11 p.m.

Location: Higgins Hall, 5225 N. Himes Ave., Tampa

Description of Event: Join us as we honor four decades of changing the trajectory of children’s lives. Be part of a magical evening of celebration and purpose, including dinner, an open bar, dancing and an auction. All proceeds beneﬁt Metropolitan Ministries and Joshua House.

Ticket Price: $200

Contact: Raquel Merrill Telephone: 813-758-8259

Email: raqaxo@gmail.com Website: lamplighterstampa.org

Celebrate LAMPLighters at LAMPLighters Fund Hope 40th Anniversary Celebration: “Ruby Jubilee.” Visit lamplighterstampa.org for tickets, sponsorships and auction donation information.

Guests enjoy a whirl on the dance ﬂoor at The Jamboree!

Charity Register presented by

Ronald McDonald House

Tampa Bay

At Ronald McDonald House Tampa Bay, our mission is to provide essential services that remove barriers, streng then families and promote healing when children need health care.

Main Fundraising Event: The Storybook Ball: “Princess and the Frog”

Date: May 16, 2026

Location: Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel, 4200 Jim Walter Blvd., Tampa

Description of Event: The Storybook Ball is Ronald McDonald House Tampa Bay’s premier annual gala, bringing the community together for an enchanting evening of dinner, dancing and auctions Proceeds directly support families staying close to their hospitalized children, ensuring comfort, hope and togetherness during critical times.

Ticket Price: $500

Contact: Cathleen Wozney

Telephone: 727-620-7211

The Marcia P. Hoﬀman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall

For over 40 years, Ruth Eckerd Hall has presented the best programming, and, as a nonproﬁt organization, it continues to change lives through the performing arts. Funds raised year-round beneﬁt The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts, one of the largest providers of arts education and community outreach experiences in the nation. The programs offered impact 60,500 students of all ages, abilities and circumstances each year

Email: events@rmhctampabay.org

Website: ronaldmcdonaldhousetb.org

Main Fundraising Event: 2025-2026 Annual Beneﬁt

Date: Spring 2026

Location: To Be Determined

Description of Event: Fundraising is continuous at Ruth Eckerd Hall to beneﬁt The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts. The theme for the upcoming fundraiser event will be announced soon.

Pinellas Educ ation Foundation

Pinellas Education Foundation is a nationally recognized, dynamic nonproﬁt organization committed to transforming students’ lives, empowering them to achieve their full potential and providing teachers with the resources they need to excel in the classroom. With a comprehensive approach to education, our programs cover the bookends of learning, beginning with an emphasis on literacy all the way through college and career readiness.

Ticket Price: Varies

Contact: Taylor Eckard

Email: teckard@rutheckerdhall.net

Website: rutheckerdhall.com

Main Fundraising Event: ChangeMakers

Date: September 2026

Time: 8:30 a.m.

Location: Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park, 950 Lake Carillon Drive, St. Petersburg

Description of Event: Our annual ChangeMakers breakfast celebrates those who make a difference ChangeMakers are individuals who believe in the power of education and invest in education, whether that is through time, talent or treasure.

Ticket Price: $75

Contact: Kiersten Keely

Telephone: 727-588-4816, Ext. 2111

Email: kkeely@pinellaseducation.org Website: pinellaseducation.org/newsand-events/events/changemakers

Community leaders gather at Pinellas Education Foundation’s ChangeMakers breakfast to celebrate partnerships supporting student success

Dancing, laughter and giving back: Our Storybook Ball makes dreams come true for families staying close to their hospitalized children.

Students of The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts present a music theater performance

A canvas not yet painted. A palette of purpose. A life longing for the purple of laughter, the blue of independence, and the happy hue of something new.

For the one whose landscape may feel gray, I ﬁll her hear t with shades of hope.

You hold the brush, adding coats of love and strokes of change to someone’s future

Help paint the picture.

Here, you’ll find the most up -to -date information on galas, concerts, stage performances, art exhibitions and much more. For the latest updates, check the event host ’s website.

October 2025

St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation. St. Joseph’s Annual Golf Classic. Old Memorial Golf Club, 13600 Hixon Road, Tampa. 7 a.m.

The Florida Orchestra. La TEA Do St. Petersburg Woman’s Club, 40 Snell Isle Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg. 2-4 p.m.

Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg. Breakfast for Scholars. St. Petersburg Yacht Club. 7:30 a.m.

The Spring of Tampa Bay. Gift of Peace Luncheon. Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. 12 p.m.

ECHO of Brandon. ECHO Empower Breakfast. The Regent, 6437 Watson Road, Riverview. Check-in: 7:308 a.m. Breakfast: 8-9 a.m.

James D. Cohen, Dr Jasmine Cohen-Young and Marcus Young III Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg. Evening of Dreams. Photo courtesy of Carlos Rello Photography.

Rotary Club of Ybor City Fourth Annual Bourbon Ball. Tampa Garden Club, 2629 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa. 7-10 p.m.

Pasco Education Foundation Swing for the Kids Golf Classic. Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, 12900 Lake Jovita Blvd., Dade City 8:30 a.m.

Brain Expansions Scholastic Training (B.E.S.T.).

Diamonds in the Rough Gala TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 N. 50th St., Tampa. 6:30 p.m.

Alzheimer’s Association. Walk to End Alzheimer’s Tampa. Benchmark International Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 8 a.m.

Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Tuxes & Tails: “Bollywood.” Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa. 5:30 p.m.

YMCA of the Suncoast. Corporate Cup Challenge. James P. Gills Family YMCA, 8411 Photonics Drive, New Port Richey. 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa. Blue and Gold Gala. George M. Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa. 6 p.m.

YMCA of the Suncoast. 31st Annual YMCA Charity Golf Tournament. Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., New Port Richey. 1 p.m.

Tampa East Sertoma Club 40th Annual Golf Classic. The Eagles Golf Club, 16101 Nine Eagles Drive, Odessa. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. 25

The Dalí Museum Sueños de Dalí. The Dalí Museum, 1 Dalí Blvd., St. Petersburg 7:30-11 p.m.

YMCA of the Suncoast. Citrus County YMCA Triathlon. Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA, 4127 W. Norvell Bryant Highway, Lecanto. 7 a.m.

Joshua House. LAMPLighters Fall into Fashion. Shanna & Bryan Glazer JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., Tampa. 11 a.m.1:30 p.m.

Clothes To Kids. Kick One Back paired with Shoetober Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. 6-8 p.m.

The Great West Chase. The Great West Chase 10K, 5K and Fun Run. West Park Village, 9902 Brompton Drive, Tampa. 10K: 7 a.m 5K: 8 a.m. Fun run: 9 a.m.

Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation. Pumpkin Fest. Florida Botanical Gardens Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Gala for Straz Center Morsani Hall at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa. 6 p.m.

CASA Pinellas. Third Annual Scavenger Hunt. Kickoff: Welcome to the Farm, 242 First Ave. N., St Petersburg. After-party: Good Night John Boy, 16 Second St. N., St. Petersburg Kickoff: 12 p.m. After-party and awards: 3 p.m.

One Community Now. Pack the Park for Pack a Sack. Sims Park, Grand Boulevard & Bank Street, New Port Richey. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Suncoast Voices for Children. Be the Voice Gala. Power Design, 11600 Ninth St. N., St. Petersburg. 6-11 p.m.

Tampa General Hospital Foundation TGH Gala: “Elevating Excellence.” JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, 510 Water St., Tampa. 6-11 p.m.

Models at the annual event smile for the camera Joshua House. Bowties & Clutches

Photo courtesy of Sergii Lakhno

Scott and Kathy Fink, Heather Joura, Ryan Fink, Gabi Ruskin and Jordan Fink Straz Center for the Performing Arts Gala for Straz Center Photo courtesy of Amy Scherzer

American Cancer Society. Making Strides of Tampa Bay. Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. 7:30 a.m.

Gulfport Senior Center Foundation Night in Italy Maria Center 5-9 p.m.

Tampa Hispanic Heritage Inc. Hispanic Woman & Hispanic Man of the Year Gala. Hilton Tampa Downtown, 211 N. Tampa St., Tampa. 6 p.m.

Chapters Health System. Rock the Dock: “Big Kahuna Luau.” Bob Buckhorn River Center, 402 W. Laurel St., Tampa. 6-10 p.m.

NAACP St. Petersburg. 84th Annual Freedom Fund Gala The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 5-8:30 p.m.

28 The Florida Holocaust Museum. Look Closer: An Evening of Magic. Zubrick Magic Theatre, 1211 First Ave. N., Suite 101, St Petersburg 7 p.m. 29

Gulfport Senior Center Foundation. Mad Beach Band Concert. Catherine A. Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport. 7-10 p.m. 30 Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. A Toast for a Cure Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. 6 p.m.

Philip A. Bryant Melanoma Foundation. 15th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club, 8001 Cumberland Road, Seminole. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

31 The 13 Ugly Men Foundation fundraising for the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch. The Halloween Party. The Cuban Club, 2010 N. Avenida Republica de Cuba, Tampa. 8 p.m.-2 a.m.

November

2025

1 Palm Harbor Museum. Wine Around Palm Harbor Palm Harbor Museum, 2043 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor. 4-7 p.m.

CDC of Tampa. Fundraising Gala Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. Reception: 6:30 p.m. Gala begins: 7:30 p.m.

St. Francis Animal Rescue. Life Amplified PURRRFECT Costume Party. The Studio at Carrollwood Cultural Center, 13345 Casey Road, Tampa. 8-10 p.m.

Memb ershipMatters .

Every child deserves the chance to create, explore, and shine.

Your membership matters it breaks down barriers, brings the arts into schools, and opens doors for thousands Each year, you help reach 60,500 students with more than 145,000 hours of arts experiences. And no child is ever turned away.

Join today and help a child discover their gift.

A Member

Tampa Bay Watch. Evening for the Bay: “Sea Star Soirée.” Tampa Bay Watch, 3000 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde. 6-10 p.m.

Tampa Museum of Art. Pavilion XXXIX Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. 7 p.m.

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. Rock the Roof Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s West Parking Garage, 1818 Hawthorne St., Sarasota. 7 p.m.

Tidewell Foundation. Lakeside Legacy Walk: “Eternally Hopeful.” Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. 9 a.m.

Great Explorations Children’s Museum. Keys to Giving Campaign. Virtual.

Jewish Community Center of West Pasco. Car Show. Jewish Community Center of West Pasco, 9841 Scenic Drive, Port Richey. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Hark-ALS. Blazing Trails of Hope and Support for ALS. The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, 150 Central Ave., St Petersburg 2-5 p.m.

St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation 15th Annual Golf Classic. Innisbrook Resort, 36750 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Morton Plant Mease Health Care Foundation 36th Annual Dr George Morris Memorial Foundation Golf and Racquet Sports Tournament. Belleair Country Club, 1 Country Club Lane, Belleair 11 a.m.

Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. Golfing Fore Habitat. Topgolf St. Petersburg, 220 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg 12-3 p.m.

Planned Parenthood of Florida. Rosé for Reproductive Rights. Good Night John Boy, 16 Second St N., St. Petersburg 6 p.m.

HPH Hospice. Champions of Children. Kontos Event Center, 9426 Little Road, New Port Richey. 8 a.m.

Ybor City Historical Society. Third Annual ¡VIVA! Speakeasy Soirée. J.C. Newman Cigar Company, 2701 N. 16th St., Tampa. 7-10:30 p.m.

Pinellas PAL. PAL Benefit Breakfast. Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park, 950 Lake Carillon Drive, St. Petersburg 8-9 a.m.

Tampa Bay Maritime Scholarship Foundation. Ninth Annual Port Tampa BaySlam Fishing Tournament Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

SPARCC (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center). SPARCCle Sunset Soirée. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. 6 p.m.

Pasco Kids First Children’s Advocacy Center. Fourth Annual Paint the Night Blue. St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 9426 Little Road, New Port Richey 6:30 p.m.

Scouting America Greater Tampa Bay Area Council. Sporting Clays Classic. Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land O’Lakes 8 a.m.

St. Pete Fools Charities fundraising for local charities. St. Pete Fools Charity Ride. OCC Road House & Museum, 10575 49th St N., Clearwater. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Florida Voices for Animals. 13th Annual Tampa Bay Veg Fest. Perry Harvey Sr. Park, 1000 E. Harrison St., Tampa. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

6-9

The Margaret Acheson Stuart Society fundraising for the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. Smartly Dressed: “Welcome to New York.” The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St Petersburg Doors open: 10 a.m. Fashion show and luncheon: 12 p.m.

The Junior League of Tampa. Holiday Gift Market. Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301, Tampa.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 10th Annual Around the World with St Jude Gala. Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. 6-11 p.m.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Light the Night. Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. 5 p.m.

Mike Sutton, Kitty Handwerk and Heather Ford Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. Nashville Nights. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

Hispanic Professional Women’s Association. Annual Tea Party. International Event Venue, 6463 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Parc Center for Disabilities. Black-Tie Gala: “This is Us.” The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St Petersburg 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Out of the Darkness Walks. St. Petersburg Walk. Mole at Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE, St Petersburg. 9 a.m.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. Frenchy’s Big Clays for Kids. Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land O’Lakes. 1-4 p.m.

Wheelchairs 4 Kids. Wheely Good Time Gala. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. 6:30 p.m.

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. 12th Annual Run for All Children. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, 501 Sixth Ave. S., St Petersburg 7:30 a.m.

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Calendar of Events 2025 -2026

GFWC North Pinellas Woman’s Club Christmas Under the Oaks. St. Petersburg College Clearwater Campus, 2465 Drew St., Clearwater. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Chi Chi Rodrigeuz Youth Foundation Chi Chi Charity Classic. Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Club, 3030 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater.

Tampa Fireﬁghters Museum Golf Tournament. Tampa Palms Country Club, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd., Tampa.

Operation PAR. Everyday Miracles Luncheon The Karol Hotel, 2675 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater. 12-1:30 p.m.

Association of Fundraising Professionals Tampa Bay Chapter. Awards Luncheon National Philanthropy Day. The Margarete Heye Great Room at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 11:15 a.m.-2 p.m.

Selah Freedom. Unmasked: “Revealing Their Truth” Gala The Westin Sarasota, 100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota 6-10 p.m.

Bay Area Manufacturers Association. Kelly Murphy Memorial Golf Fundraiser Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’Lakes. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School Dream Gala: “Dreaming of Havana Nights.” Academy of the Holy Names’ Brady Center, 3319 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa. 7 p.m.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of Florida. 16th Annual Wine Tasting and Auction. Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., New Port Richey. 6:30-10 p.m.

Tampa Bay History Center. Annual Gala. Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Water St., Tampa. 7-11 p.m. 14 -16 St. Pete Free Clinic St. Pete Run Fest Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Drive SE, St Petersburg

15 Best Buddies. Champion of the Year: Tampa Bay. Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, 2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa. Cocktail hour: 6:30 p.m. Dinner and event program: 7:30 p.m.

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Casino Night & Cocktails. Coastal Creative, 2201 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Suncoast Animal League. 16th Annual Dogtoberfest. Highlander Park, 903 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

EmpowerHERment. The Roaring Her Gala Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park, 950 Lake Carillon Drive, St. Petersburg 6 p.m.

Raptor Center of Tampa Bay. The Magical Bird Bus at the Fairy Festival Lakeland Moccasin Lake Nature Park, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

American Heart Association. Tampa Bay Heart Walk. Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. 7:30-11 a.m.

The Poynter Institute. Bowtie Ball. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, 510 Water St., Tampa.

GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa. Bowling for Turkeys. Pin Chasers, 4847 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa. 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Raising Relief Foundation. Denim and Diamonds Gala. Sheraton Sand Key Resort, 1160 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater Beach. 6 p.m. 16

Carrollwood Players Theatre. Hooray for Hollywood Gala. Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. 4-8 p.m. 17

Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Tees Fore Tails. Hunter’s Green County Club, 18101 Longwater Run Drive, Tampa. 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Ronald McDonald House Tampa Bay. Charity Golf Classic. Westchase Golf Club, 11602 Westchase Golf Drive, Tampa. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wheels of Success Inc Road Trip Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. 6-10 p.m.

YMCA of the Suncoast. 20th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. Sheraton Sand Key Resort, 1160 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater Beach. 7-9 a.m.

Newman Delany, Paige Goodwin Delany, Lizzie Goodwin and Kiran Lingam. Tampa Bay History Center Ships & Saddles Gala. Photo courtesy of Joe Photo Tampa.

Equality Florida. Tampa Gala: “A Breath of Fresh Air.” Shanna & Bryan Glazer JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., Tampa. 7 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation. Holiday Fashion Show. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, 510 Water St., Tampa. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Pasco Education Foundation. AIM for Education. Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land O’Lakes 9 a.m.

Breakthrough T1D. Tampa Gala Hilton Tampa Downtown, 211 N. Tampa St., Tampa. 6 p.m.

Muscular Dystrophy Association. Toast to Life. The Country Club of Orlando, 1601 Country Club Drive, Orlando 6 p.m.

Moffitt Cancer Center. Miles for Moffitt. Benchmark International Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa.

Suncoast Animal League 16th Annual Pars 4 Paws Wentworth Golf Club, 2990 Wentworth Way, Tarpon Springs. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Children’s Dream Fund. Turkey Toss Cornhole Tournament. 8223 Verna Bethany Road, Myakka City 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

27 Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA Tampa YMCA Turkey Gobble. Benchmark International Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 7-9 a.m.

Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation Holiday Lights. Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Nov. 28, 2025, to Jan. 3, 2026

29-30 St. Pete Youth Farm and Jump for Kids Shopapalooza Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE, St Petersburg. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

December 2025

1-31 Suncoast Hospice Foundation Lights of Lake Park. Lake Park Estates, 109 Ave. N., Largo. 6-10 p.m.

2 Schools for Haiti. Fueling Futures: “Feeding the Bodies and Minds of Haitian Children.” Centre Club, 123 S. West Shore Blvd., Eighth Floor, Tampa. 8-9:30 a.m.

3 Sunrise of Pasco County. 21st Annual Peace Breakfast. Saint Leo University’s Wellness Center, 12338 Priory Circle, St Leo. 7-8:30 a.m.

HPH Hospice. Ladies Leaving a Legacy Golf Tournament. Skyview Golf Club, 2100 N. Terra Vista Blvd., Hernando 8:30 a.m.

Boley Angels. Jingle Mingle Holiday Brunch. St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation. Lights of Love McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St., Plant City 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Metropolitan Ministries and Joshua House. LAMPLighters’ Annual Silver Christmas Coffee Private residence. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay. Girls on the Run Celebration 5K Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Ave., Tampa. 8-11 a.m.

Madi’s Movement Making Magic. Feeding Tampa Bay, 3624 Causeway Blvd., Tampa. 12-3 p.m.

Melanoma Research Foundation. Tampa Bay Miles for Melanoma 5K. Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, 100 Alderman Ford Park Drive, Plant City 7:30-11 a.m.

Friends of the Island Parks. Bluegrass Festival

Honeymoon Island State Park Picnic Area, 1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Champions for Children. Gasparilla Cars in the Park. Carrollwood Village Park, 4680 West Village Drive, Tampa. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

6-7

GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club. 46th Annual Lutz Arts and Crafts Festival. Keystone Preparatory High School, 18105 Gunn Highway, Odessa Dec. 6: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Moffitt CEO Dr Patrick Hwu, Lauren and Tom Pepin and Rose Baker Reilly Moffitt Cancer Center Magnolia Ball Photo courtesy of Amy Scherzer

11 The Florida Orchestra. Ring in the Holidays. Private residence. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Gulfport Senior Center Foundation Big Band Christmas Concert. Catherine A. Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport. 5-9 p.m.

Boley Centers. Boley Centers’ 43rd Annual Jingle Bell Run. Adjacent to North Straub Park, Bayshore Drive Northeast at Second Avenue Northeast. Registration: 6 p.m. Race kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

12-13

Pinellas Beaches Chamber. Merry Beach Market Holiday Festival. R.O.C Park, Madeira Beach Recreational Complex, 200 Rex Place, Maderia Beach. Dec. 12: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 13: 2-8 p.m.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay. Great Futures Breakfast. TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 N. 50th St., Tampa. 7:30 a.m.

Nyan Cares Corp Arutisuse Run 5K Rowlett Park, 2401 E. Yukon St., Tampa. 7:30-10:30 a.m.

13 -14 Florida Giant Dog Rescue. Keel Farms Christmas Wine Run 5K. Keel and Curley Winery, 5202 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City

14 Arthritis Foundation. Jingle Bell Run. George M. Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa. 9 a.m.

Ryan Nece Foundation 17th Annual Power of Giving Holiday Party. Tampa Garden Club, 2629 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa. 6-10 p.m.

Tampa Bay Wave Hall of Fame Fundraiser and Awards Celebration. The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 6-9 p.m.

Tampa Bay Watch. Florida Holiday Distance Classic. Seminole City Park, 7464 Ridge Road, Seminole. 31

Jewish Community Center of West Pasco. Casino Night/ New Year’s Eve Gala. Jewish Community Center of West Pasco, 9841 Scenic Drive, Port Richey 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

January 2026 1

Nik’s Wish. Cheers to New Year’s 5K Run/Walk. Gadsden Park, 6901 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa. 10 a.m. 10

Fifth Annual Bikes & Beers Tampa Bay. Cigar City Brewing, 3924 W. Spruce St., Tampa.

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. The Hospital Gala. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota. 6 p.m.

Tampa Rough Riders. Charity Sporting Clays Tournament. Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land O’Lakes 10 a.m. 18

Navy SEAL Foundation. 17th Annual Tampa Bay Frogman Swim Gandy Beach 7 a.m.

Joshua House. MJH Golf Classic. Carrollwood Country Club, 13903 Clubhouse Drive, Tampa. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay. Great Futures Golf Challenge: “100 Holes for 100 Years.” The Groves Golf & Country Club, 7924 Melogold Circle, Land O’Lakes. 11 a.m.

One Community Now. Clay Shoot. Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land O’Lakes 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Debbie and Brent Sembler, Sandy Loebenberg-Mermelstein, Rachel Wein and Mayor Ken Welch. The Florida Holocaust Museum. To Life Dinner Photo courtesy of Tacy BriggsTroncoso Photography.

Beth Eisenfeld, Jen McDonald, Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen, Marylou Bailey and animal ambassador Shanna Gebo ZooTampa at Lowry Park Karamu Photo courtesy of Mike Carlson.

24-25

Gulf Coast JFCS. Lives Uplifted Gala The Floridian Social, 687 Central Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 6-10 p.m.

Tampa Bay Maritime Scholarship Foundation. Port Tampa Bay Anchor Ball. TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 N. 50th St., Tampa. 5:30-10:30 p.m.

Gulfport Senior Center Foundation. Jazz Festival. Catherine A. Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport. 6-9 p.m.

Clearwater Free Clinic. Martinis + Matisse. FrankCrum, 100 S. Missouri Ave., Clearwater. 7 p.m.

Get Rescued Inc. Pinellas TacoFest England Brothers Park, 5010 81st Ave. N., Pinellas Park. Jan. 24: 10 a.m.7 p.m. Jan. 25: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

USF School of Theatre & Dance. Jeté 5K. USF School of Theatre and Dance, 3837 USF Holly Drive, Tampa.

Gulfport Senior Center Foundation. Casino Night. Maria Center 6-10 p.m.

Temple Beth-El. 53rd Annual Art Festival Beth-El. Temple

Beth-El, 400 Pasadena Ave. S., St Petersburg Jan. 31Feb. 2. Jan. 31: 1-4 p.m.; 6-10 p.m. Feb. 1-2: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

February 2026

Metropolitan Ministries. Tampa Bay Food Fight. 6-9 p.m.

KSY Education Foundation. Pin Chasers Knight Bowl Pin Chasers, 4847 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa. 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Ibis Healthcare Foundation. Heroes for Hope Gala. Hotel Flor, 905 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. 6:30 p.m.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Karamu. ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa. 6-10 p.m.

Academy Prep Center of St Petersburg Evening of Dreams The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, 150 Central Ave., St Petersburg 6-11 p.m.

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The Florida Holocaust Museum To Life: “Act & Inspire.” The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg Anonymous

Nov. 15

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Water Street Jane Pauley Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism

Amanda Bennet t & Don Graham Neil Brown & Gelareh Asayesh

Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Bark in the Park. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Raptor Fest. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Heart Gallery of Tampa. Be Mine: “A Million Dreams.” Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, 1601 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa. 6 p.m.

Moffitt Cancer Center 31st Annual Magnolia Ball JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, 510 Water St., Tampa. Cocktails: 6 p.m. Dinner: 7 p.m.

Gulfport Senior Center Foundation James Taylor Tribute

Valentine’s Day Concert. Catherine A. Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport 5-8 p.m.

American Heart Association. Tampa Bay Go Red for Women: “An Evening in Red.” Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. 5-8 p.m.

The Phoenix Florida. Fit to Be King Luncheon Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. 12-1 p.m. 21

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay. Gala. Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. VIP: 5:30 p.m. Reception: 6 p.m.

American Cancer Society. Tampa Cattle Baron’s Ball The Motor Enclave, 6500 Motor Enclave Way, Tampa. 6 p.m.

The Museum of Fine Arts, St Petersburg, and Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Inc. Queen of Hearts Ball. St. Petersburg Yacht Club Cocktail hour: 6 p.m. Dinner, program and dancing: 7 p.m.

St. Petersburg Museum of History. A St. Pete Soirée. The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg 6-10 p.m.

21-22 Gasparilla Distance Classic Association. Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic. Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa.

Joshua House. Pin Party. Pin Chasers, 5555 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa. 1-3 p.m.

Scouting America Greater Tampa Bay Area Council. Council Golf Tournament Carrollwood Country Club, 13903 Clubhouse Drive, Tampa. 27 Planned Parenthood of Florida. Tampa Bay Dinner Hilton Tampa Downtown, 211 N. Tampa St., Tampa. 6 p.m.

Dunedin Cares Food Pantry. Feed the Need Gala Dunedin City Hall, 737 Louden Ave., Dunedin 5-8 p.m.

The Chiselers. Chiseling a Legacy Preservation Dinner for Plant Hall Vaughn Center at the University of Tampa, 200 UT Poe Parkway, Tampa. 6-11 p.m.

The Florida Orchestra. An Evening with Audra McDonald. Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa. 8-10 p.m.

Gulfport Merchants Chamber Get Rescued Animal Rescue Festival & Fundraiser. Downtown Gulfport, Beach Boulevard South, Gulfport. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

March 2026

The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall 2025-2026 Annual Benefit.

4 Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa.

Tampa Bay Conservancy. Conservation Celebration New World Tampa, 810 E. Skagway Ave., Tampa. 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Oasis Opportunities. Elevate A Night for Dignity. Private rooftop, Ybor City 7-9 p.m.

Ronald McDonald House Tampa Bay. Sporting Clays Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land O’Lakes. 8 a.m.

Grace Lutheran Church and School, St Petersburg

Grace Annual Gala and Auction. Coastal Creative, 2201 First Ave. S., St Petersburg 7 p.m.

Miriam “Mimi” Stamps, Mark Sena, Linda Saul-Sena and David Stamps The Poynter Institute. Bowtie Ball. Photo courtesy of Amy Scherzer

Tampa Prep Tampa Prep Gala Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, 2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa. 7-11 p.m.

St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society (SPIFFS). 50th Annual International Folk Fair England Brothers Park, 5010 81st Ave. N., Pinellas Park 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Suncoast Hospice Foundation. Suncoast Hospice Gala. Opal Sol Resort, 400 Coronado Drive, Clearwater. 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

Pasco Education Foundation. Cinderella Ball. Saddlebrook Resort, 5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel. 5:30 p.m.

Ybor City Historical Society. 14th Annual Buildings Alive.

J.C. Newman Cigar Company, 2701 N. 16th St., Tampa. 5-9:30 p.m.

HPH Hospice. Seeds of Hope. Wellington at Seven Hills, 400 Wexford Blvd., Spring Hill. 5:30 p.m.

Sunrise of Pasco County. Pull for Survivors. Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land O’Lakes 2-8 p.m.

Daystar Life Empty Bowls. Clay Center of St Petersburg, 2010 First Ave. S., St Petersburg.

16-22 Copperhead Charities. Valspar Championship Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort, 36750 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor

The Florida Orchestra. 57th Annual Golden Baton Award Dinner. Duke Energy Center for the Arts, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg 5 p.m.

The Chiselers. The Chiselers Market Plant Hall at the University of Tampa, 374 UT University Drive, Tampa. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Metropolitan Ministries. Bridge Builders. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, 510 Water St., Tampa. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Alzheimer’s Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. Inspire, Imagine & Hope Gala. Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. 6:30-10:30 p.m.

AdventHealth Foundation West Florida. Fishing Tournament. Hula Bay Club, 5210 W. Tyson Ave., Tampa. 7:30 a.m.

SPARCC (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center). SPARCC Runway Fashion Show The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, 1111

Ritz Carlton Drive, Sarasota. 10 a.m.

American Stage. “Into the Woods” in the Park (Opening Night). Demens Landing Park, Bayshore Drive Southeast and Second Avenue Southeast, St. Petersburg. 7:30 p.m. 28

Academy of the Holy Names. By the Bay Gala. Tampa Marriott Water Street, 505 Water St., Tampa. 6-11 p.m.

The Kind Mouse. Mice and Dice Casino Night. M & N Event Hall, 7725 78th St. N., Pinellas Park. 5-10 p.m.

CASA Pinellas. CASA Pinellas’ Spring Gala. Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement, 355 Fourth St N., St. Petersburg. 6-9:30 p.m. 28-29

Tampa Garden Club. Flower Show and GreenFest. Tampa Garden Club, 2629 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay. Bill Carey Sporting Clay Tournament FishHawk Sporting Clays, 13505 Hobson Simmons Road, Lithia. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. April 2026

Lions World Vision Institute Foundation Vision in Bloom Tea Party.

Gulfport Senior Center Foundation. Golf Tournament. Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club, 8001 Cumberland Road, Seminole. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Frameworks of Tampa Bay. 15th Annual Head & Heart Luncheon. Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.

Clothes To Kids. Clothes Matter Birthday Party. Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. 5:30-9 p.m.

Schools for Haiti. Hidden Gems: “A Night to Shine for Haiti’s Children.” Shanna & Bryan Glazer JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., Tampa. 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Suncoast Hospice Foundation. Suncoast Hospice Fashion Show, Luncheon and Boutique Innisbrook Resort, 36750 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation. Heroes Ball. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, 510 Water St., Tampa.

12-19

Laxer Family Foundation. Bern’s Winefest.

FCA Tampa Bay. 41st Annual FCA Golf Classic. Westchase Golf Club, 11602 Westchase Golf Drive, Tampa. 11 a.m.

Joshua House. Child Abuse Awareness Benefit Luncheon. Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Straz Center. TASTE at Straz Center. Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa. VIP: 6 p.m. General admission: 7 p.m.

9-10

National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Fishing Funds the Cure The Hotel Zamora, 3701 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach. April 9: 4-9 p.m. April 10: 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. Nashville Nights: “Boots on the Beach.” Opal Sol Resort, 400 Coronado Drive, Clearwater.

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. Jamboree at The James. The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 6-10:30 p.m.

LAMPLighters. LAMPLighters Fund Hope 40th Anniversary Celebration: “Ruby Jubilee.” Higgins Hall, 5225 N. Himes Ave., Tampa. 7-11 p.m.

Suncoast Animal League. Suncoast Tails Under the Stars.

Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Council. Latinos Unidos Luncheon. Hilton Downtown Tampa, 211 N. Tampa St., Tampa. 12 p.m.

HCMA Foundation. 28th Charity Golf Classic. TPC Tampa Bay, 5300 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz 12-8 p.m.

Everald Colas and Lauren Cockerham. The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. Jamboree at The James: “Space Cowboy.” Photo courtesy of PamElla Lee Photography.

Heart of Adoptions Alliance Inc. A Legacy of Love Gala. Bob Buckhorn River Center, 402 W. Laurel St., Tampa. 6:30-10:30 p.m.

The Spring of Tampa Bay. Handbags & Happy Hour Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. 6:30 p.m.

24-26

Parc Center for Disabilities. Parc Friday Night Party. The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, 150 Central Ave., St Petersburg 6-10 p.m.

Tampa Bay Maritime Scholarship Foundation. Port Tampa Bay 12th Annual Golf Tournament. The Eagles Golf Club, 16101 Nine Eagles Drive, Odessa 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

One Community Now. Operation Stand Down. The Concourse Rotary Pavilion, 11919 Alric Pottberg Road, Shady Hills. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

St. Anthony’s Triathlon. St. Anthony’s Triathlon. Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE, St Petersburg

Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay. Girls on the Run Celebration 5K. Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Ave., Tampa. 8-11 a.m.

Girls Inc. of Pinellas. Girls Inc. Sneaker Gala. The Fort Harrison, 210 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater. 7 p.m.

Parc Center for Disabilities. Parc Golf Outing. The Bayou Club, 7979 Bayou Club Blvd., Largo. 1-8 p.m.

30 Wheelchairs 4 Kids. Wheelchairs 4 Kids Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament Innisbrook Resort, 36750 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor. Registration: 10 a.m. Tee off: 12:45 p.m.

May

2026

HPH Hospice. LMD Law Firm Fishing Classic Pasco and Hernando County.

1 American Diabetes Association. Step Out Walk: Tampa. 9 a.m.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research 21st Annual Dick Vitale Gala The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive, Sarasota. 6:30 p.m.

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. 24th Annual Golf Tournament. Laurel Oak Country Club, 2700 Gary Player Blvd., Sarasota 8:30 a.m.

National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Fashion Funds the Cure The Motor Enclave, 6500 Motor Enclave Way, Tampa. 6 p.m.

Dream Center of Tampa. Golf Classic. Westchase Golf Club, 11602 Westchase Golf Drive, Tampa. 8:30 a.m.

Suncoast Hospice Foundation. Suncoast Hospice Beach Stroll. Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar, 10 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater. 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

New Life Solutions. Walk for Life North Shore Park, 901 N. Shore Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay. Great Futures Golf Scramble. Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’Lakes. 8:30 a.m.

Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg. Five Fabulous Females. Island Grand at TradeWinds, 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 11:30 a.m.

FCA Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land O’Lakes. 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

14 Voices of Hope for Aphasia. Word Play. Banquet Masters, 13355 49th St N., Clearwater 6:30 p.m.

Tampa Museum of Art. Pride & Passion. Tampa Museum of Art’s Cornelia Corbett Center, 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. 8 p.m.

Ronald McDonald House Tampa Bay. Storybook Ball: “Princess and the Frog.” Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel, 4200 Jim Walter Blvd., Tampa.

Make-A-Wish Southern Florida Wishmaker’s Ball Tampa.

Hispanic Professional Women’s Association. HPWA Scholarship Awards Gala TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 N. 50th St., Tampa. 6-11 p.m.

June 2026

The Florida Aquarium. World Ocean Day Soirée The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 6:30 p.m.

As a nonprofit hospice founded here in Tampa Bay over 35 years ago, part of our

Tampa Bay Watch. Tampa Bay Watch Tarpon Rodeo. Fort De Soto Park Boat Ramp, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde. 6 a.m.-3 p.m.

Rebecca Penneys Friends of Piano. Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival USF School of Music Barness Recital Hall, 3755 USF Holly Drive, Tampa. June 27-July 17.

August 2026

Merchants Chamber Gecko Ball. Maria Center 6-10 p.m.

AdventHealth Foundation West Florida. Starlight Gala. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, 510 Water St., Tampa. 4:30 p.m.

Gulfport Merchants Chamber. GeckoFest. Downtown Gulfport, Beach Boulevard South, Gulfport. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

September 2026

Pinellas Education Foundation. ChangeMakers. Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park, 950 Lake Carillon Drive, St. Petersburg 8:30 a.m.

A smarter Tampa Bay

We’re proud to launch the Tampa Bay Times Education Hub a bold new commitment to covering the classrooms, policies and people shaping our future From student stories to the challenges facing our schools, the Education Hub delivers the kind of in-depth reporting that helps families, educators and communities thrive

This kind of work is only possible because of supporters like you. And now, there are more ways than ever to make an impact streamlined, inspiring and full of opportunities to invest in local journalism. From a one-time gift to a lasting legacy, your support powers reporting that strengthens Tampa Bay for generations to come

Jim Shaler, Lori and Bill Goede, Devin Dominguez, Ann Shaler and Lori and Hamilton Jones. Tampa Theatre. Hollywood Awards Night & WineFest. Photo courtesy of Tacy Briggs-Troncoso.

Michael Saunders & Company, the Gulf Coast of Florida’s leading independent real estate brokerage, is proud to announce the expansion of our complete portfolio of residential real estate services into the vibrant and eclectic city of St. Petersburg.

We arrive inspired and invigorated by the people, homes, and culture that make up the Sunshine City We know this place is special, and we look forward to making it our new home and to serving your real estate needs for many years to come

Independently owned Female founded. Florida grounded

We are Michael Saunders & Company.