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YBOR KICK OFF: Tampa native Alan Kahana received the 10th annual Cesar Gonzmart Award from Casey Gonzmart at the 38th annual Ybor City Gala at the Columbia Restaurant on Oct. 10. An Ybor "pioneer," Kahana owns 10 properties in the historic district, including the El Pasaje building, former home of Cafe Creole.
Gonzmart's mom, the late Adela Gonzmart, started the dinner dance at the Columbia Restaurant to mark the Latin community's fall social season. The Ybor City Chamber of Commerce keeps the tradition going, and this year, added something new: the small business of the year award. Stephanie Agliano, chairwoman of the board, honored Tampa accountant Gil Hernandez of ValienteHernandez, CPA. Emcee Joe Amon told about 150 guests he was happy see the party back at the Columbia, the "jewel" of Ybor, after a few years' absence. Organizers auctioned off cigar box purses, gift packages to Centro Ybor and even a vacuum cleaner. In honor of Kahana's late mother, Shirley, the chamber donated a memorial brick to be placed along Seventh Avenue in front of the old Joffrey's.
HISPANIC HOORAY: The Mayor's Hispanic Heritage Celebration Committee formed 15 years ago to honor Tampa's Hispanic employees and the community's contributions. The group hosted 330 guests at the Hyatt Regency Tampa at their first formal gala Saturday night. The $35 ticket included $1,000 of Mayor's Moolah to play casino games and win prizes.
Emcee extrovert Jack Harris introduced the Arena twins - Sammy and Andy - who chose a patriotic theme, singing Coming to America and Proud to be an American. Gala chairwoman Adri Colina of the city business and housing department was surprised when Tampa City Council member Rose Ferlita presented a congratulatory proclamation from President Bush.
The committee established two University of South Florida Latino Scholarships: one in memory of police officer Lois Marrero; another in memory of Fermin "Danny" Rodriguez, a founding committee member. The recipients received $10,000 in 2000. After the gala, they will get an additional $10,000.
Mayor Pam Iorio introduced one recipient, Johnny Suarez, son of the late Silvio Suarez, a longtime Parks Department employee. Andres Silva, who received the Rodriguez award, was unable to attend.
IT'S A WRAP: Tampa Bay Buccaneers John Lynch and Simeon Rice arrived at The Punisher wrap-up party at Hyde Park Cafe right from Sunday night's victory in Washington, D.C. (Lynch makes a cameo appearance in the movie.)
County Commissioner Pat Frank and daughter Courtney were already there, plus 400 crew and cast members, including Thomas Jane (Frank Castle, a.k.a. Punisher); Laura Harring (Livia Saint) and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos (Joan). Other VIPS: director Jonathan Hensleigh, Andrew Golov of Artisan Pictures and co-producer Ari Arad of Marvel Studios.
Booky and Cookie Buchman were on the A-list because they lent their 2003 black Aston-Martin Vanquish for the Saints and Sinners nightclub scene shot on Ashley Street. John Travolta drove it, but not until Booky explained all the gizmos, bells, whistles and wipers. It took at least 20 takes to get the scene, Cookie said. The Buchmans were extras in two scenes.
Partygoers watched a video of bloopers and blunders, plus footage of daily rainstorms and other headaches. Dinner was donated by La Teresita in exchange for meeting the cast. Cookie volunteered to go to Publix to get the cake.
FASHIONABLE PHONEFRIENDS: Georgette's of Old Hyde Park Village entertained 350 fashion-minded members and friends of the Northside Mental Health Auxiliary at the Puttin' on the Glitz benefit for the PhoneFriends program. Some 1,500 PhoneFriend Latchkey kids call to chat, vent, joke or report crises, Northside executive director Marsha Lewis Brown said.
The Oct. 9 luncheon at the A La Carte Pavilion emphasized evening wear, after a wild leather-and-leopard start. A pirate sketch segued into rap for a selection of tight denim jeans. Gigantic dancing jellyfish, a sea horse and starfish floated into shimmering aquamarine, sea grass and champagne gowns - all choreographed by Jackie's Dance Studio. Creative hair styles by the folks at Alan G. Ledo Salon got as much attention as the clothes.
Emcee Jack Harris raised ratings for the models, who included WFLA-Channel 8's Gayle Sierens and WFTS-Channel 28's Brendan McLaughlin and Wendy Ryan. Auxiliary president Dot Johnson expects the show to meet, or surpass, last year's $20,000.
VIVO GOES SHOPPING: Between makeovers and martinis, 250 Florida Orchestra supporters shopped and supped at Saks Fifth Avenue on Oct. 7. The WestShore Plaza store happily donated 10 percent of sales during VIVO's Musical Extravaganza. Bonefish Grill, Roy's and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar set up buffets, and orchestra members set up steel drums, a harp and a brass quintet. Holiday decorations throughout the store got shoppers in a festive mood, which pleased co-chairs Helene Pepper and Barb Izzi. Proceeds go to the Orchestra's Heartstrings program, which provides free concert tickets to social service agencies.
- To pass along tips to Amy Scherzer, reach her at 226-3332 or scherzer@sptimes.com
datebookTONIGHT: SMAsquerade benefits Hannah's Buddies/Spinal Muscular Atrophy research; 8 p.m.; costumes encouraged; 1507 E Seventh Ave.; $60; 251-1611.
TONIGHT: Ybor City Museum Society's Pizzo and Martinez-Ybor Awards reception; 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.; 1234 Fifth Ave.; $25; 247-1434.
SATURDAY: Hearts of Fire inaugural gala benefits Muscular Dystrophy Association; 6:30 p.m.; A La Carte Pavilion; $250; (727) 577-4217.
SATURDAY: Kitty Carlisle Hart on stage benefits Tampa Firefighters Museum; 7:30 p.m.; Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center; $20 to $35; 229-7827.
SATURDAY: Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award Gala benefits Museum of Science and Industry; 7 p.m.; 4801 E Fowler Ave.; $65; 987-6077.
THURSDAY: Spectacular Caribbean dinner and auction aboard the Yacht StarShip to benefit Mayor's Beautification Program's Giddens Park replanting; 6 p.m.; $100; 221-8733.