The Rockettes will have performed 53 Christmas Spectacular shows in four weeks when their run at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center concludes Jan. 3.
So for the dancers to even have free time is somewhat remarkable, and for them to choose to do something with that free time other than soak their feet or shave their legs is even more impressive. But these kickers are doing more than just kicking back.
If you haven't noticed, the famed dancers from New York's Radio City Music Hall have immersed themselves in the community.
Last week, they helped collect toys at the Metropolitan Ministries tent. On Tuesday, the John Lynch Foundation and the Performing Arts Center hosted 30 kids from the Boys and Girls Club, and the evening concluded with entry to the Rockettes show.
On Thursday, the Rockettes kicked up attention at Lifestyle Family Fitness, WTTA-Ch. 38 and the Blue Martini, amid a special fundraiser for the brother of Blue Martini marketing manager Misty Waters. Anthony Waters has been paralyzed from the neck down since a March accident. Times staff writer Jonathan Milton found two Rockettes signing autographs for the fundraiser during the happy hour event, even though they had a 7:30 performance.
Of course, the promotional appearances help with charities and attract publicity for the performances, but the Rockettes are not hurting for ticket sales. Most of the shows are drawing a capacity audience and demand was so high two shows were added on Dec. 26 and Jan. 3.
The public appearances will continue, however. On Saturday morning at 9:30, the Rockettes will perform during Holidayfest at Cotanchobee Park (the new park behind the St. Pete Times Forum). And on Dec. 28, they will read bedtime stories to children from the Ronald McDonald House at the Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa before staging a charity fashion show at the hotel on Dec. 29.
I guess they've got legs ... and hearts.
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When I was 17, I spent most of my time thinking about two things: how to get my mom's car and how to get girls. I also spent some time thinking about how to get the car so I could get girls. To suggest I was a little self-centered would be an understatement.
So naturally, when I discover teens who are finding time to give to others, I'm overwhelmed. I don't even blame the kids who focus solely on grades, jobs, clothes and money - that's part of being a teen - but we definitely need to salute the high school students who show maturity beyond their years by being charitable.
The Buccaneers did just that Thursday when they presented the NFL Community Quarterback Award to Plant City's James Garner. James beat out five other finalists to win $10,000 for his charity. He's now eligible for the national award, which could win him an additional $25,000.
The winner was selected by a panel of judges that included me, and James' story had me from the beginning. Through the Best Buddies program, which pairs student volunteers with students in exceptional education classes, James has spent countless hours with his best buddy Lonnie, even going so far as to stage a surprise beach birthday party.
From what I could gather, this isn't someone trying to earn service hours to impress a college admission board, but a kid who truly enjoys spending time with Lonnie.
The other five finalists, who received $2,000 apiece for their charities, were: Jeanette DeYoung, All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg; Jacqueline Manthos, St. Mary Catholic Church, Tampa; Gordon Peters, Alzheimer Resource Center, Orlando; Debbie Tapp, American Red Cross-Manatee Chapter; and Charles Wright, Pinellas Association for Retarded Children, St. Petersburg.
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So who says politics and sports can't go together? Buccaneers tackle Kenyatta Walker joins the Hillsborough Democrats today to give Christmas gifts to 51 students at Oak Park Elementary.
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So, it's Dec. 19 and I've purchased only one gift. I'm happy to note I'm ahead of schedule.
