SHARING THEIR BLESSINGS: Nearly 500 well-heeled women shared their good fortunes with children at Joshua House and Metropolitan Ministries by attending the LAMPLighters' annual Luncheon of Light fashion show at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay on Feb. 19.
"May we who are so blessed touch others," said LAMPLighters president Sally Ordway to the ladies surrounding the runway. They cheered pinky resort wear and slinky evening gowns from Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as the chic professionals who modeled them, especially grand dame Mary Johnson. Shoe selections were stunning, and St. John Knits still please this crowd. Saks' general manager of merchandising, Denise Richardson, chose well.
The theme, "Everyone's a Winner," referred to the recipients and the donors. Nearly 300 patrons paid $100 each to attend; another 200 guests paid $75.
Organizers didn't have the fundraiser's results as of earlier this week, but said there were more patrons than ever.
AWE-STRUCK AT ALEGRIA: Bravos resounded for Alegria Feb. 19 as each act of Cirque du Soleil captivated the opening night audience in the blue- and yellow-striped tent at Tropicana Field. VIPs and others watched in awe to see a contortionist easily loop her legs over her shoulders. Jaws dropped as the tribal fire knife dancer twirled. Wows erupted when clown Yuri Medvedev became a train barreling into a blizzard. (You have to see it to believe it.)
Intermission brought 200 invited guests to another tent furnished with comfy sofas and circus images dancing on a white scrim. There was just enough time for a glass of wine and a cookie before returning for more amazing feats. After three standing ovations, about 500 fans followed a trail of paper bag luminarias to the Tropicana Field to party with the cast and crew. A unicyclist, clowns juggling on stilts and face painters kept the circus atmosphere at full tilt until midnight.
SPORTING CHANCE: "Nobody gives a better party than Eddie," raved Cleveland Browns president Carmen Policy about his friend, developer Eddie DeBartolo. Policy was among 600 guests who raised nearly $300,000 at the All Star Charity Gala hosted by the DeBartolo Family Foundation at the A La Carte Pavilion on Feb. 20.
Sports fans at the $250-ticket bash recognized Derrick Brooks, Marcus Allen, Chris Berman, Wade Boggs, Shaun King, Ronnie Lott, Lee Roy Selmon and others. One expected guest, Hall of Famer Joe Montana, canceled due to his mother's illness.
After cocktails and silent auction shopping, media diva Nancy Alexander announced dinner in the ballroom, which was off limits to the media. Football legend Reggie White gave the benediction and daughter Lisa DeBartolo pointed out the Ed & Eddie's ice cream freezer in the back corner. But first came beef tenderloin with lobster and shrimp ravioli. After dinner, Groove Line, the official DeBartolo family band from San Francisco, kept the pink vinyl dance floor full.
Nikki DeBartolo's hubby, Ben Helfond, auctioned nine items, bringing in $99,900. Among them: four tickets to Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005; two San Francisco '49ers trips for four, including air, hotel and luxury box tickets; and two flights anywhere in the United States on the DeBartolo private jet. Tiffanie DeBartolo bought a photograph of U2's Bono for $3,000. When table bids were collected, Rob Elder of Jaguar of Tampa was the buyer of a jersey personalized by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia.
Hurrahs led retired U.S. Central Command Gen. Tommy Franks to the microphone. He shared his excitement at meeting Deion Sanders. Franks hugged the TV analyst and former cornerback, who was seated with his wife, Pilar, and baby. Just thinking about his grandchildren - and Sanders' infant - make him thankful he lives in America, he said.
Franks joked they were having more fun and raising more money than Dick Cheney, who was holding a fundraiser a few miles away. To be considered for a DeBartolo Family grant or scholarship, call the foundation office at 964-8302.
- To pass along tips to Amy Scherzer, reach her at 226-3332 or scherzer@sptimes.com
DATEBOOK
SATURDAY: Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla Coronation Ball, invitation only, 9 p.m.; Tampa Convention Center.
SUNDAY: Oscar Night America benefits Tampa Theatre; patron's dinner 7-8:30 p.m.; Academy Awards live telecast 8:30 p.m.; patrons, $75; open bar, $45; cash bar, $25; 274-5507.
MARCH 5: No Limits: Designing for a Cure; International Academy of Design and Technology fashion show to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; 8 p.m.; Tampa Convention Center; $20 in advance; $25 at the door; 880-8088.
MARCH 5: Ophelia Project benefit luncheon; 11:30 a.m.; A La Carte Pavilion; guest speaker author Mary Pipher discusses healthy attitudes; $50; 275-9622, ext. 279.
MARCH 6: Krewe of Grace O'Malley Celebration Ball, MacDill Air Force Base; invitation only.
MARCH 11: Third annual Charisse Strawberry Spring Fling Celebrity Fashion Show and Luncheon; fashions from Neiman Marcus; 11 a.m.; A La Carte Pavilion; $100; 915-7447.
