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Amy Scherzer's diary

The Donald pulls 'em in

By AMY SCHERZER
Published February 25, 2005

Billionaire Donald Trump fired up speculators and skeptics at the Trump Tower Tampa ribbon cutting Feb. 18, touting his luxurious downtown lifestyle to 600 guests gathered in a big white tent on the site of the 52-story condominium-to-be.

Like Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man, The Donald's brassy promises were music to the ears of investors who see the tower as another trigger to a Boomtown Tampa.

About 50 VIPs, penthouse buyers and developers' family members were whisked up to the fifth-floor sales center for a quick salute from Trump. Joining him were his bride, Melania Knauss, eager beaver apprentice Kelly Perdew, son Donald Jr. and his fiancee, Vanessa Haydon.

Among the first to arrive: Alan Bridges, who will trade his GrandView penthouse on Harbour Island for one of the top floors of Trump Tower Tampa.

Other future residents lined up patiently in the cold garage for their turn to see a model kitchen and bathroom. Among those buyers were Tampa Bay Bucs defensive coordinator > Monte Kiffin, Clearwater investors Diane Partridge and Larry Swift, and Scott McNay of Belleair.

Since the brochures put the project's location in the city's "cultural heart," the partners will pony up $100,000 to the Tampa Museum of Art. Board chairwoman Cornelia Corbett happily accepted the pledge, plus a promise of hundreds of new members. Each guest received a card to exchange for a one-year membership to the museum.

Realtor queen bee Toni Everett held court in a turquoise pants outfit while her sales staff accessorized beige suits with turquoise, the predominant colors of the tower's planned exterior.

Hopefully, Trump's troops noticed the tent's cool bronze and purple decor by ConceptBait. Hydrangeas and orchids dotted Art of the Party's hors d'oeuvres buffet and wine bar.

SHINING BRIGHTLY: LampLighters are going shopping with the money raised at the Luncheon of Light on Feb. 18. They'll be outfitting dozens of children in the care of Metropolitan Ministries and Joshua House.

"We'll select shoes, jackets and other things to fit specific children," said Susy Lienhart, LampLighters president. She expects the seventh annual fashion show to raise $70,000, thanks to 300 patrons paying $100 and up. Elaine Litschgi was the event's major sponsor.

Saks Fifth Avenue presented its spring styles to 470 women during lunch at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. Many of those fashions were seen on the trendy audience. Erika Wallace wore a sheer green beaded Bohemian tunic over Versace jeans. Mallory Lykes could have stepped into the show's Saturday Night Fever finale in her tailored white linen pants suit.

Chairwoma n Bernadette Schurr teared up when called to receive a dozen roses in appreciation of chairing the fashion show for three years.

GENERATION NEXT: Hey, mom and dad, your kids got the message. They're getting involved in the community and enjoying it. A new group of young professionals has organized Eighteen89 to socialize and support the YMCA, which was founded in 1889. Annual dues are $188.90 or $18.89 a month.

"We charge nonmembers to attend the club's parties," said president Jay Kennedy, who hosted 75 people at his parents' home Feb. 11 and raised $1,700 for the Y's Ophelia Project for teen girls. Under a big oak tree on a clear, crisp night, his mom, Liz Kennedy, shared her passion for the program.

Ten new members joined Eighteen89 that night, said membership chairman Trey Carswell, who hopes to have 300 members in two years. Two parties are in the planning stages: a Carolina beach bash and New Year's Eve gala.

CURTAIN CALL: St. Bart's Island House hosted a Mardi Gras tea dance Sunday for 60-some devotees of Stageworks, including Jim Shirk, Pat Fenda, Rose Bilal and Marian Origitano. Albi Koteles and his band, Shadow, featuring sons Ian and Evan plus Carl Marchand and Garry Franklin, set the beat. A silent auction showcased jewelry, gift certificates and art. Board member Trevor Gould, a UBS financial adviser and one of the sponsors, would have gladly bid on acting lessons from Stageworks director Anna Brennan.

That's the kind of Di-hard trivia overheard at the exhibition of mementos of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, on display at Florida International Museum.

Shepherd's pie and beef Wellington from the Renaissance Vinoy Resort topped the buffet. Killer Starbucks Chantico, hot chocolate and coffee combo, and gooey desserts kept guests at the party an hour after it was to have ended.

"That's a sign the evening was well rounded," said directo r Kathy Oathout.

To pass along tips to Amy Scherzer, reach her at 226-3332 or scherzer@sptimes.com

TONIGHT: The third annual DeBartolo Family Foundation All Star Charity Gala; 6:30 p.m.; A La Carte Pavilion; $250; 964-8302.

TONIGHT: Rotary Club Tampa Downtown Daybreak third annual Wine Lover's Soiree; 5-8 p.m.; Hyatt Regency Tampa; $35 or $65 a couple; benefits Rotary Club's polio immunization foundation; 888-9300.

SATURDAY: The Red Party; 9 p.m.; Rustic Steel Creations, 114 S 12th St.; $20 for Avant Garde members, $25 for nonmembers, $35 at the door; benefits Tampa Museum of Art; www.tampa-avantgarde.org

SUNDAY: Tampa Theatre's Oscar Night America Tampa Bay; black-tie optional; 6:30 p.m. patrons reception with open bar and hors d'oeuvres, $85; 8 p.m. live telecast and cash bar, $35; 711 N Franklin St.; 274-5507.

MARCH 4: Chairs for Chairity Live Auction benefits Outdoor Arts Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation; live and silent auctions, 6 p.m.; Wyndham Harbour Island Hotel, $35; 288-2600.

MARCH 5: Heart Ball, an Evening in First Class benefits American Heart Association; Tampa International Jet Center, 4751 Jim Walter Blvd.; $300; (727) 570-8610.

[Last modified February 24, 2005, 09:35:09]