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Stars create birdhouses for Audubon benefit

By ANNE ARSENAULT
Published May 6, 2005

TAMPA - A star-studded list of celebrities and artists - including Leonardo DiCaprio, Susan Sarandon, Carl Hiaasen, Larry Hagman and several local artists - have created one-of-a-kind birdhouses to benefit the Tampa Audubon Society.

The birdhouses are on display at International Plaza's Grand Court through May 16 and at the Hoffman-Porges Gallery, 1907 E Seventh Ave. in Ybor City.

The birdhouses will be auctioned from 7 to 11 p.m. May 20 during "Flock Around the Dock" at the Florida Aquarium. The event features an auction, food, drinks and entertainment. The houses are available for viewing and online bidding at www.tampaaudubon.com

Tickets are $45 in advance, $50 at the door. To purchase tickets, send checks payable to Tampa Audubon/Tickets, P.O. Box 320025, Tampa, FL 33679. Proceeds support the society's environmental education programs.

For information, go to www.tampaaudubon.com or call Stan Kroh at 228-4257.

WESTSHORE - Maggiano's Little Italy at WestShore Plaza kicks off its "Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish" and "Become a Star" fundraising programs on Thursday.

For six weeks, patrons can choose from two desserts priced at $6.95 each. Two dollars from each sale goes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which raises money for critically ill children. Customers also may make a monetary donation to Make-A-Wish and have their name displayed on a star at the restaurant.

Maggiano's locations across the country are participating. They hope to surpass last year's donation of $101,516. For information, visit www.wish.org or call Maggiano's at 288-9000.

YBOR CITY - Ybor City's Cuban Club, 2010 N 14th St., and the Krewe of Mambi host the 93rd annual Mother's Day Picnic on Sunday in memory of Adriana Castellano, a beloved mom and longtime Tampa city employee.

Doors open at noon, and lunch catered by Catering by the Family will be served at 12:30 p.m. Live Latin performances begin at 2 p.m. and go until 5 p.m. The picnic also features a cash bar, raffles, door prizes, family photos and carnations for all moms.

Tickets are $15, $8 for children ages 5 to 9 and free to children 4 and under. Proceeds go to St. Jude's Children's Research Center and toward the restoration of the Cuban Club. For tickets, call 248-2954.

YBOR CITY - The Ybor City Arts and Crafts Fiesta runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in Centennial Park, at Ninth Avenue and 19th Street.

More than 100 artists and crafters will display their works, including woodwork, jewelry, candles and wind chimes.

The event will also feature a plant sale, cooking and home improvement demonstrations, and live jazz. The weekly Ybor City Fresh Market will extend its normal Saturday hours to Sunday.

Parking and admission are free. For information, call 248-0721 or visit www.cc-events.org/msartcraft/

TAMPA - Signup is going on now for Tampa YMCA summer programs May 31 through Aug. 3.

Choose from themed day camp, sports camp, half-day specialty camps, gymnastics, dance and full-day adventure programs at Camp Cristina. Kids can participate for one week or all nine.

Prices vary, and financial assistance is available. For information, call your local YMCA or visit www.tampaymca.org/summercamp.htm

DOWNTOWN - Graduating seniors from the University of Tampa will showcase their artwork at the Scarfone/Hartley Gallery, 310 N Boulevard, through Saturday.

Each student will present pieces in his or her area of expertise, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, computer graphics, animation and mixed media.

The public is invited to a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. today. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. Call 253-6217 for information.

DOWNTOWN - Nearly 800 students will receive degrees at the University of Tampa's spring commencement at 1 p.m. Saturday at the St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive.

UT expects to award 670 bachelor's degrees and more than 110 master's degrees. This year's speaker is James E. Hattaway Jr., associate director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Kennedy Space Center.

DOWNTOWN - Easy Spirit celebrates its new Comfort shoe line from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at Lykes Gaslight Park, 410 S Franklin St. Women are invited to attend and receive a free pair of Comfort shoes and a foot massage in the Sole Saver massage tent.

Easy Spirit will also honor two women with "the most deserving feet in Tampa" by awarding them a yearlong contract for Easy Spirit shoes and $1,000. Winners will be announced Monday on WWRM-FM 94.9.

[Last modified May 5, 2005, 01:31:12]