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Amy Scherzer's Diary

Gala honors cancer fight

By AMY SCHERZER
Published November 4, 2005

Al Austin and Dick Beard own many titles, among them, prostate cancer survivors. Their commitment ensured the success of the Florida Prostate Cancer Network's annual Celebration of Hope Gala at the Hyatt Regency Tampa on Oct. 25.

Another survivor, retired U.S. Army Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, would have made the team a trio, but he had to to give a speech in Washington, D.C. His wife, Brenda, filled in superbly, presenting Dr. Bill Catalona the Pioneer in Prostate Cancer Award.

Catalona led national studies to win FDA approval for a blood test to screen for prostate cancer. A video highlighted the surgeon's career as director of the Urological Research Foundation and Northwestern University medical school professor.

Hurricane Wilma delayed Catalona's arrival by a day. He and his wife, Jan, landed just in time to attend the VIP cocktail hour with $5,000-and-up donors and board members. Also that night, the 600 guests saluted the Prostate Cancer Network's founder, Bob Samuels, who was named chairman emeritus.

FOLLOW YOUR CONSCIENCE, said Rev. Charles L. White Jr., Southeast Region Director of the NAACP, to 385 guests feasting on his keynote speech and Outback Steakhouse catering at the Freedom Fund dinner Oct. 27 at Higgins Hall. The association presented community awards to Florida Sentinel Bulletin reporter Iris Holton, former Florida A&M University president Walter Smith of Tampa, Dr. James O. Brookins and Pastors on Patrol.

The evening began with local postmaster Nancy Fryrear unveiling a 10-stamp collection recognizing the civil rights movement. Pat Spencer, dinner chairwoman for the fourth time, was especially moved when Ann Birdsong sang We Shall Overcome. Spencer planned to fly to Detroit to attend the funeral of Rosa Parks, whom she knew very well when she lived in Montgomery, Ala.

SURE CURE: If buying new shoes can help cure cancer, then 500 shoppers did their part Oct. 27 at Saks Fifth Avenue's kick-off party for Key to the Cure. The crowd included lots of men shopping after hours so the Moffitt Cancer Center would receive 5 percent of what they spent. Filling the store with music and Johnny Carino's hors d'oeuvres loosened purses.

Co-chairwomen Lauren Stallings and Susan Touchton, with honorary chairs Georgeann and Dr. Steve Matzkin, dedicated the evening to Steve Westmark, a Saks general manager who died July 25 of melanoma. His family spoke of him as they enjoyed the karaoke corner in the men's department.

Dr. Johnathan Lancaster offered details about his research, then cheers erupted when Saks fashions were modeled by 12 breast cancer survivors, including Matzkin, Lisa Wolf, Nadyne Hines, Pat Daley, JoAnne Frazier, Lisa Mulfinger, Sandy Brown, Barbara Akins and Esther Happle. Betty Wood narrated, so you know it was a lively show.

DREAM SHOW: Blue skies turned a backyard fashion show into a glorious afternoon Oct. 28 for Cynthia Lake, executive director of the Children's Dream Fund. Not just any back yard. Hosts Kit and Ron Stewart seated 250 women around a runway overlooking the 12th tee of the Palma Ceia golf course to raise more than $25,000.

Restaurateur Ron Stewart of 717 South brought on the male models, including his son, Michael, and Lee Mezrah. Then his wife took the mike and described denim, suede and fur fashions from Kit's Well-Heeled&Well Dressed worn by Lauren Dungy, Dena Sachs, Jo Apthrop and Mitzi Gill, among other models. Dream child Dana Bertoch, 17, drew the most applause. Jonathan Bruckner of Tiffany & Co. described the jewels they modeled.

DID STARRY NIGHTS lose fans to the Bucs on Sunday? The Mental Health Care Foundation's silent auction won a small crowd at St. Bart's Island House Restaurant. About 100 guests found great auction values, a yummy Caribbean buffet and wines from Stoney's Bar & Liquor.

If you missed this one, don't miss the next fundraiser, Shangri-la Gala: A State of Mind, on March 4. Co-chairs Steve and Laura Schmalhorst promise an enchanting evening at the Florida Aquarium.

SCIENCE GUY: The president of Colombia was among the 320 guests who honored Dr. Edmond Yunis as the fifth National Hispanic Scientist of the Year during a gala dinner Oct. 22 at the Museum of Science and Industry. Two previous honorees, Dr. Antonia Novello and Frank Caldeiro, returned for the party.

Dr. Yunis brought his wife, Borgie (Borghild), and 26 family members, including three of his children and grandchildren, Joey, 6, and Camilla, 2, who loved the Kids in Charge activities.

Earlier, Yunis met with Youth Enriched by Science students, better known as YESers, to talk about growing up poor in Colombia and becoming a Harvard pathologist.

Gala chairwoman Maruchi Azorin Blanco presented the YES Team a check for $126,361.

- To pass along tips to Amy Scherzer, blog her at www.sptimes.com/party or call 226-3332.

TODAY: 32nd annual Minaret Society dinner; 6:30 p.m.; University of Tampa Crescent Club; invitation only; 253-6200.

SATURDAY: Zoofari sampling from 80 restaurants benefits Lowry Park Zoo; 7 p.m.; 1101 W Sligh Ave.; $70 in advance, $80 day of event; 935-8552.

SATURDAY: Pavilion XX, A Tribute to New Orleans, white tie-preferred ball benefits Tampa Museum of Art; 600 N Ashley Dr.; $1,200; 274-8294.

WEDNESDAY: Business in the Arts Awards Gala; 6 p.m.; Renaissance Tampa Hotel; $75; 221-ARTS.

NOV. 12: Starlight Ball, Renaissance, benefits University Community Hospital Foundation; 6:30 p.m.; Hyatt Regency downtown Tampa; $200; 615-7663.

NOV. 12: Victory Ball benefits USF Suncoast Alzheimer's & Gerontology Center; 6:30 p.m.; Wyndham Harbour Island Hotel; $125; 974-4355.

[Last modified November 3, 2005, 08:47:07]