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Amy Scherzer's diary
Little Star a big event
By AMY SCHERZER
Published April 21, 2006
Identify and amplify, Suzanne Alvarez explained to guests eager to learn more about Bolesta Center at the 16th annual Listen Little Star dinner. Screening infants identifies hearing loss at birth, and advanced technology amplifies sounds so they can listen and learn in Bolesta's auditory-verbal therapy program. Alvarez was thrilled to present Bolesta "grad'' Paige Skaaland, 24, with this year's "Denny,'' named for Ethel "Denny'' Bolesta, founder of the nonprofit center on Habana Avenue. A ballerina, cheerleader and now nurse, Paige is a role model for all kids with profound hearing loss. Until she was asked to emcee, Laura York said she had never heard of Bolesta. After watching a heartwarming video with the 200 guests at the Centre Club on April 8, she launched a lively auction. In a flash she had a $400 bid for a "lottery tree'' bearing 100 tickets worth potentially $42-million. (Alas, no one matched all six numbers that night.) Executive director Kim Hanna expects to raise about $50,000 thanks to the sponsorship of the Pat Sullivan Foundation.EARNED THEIR PROPS: Every guy in the club plays a role when the 13 Ugly Men turn parties into charity benefits, said president Patrick Smith to 400 guests honoring the group at the Children's Home's 12th annual Recognition Luncheon April 12 at the Hyatt Regency Tampa. Event chair Betsey Lurie asked Suzy McMullen, daughter of the late Helen A. Davis, to give the 24 members an award for philanthropy in her late mother's name.Always thinking ahead, Randy Feldman, one of the 13 Ugly founders, surprised director Gerard Veneman with a framed, autographed Cadillac Williams jersey to sell at a future fundraiser. The 13 Uglies also pledged the proceeds from their next affair, the White Party on April 29 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, to residential treatment and adoption programs for abused and neglected children.VVVVROOOM TO GROW: President Gwen Stephenson revved up 130 guests at Hillsborough Community College Foundation's annual Presidential Showcase at Lexus of Tampa Bay on Dale Mabry Highway on April 9. Sales director Neal Crystal donated use of a Lexus convertible for a weekend to the silent auction. Buckle up: HCC's enrollment zoomed nearly 35 percent in the past five years. Stephenson let the students' achievements from four campuses do the talking as they demonstrated their dance, jazz, art and film education in the sleek showroom. HCC's on track to raise more than $2-million this year, announced foundation president Jim Hackman, with a nod to executive director Adrienne Garcia. Co-chairs Glenda Venable and Ruth White expect the $250-ticket Presidential Showcase to add $80,000.BELLES AND BEAUX: The Salvation Army women's auxiliary outdid themselves at their spring fashion show April 7. "Our best ever,'' said Moira Hinson, noting a few big changes, including a new location, the Rusty Pelican, and a silent auction, organized by Eleanor Rayburn. Also a huge hit: models Jack Harris, Pedro Soler, Brown Charite and Jack McMullen, hubby of fashion show dynamo Carolyn McMullen. SteinMart's Eve Barnett emceed. Best of all, the Merchants Association of Florida picked up the lunch tab, so the $27,000 raised all goes to Salvation Army programs for homeless, hungry and hard-working people. 50 YEARS AND COUNTING: Town & Gown, the University of South Florida's influential support group, were the first to see Blue 5606, the 50th anniversary (the name comes from 1956-2006) artwork by Bob Stackhouse. The watercolor was unveiled April 6 in Rosemary Henderson's gorgeous Bayshore Boulevard garden. "I see a spaceship taking off,'' said USF president Judy Genshaft, pointing to the painting with her broken arm and sharing her interpretation of the commemorative piece. She laughed when the ladies of Town & Gown presented her with a retractable citrus grabber so she won't fall off any more ladders. Margaret Miller, director of USF's Institute for Research in Art, noted Stackhouse's work hangs in major museums around the world. A member of USF's first graduating class, Stackhouse will receive an honorary doctorate in visual arts at graduation May 6. GOLDEN OPENING: Lydian Bank & Trust celebrated the grand opening of its Franklin Street office with Motown golden oldies, gold foil-wrapped candy coins and gold sugar rimming Bellini cocktails at Tampa Theatre on April 5. Lydians were the first Greeks to use gold coins, circa 561 B.C., said Cary Putrino, president of the Tampa Bay region. Lydians became wealthy traders, like the clients he seeks at the new downtown Tampa branch. "Living'' statues and toga-wrapped waiters carried out the festive Greek theme. To pass along tips to Amy Scherzer, blog her at www.sptimes.com/party where you'll find more pictures, events and links, or call 226-3332.
[Last modified April 20, 2006, 12:12:58]
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