Not all pirate pizzazz: Gaspar's Grotto turns up charitable charm
By ERNEST HOOPER
Published April 26, 2006
Mention Gaspar's Grotto, and immediately visions of half-crazed pirates fill my mind.
It's impossible not to envision bandanna-wearing sailors because Eric Schiller sends out e-mails about his Ybor City bar laced with all kinds of colorful pirate language from Schiller's alter ego, Captain Ehab, a blackhearted seadog. The remark field usually says, "Arggggghhhhh," and common words include scallywags, seahags and buckos. Tanker Ray, a long-whiskered cat, prowls the bar, and patrons are encouraged to leave their "muskets and sabres" at the door.
The truth is Ehab isn't as blackhearted as those comical e-mails suggest. Schiller and his wife, Shere, known as the head bar wench, frequently open up the grotto to nonprofits hoping to raise funds for a cause.
Shere says the old seadog's bark is bigger than his bite.
"If he's your friend, you'll never have a better friend," Shere Schiller said. "I'm very lucky to be married to him. He's a real teddy bear, but he probably wouldn't want me to tell people."
On Thursday night, the Schillers will stage one of their most visible charitable efforts of the year at the Grotto, 1805 E Seventh Ave. "An Affair to Remember" is a bachelor/bachelorette auction to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Shere's dear friend, Lori Benson, passed away three years ago after fighting leukemia. Shere began having fundraisers in memory of Lori, and her involvement has grown each year.
Shere was the Leukemia Society's 2005 Woman of the Year thanks largely to the $15,000 raised at last year's auction. Her goal this year is to double that total and repeat as Woman of the Year with the help of some of Tampa Bay's most dazzling singles.
The date packages are as enticing as the dates. For guys bidding on the bachelorettes, there is a day at Busch Gardens, brunch at the Castaway, hang gliding, sunset cruises, and golf with former Lightning captain Dave Andreychuk and former Rays first baseman Fred McGriff.
Ladies will have the chance to bid on packages that include touring Tampa Bay on a private plane, a sunset helicopter ride to Sanibel Island, dinner aboard the Yacht StarShip and, for the truly adventurous soul, one bachelor is offering a trip to the Paradise Lakes clothing-optional resort in Pasco County.
Come on, deep down you know you're really curious to see what that resort is all about.
Shere said even if you aren't interested in bidding, the event proves fun for those who just want to come, cheer and have a good time. The event begins with a VIP party at 5:30 p.m. followed by the auction at 7:15 p.m.
The bachelors and bachelorettes will attend the VIP event, and Olympia Catering will provide hors d'oeuvres. This year's event is in memory of Joseph Michael Diaz, whose family owned the Olympia Bakery.
Tickets are $50 for the VIP event and $25 for the auction in advance and $35 at the door. For more information, go to www.atampaaffair.com
The Schillers' commitment to charitable efforts doesn't stop on Thursday. On Friday, Gaspar's Grotto will host the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities' Fiesta by the Bay.
The center provides information and consultation to individuals diagnosed with autism and related disabilities.
The event begins at 5 p.m. and admission is $25, which includes music, finger food, one drink ticket and chances to win prizes. There also will be salsa music and lessons. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling Julie Sneed at (813) 979-0133, Chandra Williams at (941) 741-8794 or Dayna Nichols at (727) 345-3714.
When asked why they are so willing, Shere Schiller said it's simply the right thing to do.
"Anyone will tell you it's a struggle down here in Ybor City," Shere said. "But even though you're struggling, you still have to try and help. It's not all about how much money you can make. I'm thrilled and very grateful to be able to do this for people."
That's all I'm saying.
Ernest Hooper can be reached at 813 226-3406 or Hooper@sptimes.com