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One night, $1.6M raised

By AMY SCHERZER
Published May 5, 2006

"Cancer can and will be defeated," former state Rep. Lee Moffitt told 850 guests at A La Carte Pavilion on April 29 before a surprise video tribute to his "persuasiveness and tenaciousness" in funding the center on the University of South Florida campus 20 years ago.

How did they do it? Sponsorships, ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, sold out by February, before a single invitation was mailed. Then, to top off the donations, two matching gifts were announced at the ball.

Masonite's chief executive officer Jim Morrison added $5,000 to every live auction item sold at retail value or more, totalling $50,000. So, when auctioneer Laura York sold a Wheaten terrier puppy for $8,000, the result was $13,000. Ted Couch's $15,500 bid for the Hooters casino package in Las Vegas rang up as $20,500. And so on.

Richard Gonzmart, Columbia Restaurant president and co-owner, ran to the stage to pitch "a trip of a lifetime to Spain to share my life, my passion." He rattled off names of his favorite restaurants, wines and sights he'd share on the first-class tour. Beer baron Tom Pepin got the bid to $26,000 when he whispered something to Gonzmart, his Jesuit High school pal. Gonzmart nodded and agreed to let Trish and Paul Melech join them on the trip for another $26,000.

Next, Pamela and Les Muma, retired chief executive officer of Fiserve Inc. now living in Belleair, started a donor frenzy with their offer to match donations made on the spot, up to $250,000. WFTS-Ch. 28 weather forecaster Denis Phillips bounced across the room helping volunteers find $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 pledges. In two minutes, they locked in $500,000 - including $10,000 from Sam Donaldson, former ABC news anchor and Moffitt advisory board chairman, and $10,000 from honorary chairman and former Tampa Bay Buc Brian Griese. Muma's match made it $750,000.

Think they were done? The Griese family thought so. Honorary chairs Brian and Brook Griese and Pro Football Hall of Famer Bob and Shay Griese were introducing 1970s/1980s duo Hall & Oates when the auctioneer reappeared.

"I hear we left some money on the table," York said. This time, $500 and $1,000 pledges poured in - adding another $75,000 and pushing the total to $825,000. Moffitt moved to the big leagues when silent, live and sealed bid auctions, sponsorships and ticket sales brought in the rest.

Guests celebrated on the dance floor, turning it into a black-tie mosh pit as they sang to classics Kiss on My List, Private Eyes, Maneater and more.

MISSING IN ACTION: Somehow, the Judeo-Christian Health Clinic hosted its annual testimonial dinner April 27 without two key men. Emcee Dr. Ernie Reiner, recently treated for a brain tumor, missed his first dinner in more than three decades. A fender bender injured his neck. Thank goodness he didn't break his funny bone, because his humor has always been the highlight of the event.

Dinner chairman Monsignor Laurence Higgins also was in the hospital for gall bladder surgery.

WFLA-Ch. 8 Gayle Sierens stepped in to emcee, with help from Tampa Tribune columnist Steve Otto, who came to present the Good Samaritan Award to Dr. Reiner. His son, pediatrician Chris Reiner, accepted for him, noting his father would far prefer to be there than anywhere else.

Maisie Reddy, whose late husband, Fred, was a clinic board member and frequent volunteer physician, presented the Humanitarian Award to her dear friends, Liz and David Kennedy, for their years of civic involvement. With 500 guests at the $95-ticket dinner and silent auction, organizers expect to net $100,000 to provide free health care to the working poor.

SPRING FLEW IN "On the Wings of Fashion," bringing Red Cross Angels a luncheon runway show April 24 at the Westshore Marriott. WFLA-Ch. 8 medical editor Irene Maher opened the program and narrator Laura York added fashion commentary to Lillie Rubin at International Plaza's casual and evening wear. Red Cross Angels and their special guest models, teens Gabrielle Ayala, Amy Barbas and Natalee Thomson, strutted for 160 patrons.

Chairwoman Julie Hytoff received the Halo Award for her dedication to the chapter. Event proceeds, $10,000, will go to the Angel Wings Transportation Program.

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 May 5, 2006, 08:39:43]