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Star Power show adds spring glitter

The energetic and entertaining annual fashion event helps its sponsor raise funds for the Children's Home.

By MARY JANE PARK
Published May 7, 2006

With energy, vibrant music and styles of the moment, Star Power, the annual fashion show sponsored by the Pinellas County Auxiliary of the Children's Home, is a much-anticipated event every spring.

The April 26 luncheon was a celebration of the event's 20th anniversary and filled the big Palm Court Ballroom at St. Petersburg's Renaissance Vinoy Resort.

It also was a salute to past presidents Betsey Lurie, Carol Miele, Ann Torguson, Beth Doyle, Hilde Hulen and the late Michal Flach.

Special recognition went to founding president Karol Bullard, who led the group again from 1998 until 2004 and was a co-chair of this year's fashion show committee with Debbie Hedges and Hope Dogali.

Through those two decades, the organization has contributed more than $800,000 to the Children's Home.

Georgette Diaz, who owns Georgette's and the Shoe Salon in Tampa's Old Hyde Park Village, and her daughter Tashia Diaz coordinated the show, which never disappoints in terms of energy and entertainment. Menswear was from George, Ltd., Tampa.

Performers from Jackie's Dance Studio danced a number of Hollywood-themed presentations to introduce the clothes, worn by professional models and Tampa Bay area celebrities Kristen Berset, Margaret Word Burnside, Kelly and Dr. Randy Feldman, Gayle Guyardo, Carleth Keys, Pari Miller, Debra Schrils, Jeff Carlson, Dick Crippen, Tom DeCaprio, Brian Fasulo, Jack Harris, Mark Larsen and Denis Phillips.

If you have been hibernating, you will want to know that white is the signature for summer women's wear, in pants, skirts, dresses, blouses, baby-doll tops and accessories.

Pastels also were popular on the runway, along with dresses and skirts with asymmetrical hemlines. Long scarves became wraps or were worn untied, with the ends draped behind the shoulders. Other signature looks: embellished denim, wedge heels and metallic ballet flats.

Members of the event committee included Debbie Cureton, Connie Whitehead, Linda Hovatter, Joe Hughey, Sharon Keegan, Carole Tonnison, Betty Southard, Becky Derry, Sharon Gremald, Valerie Bukowski, Linda Vaden and Lynnette Carney.

Those and other community workers put in numerous hours toward many good causes, and it was bittersweet to say goodbye to longtime volunteer Ann Foster, who is moving to Connecticut to be closer to family.

AmSouth Bank was the event sponsor.

* * *

"Lehanesville."

That's what American Stage and Eckerd College theater people came to call the sets of Coronado, the Dennis Lehane drama presented most recently in the downtown St. Petersburg theater.

On April 29, the playwright and Todd Olson, the theater company's artistic producing director, engaged in a discussion modeled after Bravo television's Inside the Actors Studio.

The benefit preceded the Saturday night performance of Lehane's play and offered an insight into his writing style and work ethic.

Mystic River is arguably his most famous book, having been a New York Times best seller and an Academy Award-winning movie. Lehane, an Eckerd graduate who now is on the college's board of trustees, is a co-director of the Writers in Paradise conference and teaches spring semesters at Eckerd.

Olson tried to pin him to writing a play for American Stage's 2007-08 season, but Lehane was elusive, at least in terms of a time commitment. He is working on an epic novel, the first in a trilogy.

"Whatever play I do next, you will have the world premiere,'' he promised.

* * *

St. Anthony's Health Care celebrated its 75th anniversary on April 28 with "Diamonds Are Forever," its annual black-tie Medallion Gala dinner and dance in the Renaissance Vinoy Resort's Palm Court Ballroom.

Matt Silverman, president of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, was honorary chair of the event, and presented a $10,000 check to the St. Anthony's Foundation.

Guests included St. Anthony's Health Care president and chief executive Ford Kyes and his wife, Barb; board chairman Lee Martino and his wife, Jacqueline; foundation board chairman John Bilchak and his wife, Lana; Bill and and Carrie Tapp; Cary Putrino; Bill and Sally Habermeyer; Jeff and Tracey Lyash; Thom Tremaine; Sister Karen Burns; Sister Gladys Sharkey; Angelo and Michelle Cappelli; Virginia Workman; Dr. Andrea Woods; Dr. Gregg Schuyler; Dr. Steven Masley; Dr. Koco Eaton; Dr. Vanessa Hart; Fran Davis; and Dr. Kern Davis. Kally Harvard; Bill

The gala began four years ago to coincide with St. Anthony's annual triathlon weekend.

* * *

Potential members interested in joining the Junior League of St. Petersburg may participate in an open house from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 25 at Great Explorations: The Children's Museum. For reservations, call 895-5018.

* * *

The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg is recruiting new docents to lead informational tours. Training classes begin in the fall.

Call Lisa Kirksey, 896-2667, or e-mail lisak@fine-arts.org for information.

SOCIAL CALENDAR

Wednesday

FAMILY OF THE YEAR: Family Service Centers luncheon honors the family of Craig and Jan Sher. 11:30 a.m. Radisson Hotel & Convention Center, 12600 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater. $50. 489-5236.

VIP/SUNCOASTER SOCIAL: Mid-Festival of States event. 6:30-8:30 p.m. BB&T, 360 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 502-3703.

Thursday

POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE BREAKFAST: Features Bucs linebacker Shelton Quarles. 7 a.m. Hilton St. Petersburg, 333 First St. S. 893-7138.

Mary Jane Park can be reached at 893-8267; fax 893-8675; e-mail park@sptimes.com P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731.

[Last modified May 7, 2006, 10:13:23]