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Amy Scherzer's Diary

By AMY SCHEZER
Published December 15, 2006

Cocktail dresses, not football, were the talk at the Tampa Bay Buccaneer Wives' annual Holiday Fashion Show, staged for the past 18 years by Georgette's of Old Hyde Park. The Bucs' dismal season rarely came up as the 650 ladies eyed the season's hottest styles, modeled by two limos full of spouses at the Hyatt Regency Tampa on Dec. 7.

"We look forward to this all year," said Damaris Quarles, wife of linebacker Shelton. Knockout Raunda Williams, wife of personnel exec Doug Williams, could land a modeling contract in an instant. Instead, she's mothering an 11-month-old and pursuing a doctorate in developmental education.

Emcee, auctioneer and proud Plant High football mom Gayle Sierens, WFLA-Ch. 8 anchor, shocked co-chairwoman Dianne Cox when she pulled her name in the 50/50 raffle.

Of course, Cox graciously donated her half of the $6,000 pot right back, helping get the total net to more than $40,000 for St. Joseph's Women's Cancer Center.

A crowd of admirers flocked to former Tampa Bay Buc Obed Ariri at the African Ambassadors Heritage Recognition party, even though it's been more than 20 years since the Nigerian soccer star set records as one of the first black placekickers in NFL history.

African Ambassadors founder Dr. Chuma Osuji, who is also Nigerian, named Ariri the group's Man of the Year at the Dec. 2 gathering at Island Walk clubhouse on Harbour Island. Pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Yakubu is the Woman of the Year for volunteering at Mercy Medical Clinic, 3704 W Euclid Ave., where patients in need receive free medical care on the last Friday afternoon of each month.

Emmanuel Eke, working as deejay Double E, paused the reggae, calypso and jazz long enough to receive the dedication award. Emeka Iwuuagwu was honored with the kindness award.

"Goodness begets goodness," said Osuji. Guest speaker Hillsborough county attorney Renee Lee added her appreciation for their efforts. Celebrants, many wearing dressy dashikis, enjoyed an African buffet prepared by Carrollwood resident Ronke Smith, featuring goat pepper soup, moimoi, black-eyed pea cake; beef stew and coconut jollos rice, as well as palm and coconut wines.

Dec. 29: Seventh annual Kwanzaa Celebration, North Tampa African Alliance, 6 p.m., St. Paul Catholic Church, 12708 N. Dale Mabry. Adults, $15; teens, $10; children, $5. 961-6239.

Dec. 30: Outback Bowl MetLife/Mercedes Benz Presidents' Reception, 7 p.m., A La Carte Pavilion. Invitation only. 874-2695.

Dec. 31: An Evening in Vienna, Florida Orchestra Imperial Ball, 7 p.m., Mahaffey Theater, $400; 286-1170, ext. 340.

Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Charity Ball 7:30 p.m., Hyatt Regency Tampa; $250; 470-9623.

Dec. 31: 13 Ugly Men Resolution Ball, 8 p.m., Renaissance Tampa Hotel, International Plaza, $100, women, $150, men; (866) 530-5705.

[Last modified December 14, 2006, 07:50:24]