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Amy Scherzer's diary

Amy Scherzer's Diary

By AMY SCHERZER
Published January 12, 2007

Tampa General goes to the circus

Clowning around at Tampa General Hospital Foundation's annual Night at the Circus raised serious money - $180,000 - to expand the neonatal intensive care unit.

Chairwoman Christi Barli and sponsor, Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation, brought in merry trickster/juggler Stewart Lippe, a DJ, a face painter and plenty of munchkin food for 600 patrons at the St. Pete Times Forum on Jan. 4. A clown posse led a conga line between two bars serving parents and grandparents. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey owner Ken Feld, now a Harbour Island resident, and daughter, circus producer Nicole, mixed in, eager for feedback on Bellobration, starring Bello, the big red-haired clown, and amazing acts, from acrobats to zebras.

Dozens of sponsors donned plastic Bello wigs and piled into colorful trains in the circus parade.

"Word's out. This is a fun, family event," said TGH Foundation director Robin DeLaVergne, noting that sponsors returned tickets to give to 1,100 children and 1,000 hospital employees.

Krewe of Sant'Yago coronation ball

The parade of shining knights sparkled, from the gems in their crowns to the glitter on their boots, at the 35th annual Krewe of Sant'Yago coronation ball Saturday. The gleam on El Baron XXV Randy Conte's cheek came from tears shed at the sight of daughter Stephanie Rose, crowned alongside El Rey XXXV Antonio Serrano, who immigrated in 1975 to play flamenco guitar at the Columbia restaurant.

Conte's buddies at the banquet table hugged and kissed him as the royals ascended the throne. La Reina Stephanie, 18, attends Hillsborough Community College and plans a career in nursing. El Rey Serrano covers roofs as owner of Mediterranean Tile Designs.

The more than 1,000 guests fell silent only once, and that was to hear 80-year-old El Rey Ray Grimaldi's abdicating speech, given by his grandson and crown bearer, Alexander Grimaldi, 8. Outgoing La Reina Jessica Gonzmart, 21, removed her crown and shouted, "Viva St. Yago."

Six knights were dubbed into the club: Richard Nimphie, David Robinson, Raymond Rocha, Dagoberto Rodriguez, Dino Scanio and John Vina. Knight George Diaz staged the ball and designed the court's costumes. A lengthy video travelogue of Cordoba, the king's birthplace, and a royal march preceded dinner.

Athena's Society's 30th anniversary

It's such a clich, but the Athena Society has come a long way, baby.

It has been three decades since the group formed, initially to promote the Equal Rights Amendment to guarantee women constitutional rights equal to those of men. Three of the founders, Susan Leisner, Irene Hadley Bodeman and Suzy McLain, remembered the fourth, the late Nancy Ford, at a 30^th anniversary dinner Jan. 5 at the University of Tampa Vaughn Center. The 159 members represent all professions, from police officer to rabbi, said Leisner.

A video by Linda Goldstein spotlighted members who broke professional barriers, including Cecile Essrig, Helen Gordon Davis, Jan Platt, Pat Frank, Betty Castor, Sandy Freedman, Helen Chavez and Arthenia Joyner. Each woman deserved a documentary herself, said Goldstein, who ended the video with Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, taking office.

Datebook 

Saturday: Masquerade Ball benefits Stageworks Theatre; black tie or creative attire; 6:30 p.m.; $100; Centro Asturiano; (813) 784-6832.

Sunday: Fourth annual New Tampa Rotary Raffle and Pig Roast benefits New Tampa Rotary Club Foundation.; 2-5 p.m.; Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club; $25; (813) 902-6681.

Wednesday: A Choice Affair luncheon benefits Planned Parenthood, noon; Marriott Waterside Hotel; $50; (941) 365-3913, ext. 101.

Thursday: WEDU Be More Awards™ luncheon; 11 a.m.; A La Carte Pavilion; $45; (813) 254-9338, ext. 2241, or toll-free 1-800-354-9338, ext. 2241.

Jan. 19: Andrea's Sip for Life wine and tapas tasting benefits sarcoma research at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute; 7-10 p.m. Ybor City State Museum; $100; (813) 248-3000, ext. 21.

Jan. 28: 49th annual Ebony Fashion Fair "Stylishly Hot" benefits Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Auxiliary, 5 p.m.; Tampa Theatre; $30; (813) 231-1340 ext. 252.

[Last modified January 11, 2007, 09:37:56]