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Amy Scherzer's diary

Amy Scherzer's Diary

By AMY SCHERZER
Published February 23, 2007

International Cuisine and Music Night

Temperatures dropped but support for the Hillsborough Education Foundation soared when former school district architect Alia Qureshi was host of an outdoor dinner at her Waterchase home Feb. 16.

"I got a lot of pole heaters," said Qureshi who now designs at her South Tampa firm, Suncoast Architectural Studios. Her 80 guests, including State Rep. Kevin Ambler, R-Lutz, and State Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, braved the cold to dine on French and Italian entrees as Hillsborough High students performed instrumental Indian music on the tabla and sitar.

Foundation president Bill Hoffman happily accepted Qureshi's nearly $7,000 check for scholarships. Foundation board member Kiran Patel and Superintendent MaryEllen Elia added their appreciation for the group's involvement.

When Qureshi announced next year's theme would be Moroccan, shivering school board member Jack Lamb suggested, "Maybe next year in April?"

For the Love of a Garden

Landscape architects David Rigall and Chris Ross showed off their ideas for landscaping the 3 acres surrounding the Tampa Garden Club during the annual For the Love of a Garden auction party Feb. 14.

Their master plan divides the Bayshore Boulevard site into 10 sections, with areas for gardening demonstrations; weddings and social events; and just strolling to enjoy the grounds. Improvements will take at least a decade as funding is found, Rigall said.

Honorary party chairs Lewis and Sally Hill greeted 200 guests sweet on the club and adjacent Fred Ball Park on Valentine's Day. Reds and pinks dominated the fashions and the wine list. Aphrodisiac oysters on the front lawn may have sparked bidding for 10 escapes - fishing trips, a hot air balloon ride, beachstays - auctioned by Laura York. With the Rose and the Founders garden circles each kicking in $4,000, the event raised $39,000 for future landscaping.

Tampa Preservation Society

Luminaires led to five exceptional Orleans Avenue homes, plus 95-year-old St. John's Episcopal Church, on Tampa Preservation Inc.'s 14th annual Candelight Tour. The fundraiser usually takes place in December when homes are decorated for the holidays, but nearly 300 visitors agreed Saturday night's chilly route through historic Hyde Park was worth the wait.

Nancy Burchill toured Gene and Cindy Ramm's handsome 1911 home. It was her first visit to the house since she and her husband, "Ferocius Father" George," former headmaster of St. John's Episcopal Day School, moved out. "I loved what they've done to it," said the 1963-1977 occupant.

"Delightful," guests gushed at Carol and Joe Timberlake's Craftsman Bungalow built in 1916. They raved about Elizabeth and Chris Christenberry's new kitchen that opens to the garden. Everyone wanted to be invited back to Linda and Tom Scarritt's entertaining circa-1900 Foursquare, once home to former Tampa Mayor D.B. McKay and his 10 kids.

Norma Gene Lykes' new home, serene and stunning, is a contemporary knockout. More than half of the walls are windows, and every room has a view of the bay. The electronic shade in Lykes' bedroom opens 20 minutes before sunrise, she said. Art collected on her worldly travels provokes discussion. The dining room table? Made from a tree uprooted during the tsunami. Her dressing room shows her attention to detail extends to clothing. Every item in her closet is black, white or beige, with a few peach exceptions.

Tour organizers netted about $14,000 and 20 new members to help the group promote and preserve Tampa's architectural legacy.

Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am Aussie Bash

"Every Shot's for Charity" goes the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am Golf Tournament motto. Last week's pairing of 76 teams of celebrities, amateurs and Champions Tour professionals at TPC Tampa Bay means a windfall for five local charities expected to divide more than $600,000. Folks are already beaming at Derrick Brooks Charities; Blooming Place for Kids; LifePath Hospice; Tampa General Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; and the Children's Home.

Some of the funds came from an autographed memorabilia auction at Aussie Bash, the tourney kickoff at A La Carte Pavilion on Feb. 13. The loud crowd of 1,200 assorted partiers, including Outbacker-in-Chief Chris Sullivan and his buddy, Tom "T-Bird" Shannon, owner of 60-plus Outback franchises in California, sang along with Huey Lewis and the News.

Events

Today: All Star Charity Gala benefits DeBartolo Family Foundation; 6:30 p.m.; A La Carte Pavilion; $300; 964-8302.

Saturday: To Life, To Heroes, To Courage benefits Florida Holocaust Museum; dinner speaker Rwanda hotel manager Paul Ruesabagina, 6:30 p.m.; A La Carte Pavilion; $200; (727) 820-0100, ext. 243.

Saturday: Starry Nights benefits Mental Health Care Foundation; 7:30 p.m.; Tampa Club; $125; 272-2244, ext. 246.

Sunday: Tampa Bay Oscar Night America benefits Tampa Theatre; 6 p.m. for VIP reception and patrons party, $125; 7:30 p.m. general admission, $35; 274-8982.

Thursday:Jocks and Jewels Celebrity Fashion Show hosted by Charisse Strawberry benefits National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence; 6:30 p.m.; Saks Fifth Avenue; $125; 915-7447.

[Last modified February 22, 2007, 12:06:58]