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Amy Scherzer's diary
Mad Hatter's Ball
By AMY SCHERZER
Published April 13, 2007
There were many reasons to honor otolaryngologist Loren Bartels at the 17th annual Bolesta Blast at the Quorum Hotel on March 31. Dr. Bartels fought for the law requiring all Florida newborns to have their hearing checked. He started the first local cochlear implant program and the first in Florida dedicated to children. His surgical techniques are taught around the world. Another honoree that night, Molly Corum, credits therapy at the Bolesta Center for helping her prepare for a mainstream kindergarten class. Well into her adult years, she didn't realize she'd been born profoundly deaf, thinking she was only hard of hearing. She had two cochlear implants in 1996, which she enjoys telling people about. She received the annual Denney Award, named for the late Ethel "Denney" Bolesta. Gator and UCLA basketball fans checked out the Final Four semifinals on a TV in the corner. Quipped chairwoman Jeri Jesson, keeper of the remote, "For a high enough bid, we'll turn the sound on." Auctioneer Laura York helped the event net almost $40,000. Is there a doctor in the house? There were about 50 of them, plus spouses, when the Hillsborough County Medical Association Alliance hosted a Doctors' Day reception March 30. Moffitt Cancer Center surgeon Scott Kelley and his wife, Jill, opened their Bayshore Boulevard home for the annual honor-your-doctor party. Why March 30, you ask? Because anesthesia was used for the first time on March 30, 1842, when a young doctor in Georgia administered ether before removing a cyst. He got the idea after noticing people who used ether recreationally felt no pain during their "frolics." We are all indebted to him. Alliance co-president Karen Dalton announced two recipients of Evelyn Shaver scholarships to USF: Tuan Druong studies medicine and Sharon Henry trains in nursing. Guests got "curiouser and curiouser," as Alice in Wonderland would say, at the Mad Hatter's Ball benefit for Florida Blood Services. The crowd of 200-plus learned one blood donation can sustain three lives and other vital facts as they played flamingo croquet at A La Carte Pavilion. The Queen of Hearts tried to distract the players, whacking furry hedgehog balls with pink plastic flamingo mallets. Philanthropist Ritchey Taylor won the match. Longtime board member Roy Bertke attempted a 50-foot rabbit hole putt. His consolation prize: a Ritz Carlton hotel room and use of a Mercedes-Benz for a weekend. A human Cheshire Cat grinned and greeted; oversized decks of cards, crazy hats and clocks hung from the ceiling. Live and silent auctions, fueled by four flavors of martinis in glow glasses, helped to net $145,000 for blood services at the March 31 gala. The entertainment line-up scored big time at the 15th annual Baseball for Kids hosted by All Children's Hospital and Major League Baseball Players Alumni. Ace Young, a fifth season American Idol finalist, sang with some of the youngest fans at the March 24 benefit at A La Carte Pavilion. Baseball great Mudcat Grant perched on a stool to rock the house with Mustang Sally. Honorary chairman Wade Boggs played auctioneer in his usual feel-good mood. But the standing ovation went to the U.S. Military All-Stars, active duty and reserve personnel from all branches. Almost all have served one or more tours in the war on terror. The next day the All Stars played the legends, including Boggs, Ferguson Jenkins, Bob Feller, Gaylord Perry, Jim Palmer. Lucky for them, teams paired up American vs. National leagues, not old vs. young. The weekend, which included the baseball game and a golf tournament in Avila, raised about $145,000 to be shared by the hospital and baseball alums. Events April 19: Judeo-Christian Health Clinic Testimonial Dinner; 6 p.m.; Higgins Hall; $95; 870-3231. April 20: Mozart, Motown and More benefits the Florida Orchestra; 6 p.m.; Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay; $250; 286-1170, ext. 326. April 20: Magic in the Making benefits Ryan Nece Foundation's Good Samaritan Program; 7:30 p.m.; Tampa Yacht and Country Club; $125; www.ryan nece56.com or 251-3624. April 21: Heart Ball, Evening of Elegance benefits American Heart Association; 6 p.m.; A La Carte Pavilion; $500; (727) 563-8112. April 28: Karamu, black-tie gala benefits Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W Sligh Ave.; 6:30 p.m.; $250; 935-8552.
[Last modified April 12, 2007, 07:45:51]
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