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Amy Scherzer's Diary

By AMY SCHERZER Social Scene
Published September 14, 2007

Brushstrokes of Genius  

Art, music and dance filled TECO Hall when the Life Enrichment Center hosted its annual fundraiser Sept. 7.

The paintings for sale were the works of students at the only private nonprofit senior center in Hillsborough County, and one of few in the nation. As guests browsed the display, they also could purchase note cards, hand-painted cigar boxes and children's books. They were assisted by 40 University of South Florida student volunteers from Elizabeth Bergman's Introduction to Gerontology class.

Phyllis Gaines choreographed a hip- hop number called Where There's Hope, for the center's dance troupe, Forever Moving, with sign language included.

Another highlight of the evening was board chairman Mark Downing's award to artist Dr. Gladys Shafran Kashdin whose support of the center makes classes possible for adults ages 50 and up, including art, writing, dance, computer training and Spanish.

There was no charge to attend the event that drew 350 guests and offered airbrushed tattoos, tarot card readings and Oriental brush painting demonstrations.

Executive director Ronna Metcalf said the student artwork will hang in the TECO gallery through Sept. 30.

The hungry horde tasted treats from NOLA (Caf) to NoHo (Bistro) and savored sips from Aspirations to Zensen wineries at the Centre for Women's 16th annual Gourmet Feastival. They could try breakfast from J. Christopher's, lunch on Jersey Boys Reubens from Maestro's Theatrical Cuisine, snack on escargot from Salt Rock Grill and melt for Sweet Dreams' desserts.

With 33 restaurants, caterers, wine and beer purveyors sandwiched into Morsani Hall on Aug. 23, no one left the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center hungry or thirsty.

Some guests, jostling for space among the 1,300 wished for a little more room to juggle plates and glasses while shopping the silent auction. They'll get their wish. Organizers are already reworking the traffic flow and expect next year's event to spill into adjoining Ferguson Hall.

The packed house was fine by event chairwoman and center board vice president Mary Scourtes Greacen, who expects to net about $100,000 for teen mentoring, substance abuse treatment, family and marriage counseling, elder home repairs and other programs.

Included in the take: $5,000 from selling chances on a five-night Caribbean vacation, donated by Motivation Advantage and won by Pat MacFarlane. Also a check from Christian Dior at Macy's, which charged $5 for a picture with Prince Charming and a sample of a new perfume, Midnight Poison. Dior also donated a $1,000 gift basket to the silent auction.

Datebook

Saturday: How the West was Wine" benefits Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St.; 7-8 p.m.; Premium wine tasting, silent auction, $85 in advance and $95 day of event; 8-10 p.m.; Grand wine tasting, $50 in advance, $60 day of event; 274-8680.

Saturday: Ninth annual Art of Helping Children Gala benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay; 6:30 p.m.; A La Carte Event Pavilion; $150 or $250 per couple; 769-3636.

Saturday: Taste of Tampa Bay benefits A Gift of Life, 6:30 p.m.; Higgins Hall; $85 in advance, $95 at the door, 361-3444.

Monday: Florida Orchestra Guild/Tampa Tune-Up Party; 10 a.m.; Beach Park home of Debbie Porter; no charge; 994-6270.

Wednesday: Festival of Fashions celebrity model fashion show benefits HARC, sponsored by Georgette's of Old Hyde Park; silent auction, 10:30 a.m.; luncheon at noon; Hyatt Regency Tampa; $60; 273-6364.

Sept. 22: FAMU Tampa alumni association Scholarship Gala, 6 p.m.; Doubletree Hotel, 4500 W Cypress St.; guest speaker, FAMU president James H. Ammons, $60; 879-0372.

Sept. 26: Legacy Gala benefits Bay Area Legal Services, 6:30 p.m., Higgins Hall; $60; 232-1222, ext. 156.

[Last modified September 13, 2007, 08:01:29]