National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Tampa chapter An Evening of Elegance, Gourmet Gents Gala

For 30 years, the Gourmet Gents cooked up an annual fundraiser for the Tampa chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. Year after year, right after church, supporters of the professional women’s advocacy group headed to Higgins Hall to sample the men’s specialties. This year instead, to mark three decades, the members celebrated with a black-tie gala to honor the original volunteer chefs as well as six corporate, community and faith-based partners. Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and 100 Black Men Inc. received the Organizational Support Award at the June 24 event. The elegant crowd enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, fancy cupcakes, a silent auction and dancing to the Beat Down Band. Founded in 1988, the local chapter sponsors leadership development programs for Black women and girls to address health, education and economic issues that impact the Black community. — Text and photos by Amy Scherzer

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Moffitt Cancer Center Magnolia Ball

“Empress of Soul” Gladys Knight showed Magnolia Ball guests how she won seven Grammy Awards as the black-tie crowd sang along to hits “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “That’s What Friends Are For” and many more at the annual Moffitt Cancer Center benefit. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer wasn’t the only one rocking the $1,500-ticket gala at the JW Marriott Water Street on May 6. Keyboardist and CEO Dr. Patrick Hwu opened cocktail hour jamming with the ReMissions, the Moffitt faculty band named for the hope and prayer of every cancer patient. “Feel the spirit of Moffitt,” board chairperson Rose Baker Reilly said, joining event chairpersons Lorraine and Bob Dutkowsy in urging donors to match an anonymous $500,000 challenge gift. Mission accomplished in mere minutes. Next, auctioneer Tom Riles began to pitch five exclusive travel packages, including Super Bowl LVIII in February (sold for $25,000) and a NASCAR experience ($15,000). A bidding battle ensued for a week at Tom and Lauren Pepin’s mountain home near Asheville, including private plane transportation. Dual offers from the Wanek and Sembler families reached $95,000, so the Pepins doubled down and now both families will visit the North Carolina retreat. Such generosity netted more than $3 million for cancer research and treatment. — Text and photos by Amy Scherzer