Ronald McDonald House Charities

Encanto, Storybook Ball

Isabel and Mirabel, stars of the animated Walt Disney movie “Encanto,” cavorted through the lush rainforest decor of the Storybook Ball, joining giant flower and butterfly stilt-walkers welcoming 400 guests to Ronald McDonald House Charities’ annual children’s book-themed benefit. Event chairpersons Ed Ameen, Ronald McDonald House Charities’ chairman emeritus, Sheila Vukner, Don Germaise and Ruth Lynch planned a huge silent auction, Agape Diamond jewelry pull and crafty art projects for the crowd enjoying the charcuterie and cocktail hour May 20 at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. During dinner, CEO Lisa Suprenand was thrilled to present the 2023 Award of Excellence to representatives of all four Tampa Bay sports franchises: the Rays, Rowdies, Bucs and Lightning. High Risk Hope executive director Bailey Nicholas accepted the Award of Hope. Two live auction items got lots of attention: a Champa Bay sports package featuring tickets and perks to Bucs, Rays and Lightning games and two Tom Brady-autographed Bucs jerseys. Those bids and others for a cuddly cockapoo, a fine wine collection and a trip to Hawaii or Ireland raised more than $560,000 for the four local Ronald McDonald Houses. Yard games (cornhole, anyone?) and mini Cuban sandwiches in the foyer, plus dancing to the From Me to You band, wrapped up the gala evening. — Amy Scherzer, photos courtesy of Rob Moorman Photography