By Nanette Wiser
It’s the season of giving on Paradise’s social whirl. Grab your LBD and Plus One and head out to these fabulous events that raise money for good causes! Give a donation and have fun partying – it’s the ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift when you help a charity…altruism=love.
Jan. 15: Patriot Day Memorial @ St. Petersburg Coliseum to honor our heroes and remember the events of 9/11 with proceeds benefiting Breaking Barriers (RHS First Responder Program) and introducing Operation Rescue. RememberHonorSupport.org
Jan. 18: Brooke’s 4th Annual Butterfly Bash @ The Floridian Social Club. The event is for Pediatric Lupus Awareness run by Denise Brown whose daughter died from lupus. Working with The Lupus Foundation of American and TGH Foundation, where Brooke was a patient, the event raises money for an important cause. Enjoy live entertainment by The Black Honkeys, fabulous food from CRG, where Brooke was a loved employee (Love Child, Ciccio Water, Daily Eats, Green Lemon), free Prosecco and a silent/live auction. info@brookesbutterflybash.org
Jan. 19: The Gator Gala benefits the Alligator and Wildlife Recovery Center @ The Don CeSar. (See our cover feature)
Feb. 5: PARC’s 53nd Annual Black Tie Gala @ The St. Petersburg Yacht Club is themed Evening of Purpose. Enjoy dining on specially prepared gourmet dishes, dancing to The Bay King Band and help raise funds so PARC can continue offering vital support to children and adults with developmental disabilities.
March 11: The Greatest Show @the Luxury Yacht Starship Dinner Cruise departs the Port of St. Petersburg for this black-tie gala that raises money for seven beloved local charities: Brooke’s Butterfly Bash, St. Pete Fools, Heels to Heal, The Shawn Brown Foundation, ILSP Emergency Relief Fund, Pinellas Pals, and RememberHonorSupport. Enjoy sightseeing, dancing, live music, dining, Alvin Reserved Selection wines, and burlesque and magic shows on three decks. VIP and Gold & Silver Tickets available; VIP includes exclusive dinner and all deck access, exclusive pre-parties and after-party with DJ Fresh. The entertainment lineup features Ariella & Nic Kraster, Shawn Brown, Daniela Soledade & Nate Najar, James Suggs, #No Filter Show Band and surprise guests. Also performing is Boris & Sax. Complimentary valet parking is included in the ticket. TheGreatestShow.Org
The fabulous Alessandro Alvino aka Alvin hosts the floating Greatest Show party as maestro extraordinaire and is bringing this event from Italy, having produced similar events worldwide. “I wanted to honor my father who believed in doing good and 100% of the ticket sales go to the charities,” he says. “It’s also a great way to celebrate my 50th birthday which is midnight March 12th at the end of the party.”