Amy Scherzer's Diary

National Philanthropy Day

A triple whammy of sponsorships for the arts, health and education made Elaine and Hinks Shimberg the 2009 Philanthropists of the Year. They were nominated by three grateful recipients: St. Joseph's Hospitals Foundation, the University of South Florida and David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts.

"We are humbled and honored," said Hinks, at the annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon sponsored by the Suncoast chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals on Nov. 18. "Philanthropy came naturally," he said. "Like refilling the ice cube tray for the next guy,'' added Elaine. Three of their five children were able to attend the event at A La Carte Pavilion.

Gayle Sierens, WFLA-Ch. 8 anchor, emceed as she has for two decades. An award named for her, Sierens Volunteer of the Year, went to Mary Shuh, nominated by the Museum of Fine Arts. J. Lloyd Horton presented his namesake Horton Lifetime Achievement award to consultant Paul Dietrich for mentoring 35 nonprofits that have raised a collective $250 million. Quoting actor Danny Thomas on "givers and takers," Dietrich said, "Givers sleep better, and you all look well-rested."

Bob and Cathy Smith earned the Spirit of Philanthropy award for "living the spirit of giving." Winners in four other categories are: Valpak Direct Marketing Systems (corporation); Ren Scott Productions (small business); Thomas Burley (youth); Jesuit High School Key Club and West Pasco Sertoma Club (service organizations). Guest speaker Sandy Rief, president of the Duckwall Foundation, recapped landmark giving in the bay area, including the recent Straz family gift to the formerly named Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

Cruising to a Cure

Passengers at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital's third annual Cruising to a Cure never actually left port after boarding Holland America's Ryndam. But it was easy for supporters to pretend they were sipping mimosas and dining on the high seas after a friendly cook-off among three chefs Nov. 8.

Chef Jason Cline of Bin 27 Bistro, Fabrizio Schenardi of Pelagia Trattoria and Daniel Graves of Malio's Prime were given just 15 minutes to prepare and present their entrees to three critics. The winner: Cline's sushi-stuffed trout, lobster volcano roll and seaweed salad.

Following the directions of the other two chefs, the ship's kitchen crew made and served Schenardi's pistachio-crusted rack of lamb and Graves' lobster fra diablo to 250 luncheon guests. Once again, Holland America donated all the ingredients and service.

Cameron Tebbi, director of the hospital's pediatric cancer division, and Meaghan Ann Lewandowski, cancer survivor and former patient, shared success stories before the live auction. Event chairs Terrell and Heather Boone and co-chair Primrose Demirdjian expect the dockside benefit to net nearly $30,000 for the Children's Cancer Research Group based at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital.

USF Kinship Center Homecoming Tailgate party

Ted Williams, professor of molecular medicine and associate vice president for diversity at the University of South Florida, was one of five siblings raised by his grandmother. He is forever grateful.

"Everything I have I owe to her,'' he told guests Nov. 20 at the USF Kinship Center Homecoming Tailgate party, a "Bullish" benefit to help more than 345,000 Florida children being cared for by family members other than parents.

Kinship staffer Caroll Gossage found the perfect hosts when she asked her Temple Terrace neighbors Hollace and Billy McPhillips to open their home on the Hillsborough River. Tailgaters explored auction tables inside, then discovered Lupton's barbecue, Square One Burgers, Ciccio & Tony's pizza and more on the rambling waterfront deck, "home to 14 nesting great blue herons," said Hollace.

It was a win-win for USF and the Kinship families, especially the next day when the Bulls beat the University of Louisville, 34-22.