Amy Scherzer's Diary

1Voice Foundation

Acrobats, stilt walkers and Hula Hoopers turned Saks Fifth Avenue into a three-ring circus at the second annual Forever Young cocktail party to promote 1Voice Foundation's three-fold mission for families affected by childhood cancer: cause, care, cure.

"We give options," said founder Steve Brickner, including finding a specialist, treatment information and financial aid.

Director Mary Ann Massolio urged 300 guests to bid and buy March 26 as they browsed a carnival of buffets from PF Chang's, Café Dufrain and Maritana Grille. Seasons 52 brought shot-glass desserts. Sweet.

Shriners sent a dozen clowns, ConceptBAIT donated circus decor and Saks kicked back 5 percent of the evening's sales, helping the event net $30,000.

Making her debut: 3-month-old Sophia Marie Stuhlsatz, daughter of Stephanie and board member Tom Stuhlsatz.

Tampa Bay Heart Ball

Tampa Bay Heart Ball co-chairs Ann and Ronnie Duncan celebrated the more than 1 million lives saved by meeting goals set a decade ago, they said at Saturday's $500-ticket black-tie benefit for the American Heart Association.

The pair applauded their predecessors when an array of wines donated by past event chairs and board members was auctioned. They all rose to be recognized for collectively raising $7 million.

The Duncans saluted future leaders when dinner for eight at Datz Deli, hosted by Heart Ball 2012 co-chairs Chuck and Becky Sykes, sold for $3,500 to Fred and Marlina McClure.

Human slinky and colorful Cirque-like dancers from EventShow Productions delighted 260 guests at A La Carte Pavilion. Before they jammed the dance floor, a heart-tugging appeal by emcee Stacie Schaible of WFLA-Ch. 8 and 5-year-old Kaelyn Graham, who has undergone 17 surgeries, kicked gala net proceeds up to $320,000.

Girl Scouts' Women of Distinction

Women of Distinction chairwoman Renee Dabbs shared some big numbers from Girl Scouts of West Central Florida at the annual luncheon March 23 at A La Carte Pavilion: 30,000 girls in 1,756 troops in eight counties led by 10,000 volunteers sold more than 2 million boxes of cookies.

"It's not all fun and games, but also leadership and development," said Dabbs, who was told she ran her troop like an MBA program.

The ninth Women of Distinction role models are Maruchi Azorin Blanco, founder of an annual science program for Hispanic students at MOSI; St. Pete attorney Susan Hamilton Churuti, who said Scouting taught her diversity; philanthropist Carol Morsani and educator Seretha Tinsley.

Guest speaker Ariane de Bonvoisin, author of The First 30 Days: Your Guide to Making Any Change Easier, summarized traits of people who embrace change, including optimism, open-mindedness, deep emotions, a supportive team and a nonurgent relation to time.

"Getting good with change is the most important life skill you can teach a child," she said.

Boys & Girls Clubs New York Yankees luncheon

A standing ovation for George Steinbrenner at the 14th annual New York Yankees Luncheon let him know where he stands with Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay supporters. The Boss' requirement that every player, coach and instructor show up and sign autographs sold out the $300 and $500 tickets in four minutes. The March 24 lunch is the team's only such event.

WTVT-Ch. 13 anchor John Wilson minded the clock and pianist Joe Stagi pounded baseball tunes as 630 fans stampeded into the room with hats, bats and balls. Press Box owners Beth Ann and Walter Hill and daughters Kaylee and Kelsey donated Yankee T-shirts for all.

Manager Joe Girardi wore No. 28 this year, swapping out the No. 27 jersey he wore last year when the team won its 27th world championship.

Auction packages such as the All-Star Anaheim vacation and Tiffany crystal baseball and candy dish helped rack up $300,000 for the program that serves more than 9,000 club members in Hillsborough and Pasco counties.