Amy Scherzer's Diary

The Links' White Rose luncheon

Hats, feathered and flowered, beret and brimmed, styled by Evelyn Bethune and Frances Sykes, made lovely centerpieces and conversation pieces at the Links' annual White Rose luncheon April 17 at the Hyatt Regency Tampa.

The group of 40-plus African-American women — professionals, activists, homemakers and, above all, role models — hosted 500 guests at "Down on Central Avenue," a musical tribute to black-owned businesses that thrived in the 1940s and '50s under what is now the junction of Interstates 4 and 275. Their heirs were invited up to receive vintage photographs decoupaged by Lydia B. Gonzalez. University of South Florida playwright Fanni Green starred in the play written by Links member Sonja Harvey McCoy.

Sonja Garcia presented the Johna B. Andrews Humanitarian award to Fred Hearns for his efforts to preserve and spread community history. Kay Andrews introduced $5,000 scholarship recipient Tawanna King, who is finishing her second year at USF College of Medicine. Tampa poet laureate James Tokley rhymed his memories of Central Avenue.

17th annual Magnolia Ball

"We're cancer thrivers … here and healthy," exclaimed singer and breast cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John, sharing the spotlight with newsman and melanoma survivor Sam Donaldson at the annual Magnolia Ball. The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute advisers helped the Moffitt Foundation pull together spontaneous pledges, grants and annual contributions Saturday, netting $2.2 million. That impressive figure includes auction proceeds and $1,000 individual gala tickets.

The money will accelerate personalized treatment, promised CEO Bill Dalton, as well as subsidize rooms for families staying at the nearby Magnolia Lodge. A more immediate payoff for 600 guests at A La Carte Pavilion: rocking to the aging but amazing Doobie Brothers.

But first, there was commerce to conduct. Donaldson introduced John Sykes, who gave an emotional account of his lymphoma diagnosis. He and wife Susan Sykes offered to match the first $500,000 raised right there, prompting Nick Valvano of the V Foundation to announce a $500,000 grant. Four $100,000 pledges followed, including by Don and Erika Wallace. Hands flew up committing increments of $75,000 to $500.

That was on top of live auction packages including the peach organza gown Newton-John wore. Dianne Davant Moffitt bought the dress at a Newton-John Cancer Centre benefit in Melbourne, Australia, and donated it to the Magnolia auction. Marsha Droste bid $7,000 and plans to donate it back next year. Other big buys: $40,000 for a five-day cruise for eight on the 97-foot Hooters yacht and $16,000 from Steve and Sonia Raymund for a Piaget diamond watch. The Fasano Family Foundation, owners of AsSeenOnTV.com, gave a total $50,000 by adding $5,000 to each item sold at market value.

Ball co-chairman Bruce Allen, Washington Redskins general manager, was working the NFL draft, so co-chair/wife Kiersten ran the plays on her own.