Volunteer named new Queen of Hearts

By Mary Jane Park, Times Staff Writer
In print: Sunday, March 9, 2008

The 2008 Queen of Hearts Court poses at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront. Court members, from left, are Kimberly Horstman, Janet Raymond, Ann Vickstrom, 2008 Queen of Hearts Joann Barger, Sarah Lonquist and Sharon Jackson. In front are pages Grace Vickstrom, 9, and Savannah Whitehead, 8. Barger was sponsored by the Lupus Foundation.
	[SCOTT KEELER | Times]

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Longtime civic volunteer Joann Barger reigns as St. Petersburg's new Queen of Hearts, honored for her service in numerous charities including the presidencies of the Stuart Society of the Museum of Fine Arts, Infinity, St. Anthony's Hospital Auxiliary, the Science Center Guild, Brookwood Florida-Central, the Florida West Youth Ballet and the parents association of Canterbury School of Florida.

The 50th anniversary event took place in the ballroom at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront, where tiaras of past queens glittered in the candlelight.

Twice, Mrs. Barger has chaired the gala, which venerates women's civic accomplishments. She was sponsored by the Lupus Foundation and escorted by her son, Michael.

Queens are chosen from past courts, and sponsoring organizations nominate volunteers to be chosen as princesses.

This year's royalty:

Donna Gaffney, nominated by the Suncoast Voices for Children Foundation and escorted by her husband, Thomas.

Kimberly Horstman, sponsored by the Lupus Foundation and escorted by her husband, George.

Sharon Jackson, sponsored by the St. Petersburg Museum of History Guild and escorted by her husband, Doug.

Sarah Lonquist, sponsored by the All Children's Hospital Guild, Interlock Club and Women's Service League and escorted by her son, Dr. John Lonquist.

Janet Raymond, sponsored by the St. Petersburg Women's Chamber of Commerce and escorted by her son, Kenneth Brigham.

Ann Vickstrom, sponsored by the Junior League of St. Petersburg and escorted by her husband, Daniel.

Pages were Grace Vickstrom and Savannah Whitehead.

The evening also was a star turn for Catherine McGarry, the 2007 Queen of Hearts, and members of that court: Louise Chapin, Nikki McQueen, Elise Minkoff, Shirley O'Sullivan, Susan Romero and Evelyn Wilty.

Edie Spies and Diane Winning were chairwomen of the event, which benefited the Breast Center at St. Anthony's and the St. Petersburg Free Clinic.

Design Showhouse

The St. Petersburg Florida Orchestra Guild's annual Design Showhouse continues to be open daily through March 30 and features two condominiums in the newly constructed 400 Beach Drive.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily except Sunday, when hours are noon to 4:30 p.m.

Patrons should park on the street. Tickets are $20.