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Amy Scherzer's Diary: Weekly Wrap-Up of the Tampa Social Scene

 
The Taneja family, from left, Jugal, Manju, Supriya, Rhianna and Mihir were honored at the Starlight Gala for their multi-million dollar gift to Florida Hospitals Foundation West Florida Division. The Oct. 28 gala featured Styx at Amalie Arena.
The Taneja family, from left, Jugal, Manju, Supriya, Rhianna and Mihir were honored at the Starlight Gala for their multi-million dollar gift to Florida Hospitals Foundation West Florida Division. The Oct. 28 gala featured Styx at Amalie Arena.
Published Oct. 31, 2018

Starlight Gala

Florida Hospitals Foundation West Florida Division took Starlight Gala guests to the future before zooming back to the past. First, CEO Brian Adams presented the inaugural Taneja Family Philanthropist Award to Jugal, Manju, Supriya, Rhianna and Mihir Taneja for their multi-million dollar gift to build the Taneja Center for Innovative Surgery. Then '70s rockers Styx took over the Amalie Arena stage and showed the 700 guests how they've "outlasted 8-track tapes." FOX13 anchor Linda Hurtado emceed during dinner over the ice featuring several patient video-testimonials and a $30,000 Super Bowl LIII auction package.

Broadway Ball

Hamilton fever hit the Broadway Ball, firing up patrons of the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in anticipation of the brilliant hop-hop, historical musical coming in February and March.

Jose Rosario, Jr., Alonso High class of '06 , who played many roles in a touring Hamilton production, added more buzz rapping with Patel Conservatory students costumed as 18th-century Federalists during Saturday'sblack-tie dinner on the Morsani Hall stage.

"I wouldn't be here without people like you," Rosario told the 365 guests, recalling how he launched his career at a high school thespian festival at the Straz. In minutes, the young Patel talent inspired $55,500 in scholarship donations.
Curtain call: Broadway After Dark drew nearly 200 more theater-lovers just for dessert and dancing till midnight.

Rock the Dock

Chapters Health Foundation had the honor of hosting the first major fundraiser at the River Center in Tampa's beautiful new Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, and they rocked it. Rock the Dock's dinner and auction guests grooved on the Hillsborough River dressed in rock concert casual (John Wolfe could headline KISS any night) and danced to the aptly named Rivers Crossing Band.
Previously called Island Night at Jackson's on Harbour Island, the party helps fund Hospice palliative care, three childrens' grief camps and other medical services in seven counties. Jackson's continued its support Saturday by arranging to have the beer, wine and liqueur donated.

Contact Amy Scherzer at ascherzer@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3332. Follow @Amy_Scherzer.