Social Seens... Photography by A. H. Tram
St. Petersburg Opera Company’s Gala
The Bella Voce Gala to benefit the St. Petersburg Opera Company, was co-chaired by Mirella Cimato Smith and Roseann
Sacino. The Chinese theme, that was derived from Puccini’s opera Turnandot, turned “Opera Central” into the “Imperial Palace.”
During the fundraiser, Maestro Mark Sforzini and the cast of Turandot delighted the audience with an amusing musical program
that was a spoof called “Turandont.” The evening also featured a seated dinner, auctions and an exhibition of art by Kirk Ke Wang.
Charlene and Mardy Gordon help nurture the
arts throughout the Tampa Bay community.
Photography by Gram
Brad and Mary Ann Morse sponsored a table
at the St. Petersburg Opera fundraiser that
was held in Opera Central.
Maestro Mark Sforzini, the artistic director of
the St. Petersburg Opera, called guests into the
“Imperial Palace” for dinner with a gong.
The Beth Dillinger Foundation
The Eighth Annual Value Me Luncheon and Fashion Show to benefit the Beth Dillinger Foundation was held at the
Hilton Carillon in St. Petersburg. Laura Moody served as mistress of ceremonies, sisters Barbara and Susan McCarthy
received the Spirit of Hope Award, and young women from PACE modeled fashions from Beth’s Closet.
The all-volunteer, not-for-profit Beth Dillinger Foundation helps clothe, feed and educate our community’s children in
need through Beth’s Closet, The Hope Chest, Nourish to Flourish and Beth Dillinger Scholarships.
The Honorable Bob Dillinger, Pinellas and
Pasco Counties’ Public Defender, and his wife
Kay founded the Beth Dillinger Foundation in
memory of their daughter.
Private wealth advisor Lance Becatti and
his partner Jay Coats have helped sponsor
this popular luncheon benefit every
year since its inception.
Cat Coats, who organized the fundraiser
with Kay Dillinger, and her husband, former
Pinellas County Sheriff Jim Coats, were
among the benefit’s sponsors.
JULY/AUGUST 2015 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 169