Social Seens... Photography by Gram
Pepin Academies Community Gala
The 15th Annual Pepin Academies Community Gala, held at Pepin’s Hospitality Centre in Tampa and emceed by Gayle
Sirens, showcased the Academies’ students, both onstage and as assistant dinner servers. The benefit’s special guest, Tony
Dungy, spoke about “the lives we can touch, the legacy we can leave, and the world we can change for the better.” The 2015
Peregrine Falcon Awards were presented by Crisha Murray-Scolaro. Tom Pepin gave an update on Pepin Academies’
progress in enhancing the academic success of students with unique educational needs by creating an environment where
they can belong, thrive and succeed. Pepin Academies’ tuition-free, not-for-profit charter schools, where “belonging leads
to learning,” are continually expanding at their Tampa, Riverview and Pasco County campuses.
Pepin Academies board member Shelley Sharp,
Jenny Carlstedt and Jane Ramos helped sponsor
and were co-chairs of the Community Gala
along with Susan Miguenes.
Lauren Dungy and her husband Tony,
who was the benefit’s inspirational
guest speaker, were among the
evening’s 2015 Peregrine Falcon
Award winners and celebrity hosts.
Tom Pepin, chair of the Pepin
Academies Support Services board,
and his wife Lauren were major
sponsors, who hosted the Gala in
Pepin family tradition.
Crisha Murray-Scolaro, a Pepin Academies founder,
development director and board member; Amalie Oil partner
Anthony Barkett; and committee member Marilyn McPhail
enjoyed the event’s private pre-Gala reception.
Alberta and Chief Eric Ward, Tampa’s
new Chief of Police, were pleased that his
predecessor, Chief Jane Castor, received
a 2015 Peregrine Falcon Award.
Steve and Julie Weintraub, who
donated through their Gold and
Diamond Source and her Hands
Across the Bay, received a
2015 Peregrine Falcon Award.
NORAA
170 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE JULY/AUGUST 2015