Social Seens... Photography by Gram
A Night of Love and Hope
The second annual CASA Gala benefit was presented by Governor Charlie Crist and his wife Carole in the Grand
Ballroom of the Renaissance Vinoy in St. Petersburg. It benefited CASA in its fight against domestic violence and abuse.
The evening’s emcee, The Real Housewives of New York television star and author Jill Zarin, along with the honorary host,
actor and E!‘s Stewarts and Hamiltons star George Hamilton, both added energy to the evening. Attorney Steve Yerrid
received the Gala’s annual Love and Hope Award for his philanthropy from the Crists. Julie Weintraub of Hands Across
the Bay introduced the keynote speaker Melissa Dohme. Troy Kinsey, a correspondent for Bay News 9, thanked the Crists
for aiding CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse), the organization that helps adult and child victims of domestic violence
and abuse create new lives that are free of fear and filled with hope through programs such as their crisis hotline, support
groups, Justice Advocacy, Community Outreach, Peacemaker Program and its new domestic violence center.
Film and television star George Hamilton of
California, who was the evening’s honorary host,
enjoyed chatting with CASA Major Gifts Manager
John Biesinger.
Melissa Yerrid congratulated her husband
Steve, philanthropist, trial attorney and
founder of The Yerrid Law Firm, on receiving
the Love and Hope Award.
Florida’s former Governor, Senator and
Attorney General Charlie Crist and his First
Lady Carole Crist again chaired the CASA Gala
fundraiser that they founded last year.
Elizabeth Crist Hyden, M.D., one of Charlie
Crist’s sisters who attended the benefit, and
John DeSilva were eager to join the dancing to
the music provided by The Nate Najar Band.
Age-Less Medicine’s Dr. Linda McClintock and
her husband, former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco,
were successful bidders at the live auction
conducted by Bret Kennedy.
Paul and Hannah Gross were moved by the
benefit’s keynote speaker, abuse victim and
survivor Melissa Dohme, who now helps
others through Hands Across the Bay.
172 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015