Social Seens... Photography by Gram
Broadway Ball
“Red Hot and Kicking,” the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts’ Broadway Ball 2015, took place throughout
the Center in Tampa. The Ball, chaired by Lori and Bill Goede, was themed around the Tony Award-winning musical
Kinky Boots, which will be at the Straz Center December 1st through the 6th this season. An elegant dinner, prepared
by Chef Benito and his talented Maestro’s staff and sponsored by Patsy and Gene McNichols, was served on the
Carol Morsani Hall stage. Jason Alpert conducted the live auction with the assistance of Barry, a.k.a. “Barbara” Levine.
This was followed by entertainment by local Broadway star Kissy Simmons, plus Off-Broadway’s Karen Marie and native
Tampa drag star Vinny Celeiro. Guests then moved into the theater’s lobby for “Broadway Ball After Dark,” featuring
Lady Bunny, where they were joined by additional party-goers for dancing until midnight.
TBPAC Foundation board chair A.D. “Sandy” MacKinnon
and his wife Sandy were the Presenting Sponsors of the
“Red Hot and Kicking” Ball to benefit the Straz Center.
Lori and Bill Goede chaired this year’s Broadway Ball, which
featured a reception, silent and live auctions, gourmet on-stage dinner,
show-stopping entertainment and dancing.
Ernie Lisi and his wife Judy, the president and CEO of the
Straz Center for the Performing Arts, thanked the numerous
sponsors and bidders for their generous support.
Broadway Ball 2015 committee members Karen Sasso and her
husband Gary, who is chairman of the Straz Center’s board of trustees,
were the chairs of the Broadway Ball in 2011.
174 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015