Social Seens... Photography by Gram
MAY/JUNE 2016
| TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 169
Omelette Party
For 49 years, a committee has carried on the Omelette Party tradition that was started by five couples to raise funds for
Upper Pinellas County’s UPARC, which is now The Arc Tampa Bay. The committee has grown over the years, even incorporating
younger generations of its former members. Each year, the elegant black tie event is held at a private home and on its grounds, which
are decorated with flowers and plants that are later sold. Artwork by both professional artists and clients of The Arc’s Harborside
Studios is also for sale. Although the original party fare was champagne and omelettes created by the late New York society
Chef Rudy Standish, the menu has expanded over the years. Made-to-order omelettes are still a main feature of the meal, followed
by dancing under a tent. Over the years, the Omelette Party has raised over three and a half million dollars for The Arc Tampa
Bay and its mission to support and empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Hugh Fuller hosted this year’s Omelette
Party at “Century Oaks,” his grand
waterfront estate, which was built in 1915
in the Harbor Oaks section of Clearwater.
Jerry and Melody Figurski, who have
supported The Arc and its Foundation
for years as board members, committee
chairs, volunteers and donors, were
among the party’s sponsors.
Peggy and Keith Leclerc of the International
Diamond Center, a benefit sponsor, displayed
and sold some of their incredible new and
estate jewelry at this party to help raise
funds for The Arc.
Greg Hauenstein and his wife
Madison Orr Hauenstein, the executive director
of The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation, welcomed
guests to the party and thanked them for
helping support this worthy cause.
Molly Mateer Lucas and Connolly McArthur,
who co-chaired this year’s party with
Connolly’s husband James, were excited to
have so many donors attend the annual soirée.
Tracy Negoshian, the well-known dress
designer who has one of her stores at
the Sundial in St. Petersburg, and her
husband, attorney David Phillips,
were style setters at the party.