Social Seens... Photography by Gram and Noraa
RCS Grand Gala
At the third annual RCS Grand Gala, 50 years of peace, love and understanding were celebrated for the years that RCS has
provided help and hope for people in need throughout Pinellas County. The group serves more than 150,000 people a year facing
hunger, homelessness and domestic violence, who can get help through the RCS Food Bank, the RCS Grace House and the Haven
of RCS. The evening featured dancing, auctions and a dinner donated by Clear Sky Restaurants and Catering.
160 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
Venessa Smith and her husband
Kirk Ray Smith, the president and
CEO of RCS, welcomed guests to
the annual fundraiser.
ABC Action News Anchor Wendy Ryan,
who served as the evening’s mistress of
ceremonies, attended the gala with her
talented husband Jerome Ritchey.
Alexias Sharoky of the Sharoky Family
Foundation was thanked by Margo Skicewicz,
the gala’s committee chair, for being the gala’s
presenting sponsor.
Jackie and Jim Orr are longtime supporters
of RCS and believe in the work they do
to serve the community.
Ken Meyer, a sponsor of the gala,
thanked Nancy McKibben and her fiancé
Dan Shouvlin of Clear Sky and Frenchy’s
for their continuous support of RCS.
Florida wildlife artist Ernie Simmons and his
wife Cindi donated a limited edition print with
a wine reception and discussion for 12 people
at his studio for the gala’s live auction.