Social Seens... Photography by Gram and Noraa
Florida Orchestra Gala
Elizabeth Elmeer and Bob Schmidt, chair of the
Florida Orchestra Gala, were delighted that
this fundraiser was the most successful in the
Mark and Marianne Mahaffey
sponsored the after-Gala Café Ponte
dinner through their Mahaffey
Apartment Co.
The Florida Orchestra presented “An Intimate Evening with Sting” at the Mahaffey
Theater in St. Petersburg to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The concert was performed
under the baton of Music Director Michael Francis as the orchestra, joined by Sting,
performed symphonic arrangements of Sting’s biggest hits. Bob Schmidt, the Gala
chair, was the presenting sponsor through his Schmidt Investments of South Florida.
The event raised more than $1.5 million, which will allow the orchestra to continue
to expand its impact.
164 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018
Sonia Raymond and Paul Martin enjoyed the gala
dinner that was served by Café Ponte of Clearwater
following Sting’s performance.
Bob and Marcy Shuck, who served on the
gala committee, were major sponsors of this
concert that featured musical icon Sting.
Peter and Susan Betzer, longtime supporters
of the orchestra, were platinum sponsors of
the 50th anniversary Gala.
Veronica Cintron of Bay News 9 was congratulated
by her husband Preston Rudie for having raised
more than $110,000 during the Gala dinner.
orchestra’s 50-year history.