Chefs Zoltan Vajna and Sean Ragan
created an evening of culinary treats at the
downtown Clearwater Fort Harrison for a
“thank you” reception held for the hospitality
industry by the Church of Scientology. The
evening included cocktails, live entertainment
and door prizes donated by hospitality
organizations such as hotels, restaurants and
clubs.
Sally Thomas has become a professional
member of the Florida Association of
Reflexologists. Reflexology is an ancient
art in which the practitioner applies touch
techniques to the feet and hands to encourage
optimal functioning in all organs, glands,
muscles and systems of the body. Sally, who
has a Florida license in massage therapy,
practices in Dunedin and can be contacted
at skthomas@bnin.net.
Domenic D’Angelo of Sarasota visited
Marchesi di Barolo Winery outside of Milan,
Italy, where he purchased a year’s supply
of wine for his Gratzzi Italian Grille in
St. Petersburg.
Robert Gries Jr., Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and Bob Gries Sr. thanked
Aimee Copeland, a quadruple amputee due to her ordeal with flesh-eating
bacteria, for being a guest speaker at the seventh annual Heart of a Champion
dinner, where 70 scholarships were awarded to students from 35 Hillsborough
County schools. Winners were nominated by their schools, based upon
athleticism, demonstration of great “heart,” leadership and other critical life
skills. Bob Gries Sr., Robert’s father, who was celebrating his 90th birthday,
packed his riveting speech with lessons he has learned over his lifetime.
68 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JULY/AUGUST 2019
ALI DARVISH
JEFF O’KELLEY
Continued from Page 66
Alex Harris, co-founder and CEO of the Arts Conservatory for Teens in
St. Petersburg, which helps connect at-risk and underserved teens with arts
education, has released the first single “Make It Better” off his upcoming
EP. A talented singer of soul and rhythm and blues, he uses his own music
to shine a light on the work being done by his Arts Conservatory that has
served more than 2,500 students.
Susan Crockett has been unanimously
selected by the board of Clearwater’s
Ruth Eckerd Hall to become the hall’s
president and CEO. Susan has been with
Ruth Eckerd for more than 30 years in
a variety of positions, most recently as
its acting president. She will continue to
oversee the $35 million “Expanding the
Experience” capital campaign, which
included the 6,000-square-foot addition,
a new grand lobby and other projects.
Ruth Eckerd Hall board chairman Frank
Hibbard says the 10-member search
committee led by board vice-chair Mike
Bollenback chose Susan with strong
support from staff, donors and community
leaders after an international search.
Continued on Page 70