Amy Scherzer's Diary: Equality Florida Gala

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Equality Florida gala

You could feel the love and pride when Equality Florida gave Tampa police Chief Jane Castor its 2011 Voice for Equality award at Saturday's gala, presented by last year's winner, Linda Saul-Sena. (Castor gets the Oscar for Best Biceps.) Charlie Hounchell called up Gary Sasso to accept the first Corporate Voice award on behalf of Carlton Fields for its inclusive LGBT employee benefits.

Emcee Russell Rhodes of WTVT-Ch. 13 also gave former gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink a chance to thank her supporters. Tenth Concession played as 350 guests arrived at the Tampa Garden Club; Late Night Brass kept the energy high inside. Net proceeds topped $160,000.

 

 

Portia Weiss, left, Jane Castor, Linda Saul-Sena and executive director Nadine Smith celebrate at Equality Florida’s gala awards party Feb. 26 at the Tampa Garden Club.
[Photos by AMY SCHERZER | Times]
Portia Weiss, left, Jane Castor, Linda Saul-Sena and executive director Nadine Smith celebrate at Equality Florida’s gala awards party Feb. 26 at the Tampa Garden Club.
 
Mikio Kato, left, Melissa Judge and Charlie Hounchell helped ensure the success of the Equality Florida gala.
 
Mikio Kato, left, Melissa Judge and Charlie Hounchell helped ensure the success of the Equality Florida gala