- September 6, 2024
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John, Kathy, Ken and Emily Hargreaves
Event chairwoman Amy Tuten and Karissa Mayer
Troy Graybill and Alysia De Maio
Each guests stopped to have their photos taken upon arrival.
Maureen Kwiecinski and Scott Bush
Bay Kings Band got the guests on their feet.
Casino games were a hit at the gala.
Charlie Schaefer and Joanne Hampton
Dawn and Mike Scott
The Red Hot Gala raised money for Suncoast Blood Bank's new location.
Guests mingled during the cocktail hour.
Carole Kwiatkawski and Christina Failla
Danielle and Alena Barwick
Nina and Mike Ellenstein
Martini glasses lined each cocktail table.
Charles Allen and Stephania Poveromo
There were a number of auction items for guests to bid on.
Lori Hellstrom and Laurie Pike
Amy Lynch and Kathleen Shinn
Craig Tuley and Karen Ross
Desserts greeted guests upon their arrival.
Amy Pierce and Shelby Marsh
A quick glance at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Sept. 21 might have convinced some that the iconic purple hall had turned red. But, a trained eye would know that it was the eighth annual Red Hot event.
The evening benefitted SunCoast Blood Bank, a nonprofit that supplies blood products to local hospitals and health care facilities. Proceeds from the event will go toward SunCoast Blood Bank's expansion in Lakewood Ranch. The new building, which will house offices and a donation center, is expected to open in early 2020.
"Last year we were able to buy a bloodmobile with the money we raised. This year the blood bank is growing so fast that we're looking to expand, which means adding more offices," said Amy Tuten, chairwoman for the 2019 SunCoast Blood Bank Gala. "We're raising money to be able to expand the blood bank within the community as the community expands."
Red Hot began with a cocktail hour and invited guests to peruse food stations on the terrace. After cocktail and dinner hour, guests were seated to hear from SunCoast Blood Bank. The event concluded with casino games and dancing.