Our Events
Famous Pizza – Restaurant Benefit
TWO Mondays – May 10 & 17, 2010
Thank you to Nart Bashqoy & Dan Rodriguez at Famous Pizza – Oldsmar location. Nart, Dan and the rest of their great team hosted TWO Dine to Donate days to benefit the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber Education Foundation (UTBCEF). Members & friends of the UTBCEF came in for lunch and/or dinner and enjoyed pizza, salads, wings & more at Famous Pizza! Thanks to ALL who generously dined at Famous Pizza to benefit the UTBCEF.
Sponsor: Famous Pizza – 109 Fairfield St – Oldsmar, Nart Bashqoy & Dan Rodriguez
Applebee’s Dine to Donate - Restaurant Benefit
Wednesday – April 28, 2010
Thank you to Linda Dougoud (& Melanie!) at Applebee’s – Oldsmar location, and the great Staff at Applebee’s for hosting an event to benefit the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber Education Foundation (UTBCEF). Members & friends of the UTBCEF came in for lunch and/or dinner to enjoy Applebee’s great food! Thanks to ALL who generously dined at Applebee’s to benefit the UTBCEF.
Sponsor: Applebee’s – Tampa Rd. – Oldsmar, Linda & Melanie
If you know of any local establishment that would like to hold a day to benefit education in the Upper Tampa Bay region, the UTBCEF will be happy to show up—fork in hand! That’s right—whether it’s a full-service restaurant, an ice cream shop or fast-food drive-through—we show up to support our students!
2010 Ribs & Races
March 6, 2010 - 12 noon until 4 p.m.
2010 marked the Third Annual Ribs and Races at the beautiful Tampa Bay Downs. Tampa Bay Downs is a world-class, thoroughbred horse track that donates proceeds from that days taxes to benefit all our 29 schools. Special thanks to Brady’s Backyard BBQ in Safety Harbor, FL. for cooking up their wonderful Rib Dinners for all our guests, held in the Family Picnic Pavilion at the north end of the track.
Special thanks to all those that came out to support, purchase Rib Dinners and be sure to come next year with your entire family!
Host: Tampa Bay Downs
Sponsor: Tampa Bay Downs, Brady’s Backyard BBQ, and BJ’s Wholesale
Entertainment: Lynnaida Rodriguez performed in the Winners Circle the National Anthem with Alonso High Band. Performing under the Tent during the UTBCEF Rib Fest were Lynnaida Rodriguez, Lauren Foster and Alonso High Band. Special thanks goes out to Terry Mohr Karoke for his professional assistance.
Diamond Circle Contributors: Roger Kumar; Tampa Electric Company; Tampa Bay Downs; The Nielsen Company; and Gulf Management Systems, Inc.
Magna Cum Laude Donor: Robert Paredes/Fifth Third Bank
Cum Laude Donor: Dr. Robert Norman, Dermatology
An Evening in Paris ~ Gala Benefiting Education
February 27, 2010 - 6 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Thanks to The Nielsen Company for hosting the Fifth Year in a row the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber Education Foundation’s Annual Gala. Through this support The Nielsen Company assisted in making this our most successful Gala ever!
This romantic evening featured delectable French-inspired food by Sedexo, fine wine selections from many local wine providers, fabulous auction packages, and the Trip for Two to Paris was awarded at 10:20 p.m.
If you were able to attend the Star-Studded VIP Reception you truly received the VIP treatment with tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, champagne, music provided by Jazz Grammy Winner Belinda Wolmack, stars from art, sports and pro ball players!
The main event in the Grand Hall was just as elegant with a special Eifel Tower creation by Chef Edwin at Sedexo followed by a Paris themed meal enjoyed by all attendees. Kudo’s Chef Edwin!
Host: The Nielsen Company
Sponsors: Robert Paredes/Fifth Third Bank; The Nielsen Company; Gulf Management Systems; Tampa Electric Company; Sylvan Learning Center; and West Bay Healthcare & Rehab Center.
Wine and Food /Other Sponsors: Sedexo, World of Beer, Grillsmith New American Cuisine, The Grapevine at Westchase and Wine Warehouse of Tampa.
Entertainment: Jazz Grammy Award Winner Belinda Womack, local artist Lisa Casalino, Student Lauren Foster, Orange Grove Magnet Middle School String Duo of Beau Leto, Blake High School Student Alec Leon, The Alonso High School Jazz Band, directed by Ken Norton, and Artists Richard Brown.
Special Thanks to Lynn Phillips – Our Master of Ceremonies
Diamond Circle Contributors: Roger Kumar; Tampa Electric Company; Tampa Bay Downs; The Nielsen Company; and Gulf Management Systems, Inc.
Magna Cum Laude Donor: Robert Paredes/Fifth Third Bank
Cum Laude Donor: Dr. Robert Norman, Dermatology
Jersey Mike’s Sub Restaurant Benefit
Five Full Days ~ November 11, 2009 to November 15,2009
Thank you to Bryan, The Jersey Guys and the wonderful New Staff at Jersey Mike’s Subs for hosting an event to benefit the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber Education Foundation (UTBCEF). Members of the UTBCEF came in for lunch and/or dinner to enjoy the famous ”Mike’s Way” Subs, hot, cold, rounds and more! Thanks to all the schools, businesses and board who generously purchased Subs to benefit the UTBCEF.
Sponsor: Jersey Mike’s Sub, Bryan
If you know of any local establishment that would like to hold a day to benefit education in the Upper Tampa Bay region, the UTBCEF will be happy to show up—fork in hand! That’s right—whether it’s a full-service restaurant, an ice cream shop or fast-food drive-through—we show up to support our students!
Catch Twenty-Three Restaurant Benefit
November 10, 2009 - 4 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Thank you to Rob Wickner and the wonderful staff at Catch Twenty-Three for hosting an evening to benefit the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber Education Foundation (UTBCEF). Members of the UTBCEF came in for dinner to enjoy the famous seafood, steaks, chicken and Sushi only found at, Catch Twenty-Three who generously donated a portion of the proceeds to the UTBCEF.
Sponsor: Catch Twenty-Three
Oktoberfest 2009
Over 18,000 people came to enjoy the most authentic Oktoberfest in the Tampa Bay Area and visited the UTBC Education Foundation booth to register for raffle ticket toward the opportunity to win a trip to Paris, France.
Thanks to all who stopped by and anyone still interested please be sure to call and get your ticket before they sell out by calling 813.300.0019.
Cruise for Education 2009, Four-Day Western Caribbean
October 15-19, 2009 - Four Day Cruise
Thanks for join us in our inaugural, fundraiser Cruise for Education on the magnificent Carnival Inspiration. Cruise from Tampa to Cozumel, Mexico.
Our special thanks to Eileen Tener and her great Company for the opportunity to raise funds for the UTBC Education Foundation while you “Cruised for the Cause.”
Gourmet Winemaker Dinner
September 27, 2009 – 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.
This evening of fine cuisine and wine pairing was held in the intimate atmosphere of Catch Twenty-Three, one of Tampa Bay’s finest dining establishments. A special gourmet menu, enhanced with expert, hand-selected wine pairings was served. Michael Rugers, our International Celebrity Sommelier lead diners through each course, answering questions about wine and food pairings and specific varietals.
Thank you to Rob Wickner, owner of Catch Twenty Three and his wonderful Chef’s Delroy Powell and Chef Roberto Hernandez along with our International Celebrity Sommelier, Michael Rugers and Southern Wine & Spirits for this event that benefited Ashley Beverland Foundation.
Five Guys Burgers & Fries Benefit Day 2009
June 18, 2009 – 12 noon until 6 p.m.
Thank you to Peggy and the wonderful staff at Five Guys Burgers & Fries (11622 Countryway Blvd, Tampa) for hosting an evening to benefit the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber Education Foundation (UTBCEF). Members of the UTBCEF came in for dinner to enjoy the famous burgers, huge portions of fries, great dogs and large selection of free toppings! Five Guys generously donated a portion of the proceeds to the UTBCEF.
Sponsor: Five Guys Burgers & Fries
Student Scholarship Awards Banquet
June 12, 2009 – 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Congratulations were in order as the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber Education Foundation (UTBCEF) honored six local students with scholarship awards. The presentations took place at the Nielsen Company, during the Annual Awards and Installation Banquet held by the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Receiving scholarships for 2009 were high school graduates Robert Soares, Alonso High School; Daniel Wehunt, Sickles High School; Luis Daza, Leto High School and Miracle Anderson, East Lake High School. Two scholarship recipients from last year—Natalie Payne, a 2008 graduate of Alonso High School, now attending the University of Florida, and Martin Hernandez, a 2008 graduate of Leto High School, now attending Hillsborough Community College, were also awarded continued support from the Foundation for their second collegiate year.
Host: The Nielsen Company
Pollo Tropical Benefit Day 2009
May 28, 2009 – 12 noon until 6 p.m.
Thank you to Pat Butler and the wonderful staff at Pollo Tropical (3134 Tampa Road, Oldsmar) for hosting a day to benefit the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber Education Foundation (UTBCEF). Members of the UTBCEF came in throughout the day to enjoy the delicious fare at the popular, new Oldsmar eatery. Pollo Tropical generously donated a portion of the proceeds from both lunch and dinner to the UTBCEF.
Sponsor: Pollo Tropical
Student of the Month Year-End Banquet
May 17, 2009 – 12 noon until 3 p.m.
Themed “An Ocsar Afternoon for the Students of the Month”, the 2009 Student-of-the-Month Year-End Banquet welcomed more than 400 students, their families, school principals and counselors! Held at the lovely Bayanihan Arts Center, the banquet honored students who received the Student-of-the-Month award during the 2008-2009 school year. Fifth-grade students in the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber Education Foundation’s 13 Upper Tampa Bay elementary schools are eligible to become a Student-of-the-Month when nominated by their teacher, guidance counselor or school principal.
Sponsors: Diamond Circle Contributors: Gulf Management Systems, Inc., Tampa Bay Downs, TECO-Tampa Electric, The Nielsen Company, Town & Country Hospital and West Bay Care & Rehabilitation Center. Event Sponsors: BB&T Bank, Dr. Robert A. Norman-Dermatology, Golf View Realty Property Management, Pitch Publicity, Robert Paredes-Fifth Third Bank and Little Clinic.
Entertainment: Mark Byrne–Family Magic Shows; vocalist Lauren Thompson-Blake High School of the Arts; vocalist Catherine Gonzalez-Blake High School of the Arts and vocalist Lauren Foster-Citrus Park Elementary School.
Ribs & Races
March 7, 2009 – 12 noon until 5 p.m.
Thank you to beautiful Tampa Bay Downs for hosting this fun, family-friendly event, filled with world-class thoroughbred racing and an all-day cookout! Held in The Family Picnic Pavilion at the north end of the track, guests enjoyed free admission, a day of exciting thoroughbred racing and picnic-style dining under the large pavilion tent or at picnic tables next to the track. Brady’s Backyard Barbeque was smokin’ all day long as they served their award-winning ribs. DJ, Terry Mohr, kept the party rocking between races with his fabulous sound system.
Host: Tampa Bay Downs
Brady’s rib sales benefited the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber Education Foundation (UTBCEF) programs.
International Fine Wine & Food Gala
February 7, 2009 – 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.
2009 marked the fourth year the Nielsen Company hosted the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber Education Foundation (UTBCEF) International Fine Wine & Food Gala. The spectacular, black-tie-optional event took place in the beautiful Grand Hall of the Nielsen Company. Guests enjoyed wonderful cuisine from popular Upper Tampa Bay restaurants, and selections of wine from around the world. A spirited live auction offered a wide variety of exciting packages, which included a Hyatt Wine Country get-away, San Diego Get-Away for Two, JetBlue Cancun get-away, spa services, chef for the night, rounds of golf, flat panel TV, dinner of the month club, Tampa Fun Days and much more! Incredibly skilled vocalists and musicians from the schools we support provided great entertainment for the evening.
Our annual Gala is great way for the anyone to support students in the Upper Tampa Bay region, and also an admirable way get your business noticed, firsthand, within your community. If you would like to offer your sponsorship, products or services for our 2010 Gala, donations are appreciated in all sizes. Please call us at 813-300-0019 or e-mail us at info@utbcef.org. We would like to thank all of the participating organizations for making our 2009 Gala such a success with their generous contributions:
Host: The Nielsen Company
Sponsors: Diamond Circle Contributors: Gulf Management Systems, Inc., Tampa Bay Downs, TECO-Tampa Electric, The Nielsen Company, Town & Country Hospital and West Bay Care & Rehabilitation Center.
Wine and Food Sponsors: Alberto’s Italian Grille and Bar, C & G Cigar Lounge, Debbie’s Chocolate Delight, Dominics Italian Grille & Pizzeria, Gourmet Susan, Famous Pizza, Jack Willie’s Tiki Bar & Grill, Sodexo, Tarpon Turtle Grill & Marina, The Grapevine at Racetrack, The Melting Pot, Twisted Bamboo Bar & Bistro, WineMall.com and World of Beer.
Entertainment: Vocalist Keturah Allyson; Sickles High-School Jazz Band; “Going Green” Westchase Elementary School-Directed by Mr. King and Ms. Lewis.
Photography: LifeShots by Lowie, Lowie Brannan, Photographer