This year’s Gourmet Feastival theme was Tropical Nights: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett. This fabulous food fest didn’t disappoint the more than 1,000 people who came out to enjoy signature dishes from Tampa Bay’s finest restaurants and beverage purveyors.

Yes, it was a foodie heaven, with fabulous entertainment from Billy Lindsey with his “Tribute to Jimmy,” and an impressive silent auction filled with unique items.  

The tropical vibes were flowing the entire night.  We are so glad that you came out for this fun-filled night. It will be hard to surpass this event!

Our Spring Women’s Leadership Luncheon has gotten rave reviews. We are so grateful to Billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist Liz Elting for sharing her story in a fascinating conversation moderated by Emmy-Award Winning journalist Deiah Riley.

Thanks to Valley Bank for making sure our audience received copies of Liz’s new book, Dream BIG – Turning Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion Dollar Business. Thanks to Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Valley Regional Market President Angelie Spurling and Board President Betsey Hapner for making the luncheon extra special.

The event elicited a lot of very positive comments on social media. It provided a great platform to celebrate a $50,000 grant from Wells Fargo for our Women’s Business Centre. Liz also had the opportunity to have dinner with Darcie Glazer Kassewitz and appear on Great Day Live with host Java Ingram and co-host Janelle Rodriguez. In studio, Liz met a member of our League of Extraordinary Women Julie Johnson-Weintraub.

So, with a grateful heart, thanks to all of you who sponsored, attended, and promoted the luncheon. You are leading by example, and together, we are making a real difference for women in our community.

The essence of leadership was on full display at our recent luncheon featuring an inspirational conversation with one of the world’s leading entrepreneurs Sheila Johnson engagingly moderated by Java Ingram, host of Great Day Live on 10 Tampa Bay.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to one of Tampa’s most influential leaders, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz and The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for being our presenting sponsor. What a great way to kick off the year! Their support enabled us to create a memorable event with highlights including remarks by Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Valley Bank’s Market President Angelie Spurlino and a heartfelt request for support from the Centre for Women’s Board President Ashley Nessler Webb.

Attendees were thrilled to receive a copy of Sheila’s new book, Walk Through Fire, courtesy of Valley Bank.

Members of our League of Extraordinary Women enjoyed the exclusive pre-party Meet & Greet with Sheila while the violin music of Michael Smith provided a beautiful backdrop.

So, with a grateful heart, thanks to all of you who sponsored, attended, and promoted the luncheon. You are leading by example, and together, we are making a real difference for women in our community.

Blues, BBQ, & Elvis presented by TECO was the theme for this year’s Gourmet Feastival. And, yes, Elvis was in the building.

The beautiful grande ballroom in Higgins Hall at 5225 N. Himes Avenue was transformed into a foodie heaven on September 21st as The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women hosted its 31st Annual Gourmet Feastival.

The first in a series of the Leadership Institute’s Leadership Lunches in 2023!