On Thursday, January 9, 2025, the black-tie gala will be held in The Gathering Room at Armature Works (1910 N. Ola, Tampa, FL 33602). A cocktail reception begins at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner and presentations at 7:00 p.m. During the evening, the Foundation will honor four outstanding community championing organizations for their ongoing service to love strangers and inspire families to a new and brighter quality of life. The 2025 Community Heroes are Abe Brown Ministries, Metropolitan Ministries, Sulphur Springs YMCA, and the All Rise Foundation. The Foundation also will award college scholarships to deserving Hillsborough County students.
Soulful crooner Alex Harris will headline the black-tie gala. Known for his R&B vibe, Harris’s impressive resume includes performances at two presidential galas, the premier of Bermuda gala, prime minister of Ireland gala, and various prestigious events worldwide. Beyond headlining his own shows, he has shared stages and collaborated with iconic entertainers like Lionel Richie, Al Green, H.E.R. Alicia Keys, Brandy, Steve Cropper (Blues Brothers), Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Bobby Rush, Eric Benet, John Legend, Kirk Franklin, Lamman Rucker, Leon Roberts, and many others.
Gala individual tickets are $150 and sponsorships start at $2,000.