Show them the money!
The money has been split and Metro Wellness and Community Centers in Tampa Bay got substantial financial help thanks to participants in Smart Ride 7 last November. Approximately $475, 500 was raised from the 165-mile annual bike ride from Miami to Key West and six HIV/AIDS organizations throughout the state got a share of the profits recently. It was unclear if the total was split evenly among the charities, but if it was, that means Metro got a nearly $80,000 boost! Metro serves Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties and just recently opened a storefront in Ybor City. Smart Ride 8 is already scheduled for Nov. 17, 2011.
‘Come on down!’—Really!
Who hasn’t wanted to bid on items during the Price is Right? St. Petersburg resident John Verdun got to exactly that during a recent trip to Hollywood. Verdun was invited to “Come on down” and bid on prizes with Drew Carrey during a taping of The Price is Right scheduled to air on Friday, Feb. 18. Details on what, if anything, he won on the show were not available at press time but we’re hoping he walked away with some fabulous prizes! It’s also unclear if he has had all of his pets spayed and neutered…
GaYbor goes Green
The GaYbor District Coalition will go green for St. Patty’s Day this year. The organization has been invited to participate in the Rough Riders Parade on March 12 along 7th Avenue. It’s the first time GaYbor has been invited to participate in the traditionally “straight” parade. During the Feb. 11 GaYbor meeting, the membership voted to accept the offer and Hamburger Mary’s announced it would help fund the entry fee of $3,000! Be prepared for shot specials and other events at the Centro Ybor restaurant to pop up on the neighborhood calendar soon. It really does bring a new cohesiveness to alcohol and St. Patrick’s Day.
Miss Sammy on tour
Speaking of GaYbor, MC Film Fest’s Mark Bias and Carrie West toured the historic district with Sam Singhaus—better known as Miss Sammy of Orlando—following the Gasparilla Night Parade Feb. 12. The comedian, actor and Parliament House regular visited Ybor City and was recognized—eventually—sitting in the audience at Hamburger Mary’s and whisked on a V.I.P. tour of GaYbor.
