The Salvadore Dali Museum was transformed into a mobile restaurant of sorts as 14 restaurants catered to a record crowd participating in A Taste of Pride on March 9.
The annual fundraiser for St. Pete Pride saw 550 attendees, a nearly 50% increase over last year’s attendance.
“The night was a huge success thanks to the generosity of our event sponsors, our dedicated volunteers who gave their time and talent, and the willingness of our guests who share the journey of true equality,” said Eric Skains, Executive Director of St Pete Pride. “I’m already looking forward to next year’s event and seeing it continue to grow bigger and better.”
Ticket sales directly benefit St. Pete Pride’s Community Grants Program which was launched earlier this year to assist other non-profit organizations throughout Tampa Bay.
“This is my first time in the Dali and I am so impressed,” said Randall Cruz, who attended the fundraiser with his boyfriend, Mark Peters. “I’ve only been in St. Petersburg a year so there are still plenty of sites to see. This is definitely one I want to see again.”
Representatives from several media outlets, government entities and arts organizations were in attendance as well, and St. Pete Pride treasurer Stanley Solomons was thrilled with the turnout.
“This is just amazing,” Solomons said as he manned a table selling additional tickets for food samples. “I’m amazed by the support.”
Restaurants contributing to the night included Cafe Gala, The Chattaway, Flamingo Resort, Georgie’s Alibi, Kalamazo Olive Company, Beak’s Old Florida, The Queenshead, Sushi Rock Grill, Tap House, Bistro Atlantis, Datz Deli, Pipo’s Cuban Cafe, Tap Room, and Ricky P’s Canjun CafÃe.
The night was such a success that there was very little cleanup for most of the vendors.
“We only have a few samples left,” said one vendor working the Cafe Gala table. “It’s a good problem to have.”
In addition to the food, Edelweiss Air donated two pair of round trip airfare from Tampa to Zurich, tickets to upcoming shows were given out from Ruth Eckerd Hall, and the Museum of Fine Arts donated a featured item.
St. Pete Pride’s annual street festival, now dubbed “Pride Carnivale,” will be held on Saturday, June 29 along Central Avenue.
Check out Watermark‘s Shot on Site gallery from Taste of Pride 2013!
