Group bridges bay for networking, awareness

Heidi Damon said she kept hearing about the need for a way to link business and professional people from both sides of Tampa Bay.

So the business development specialist with Florida Business Interiors in Ybor City went about creating one.

Pillsborough Bridging the Gap will have its second event, Dress to the 9's Networking/Charity Awareness Event, on Sept. 9 at the Double Tree Hotel Tampa Westshore Airport.

"I love helping people and bringing people together for quality events," said Damon. She said May's inaugural event at the Venue in Pinellas County drew almost 250 people who exchanged business cards and had a chance to tell others about their services.

Next week's networking event is designed to bring awareness to nine organizations that focus on children's needs. They are The Aquarium Charities, Ryan Nece Foundation "Pay it Forward", Pediatric Cancer Foundation, All Children's Hospital, Rays Charities, Kids Cafe, Ronald McDonald House, Children's Dream Fund and 1 Voice Charity.

"A lot of people don't know what they do," Damon said.

Mark Haney, vice president of advancement for The Florida Aquarium, said his organization will have a display at the event.

"I love the concept," Haney said. "This event gives awareness to the charities so more people will learn about them in a fun setting."

The idea of the charity awareness also appealed to Deborah Ordman and Jeff Dillinger of Par Excellence Public Relations in Carrollwood who have donated their services to help market the event.

"Her vision brings together business owners and leaders in the community who can go back to their companies and talk about the charities and get them involved," Ordman said.

Seth Garber of Nvirotect, a green pest control company in Lutz, attended the first event and said it was an opportunity to meet "good, positive people." He said about 20 new customers came to his company as a result of the get-together.

"But it is a way to start developing great relationships. I was intrigued hearing about a professional organization that didn't cost anything to join," Garber said.

Dress for the event is professional best dress but not necessarily black-tie attire. Reservations are requested at the group's website, www.pillsborough.com.

Although there is no charge for the event, donations will be accepted with all proceeds going to the participating charities. Recommended amounts include $9, $39, $99 and $999 because the date is 9/9/09, she said.

"I'm going to have '9' embedded in people's minds," Damon said.

If you go

WHAT: Pillsborough Bridging the Gap, networking and charity awareness

THEME: Dressed to the 9s

WHEN: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 9

WHERE: Doubletree Hotel Tampa Westshore Airport, 4500 W. Cypress Ave.

ADMISSION: Donations accepted; recommended $9, $39, $99, $999.

INFORMATION: See www.pillsborough.com