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Florida Has Plans To Shine At 2 Major Inaugural Events

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By BILLY HOUSE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 22, 2008

WASHINGTON - It turns out that Floridians will be holding two – not just one – major social events in the nation's capital in conjunction with next month's presidential inauguration festivities.

A previously announced black tie "Sunshine and Stars 2009 Florida Inauguration Ball" featuring Republican Gov. Charlie Crist officially has sold out. It is to be held at the prestigious Corcoran Gallery of Art on Jan. 19, the eve of President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration.

Net proceeds for that event are billed as going to two worthy causes: Florida House and the Florida State Society." Here's the latest on that event: http://www.2009floridainauguralball.com/soldout.ht...

Now there's word of another event to be held in honor of Florida's congressional delegation, dubbed "The 2009 Florida Inaugural Celebration." Net proceeds from this event are described as going to all the American Red Cross chapters throughout Florida.

The setting for this $200-a-ticket reception for the "friends of Florida" is the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall, beginning at 7 p.m. Jan. 20 and ending at midnight.

Organizers say the event will represent a "minor facelift" from previous editions of a Florida inaugural dinner and late-night event in an effort to make inaugural activities accessible to a wider range of people.

"The reception style event, complete with live entertainment, is open to any and every friend of Florida for a reduced price of $200 a ticket!" explains an e-mail from the organizers.

Adds a fact sheet: "Guests will enjoy a delicious spread of food and drinks in the museum's grand Potomac Atrium, where they will be entertained by a live band. Sponsors at the Platinum and Gold levels can mingle over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in an exclusive VIP entertaining room overlooking the United States Capitol."

Because of its National Mall location, the museum is in proximity to most of the official inaugural balls, convenient for attendees who plan to make the rounds, the fact sheet notes.

For information about this event, call (703) 905-9839 or send an e-mail to FL_Inaugural@hayespr.com.

Reporter Billy House can be reached at 1 (202) 662-7673 bhouse@tampatrib.com.

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