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By MARIA JOHNSON

Tribune correspondent

Published: May 25, 2008

'Wild Things' Are At The Storybook Ball
The ballroom of A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa was remade with scenery from the Maurice Sendak children's book "Where the Wild Things Are" for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay's Storybook Ball on May 17. The event raised $300,000 for organization and construction of a fourth Ronald McDonald House in the Bay area, plus other projects. Busch Gardens, the entertainment sponsor, provided animals, and a live auction included Sugar, a Maltese puppy. The ball was chaired by Allison Casper Adams and her husband, Robby. The couple joined Janice Davis, executive director of the charity, to greet the 554 guests. Also, retired Tampa Bay Buccaneers fullback Mike Alstott was given the Award of Excellence for his community service with children.

Warrior Foundation Helps Troops

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation hosted its Red, White and Blue Salute to America's special operations forces May 15 at A La Carte Event Pavilion. Men and women serving in the military's special operations divisions were recognized as honored guests. Sponsored corporate tables raised $365,000 for the foundation, which helps families of military personnel who died or were wounded during special operations missions. Guest speakers included Adm. Eric Olson, commander U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base.

One For The Animals

Pets in need of homes were part of the show at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay's Tuxes and Tails dinner and fashion show May 17 at TPepin's Hospitality Centre. The animals "mingled" with the 300 guests. The fashion show featured area celebrities modeling clothing from Hyde Park stores. The pets were dolled up in fashions from pet accessory store Downtown Dogs. The gala raised $122,000 for the society.

Behind The Scenes At The Bucs' Training Facility

About 200 guests attended the Hillsborough Education Foundation's private tour of One Buccaneer Place on May 16. They were escorted through the new facility, including the locker room, workout room, and video and training facilities. Lee Roy Selmon was the evening's honorary chairman. Jim Major was in charge of the event, which raised more than $36,000 for the foundation and its programs.

Text by MARIA JOHNSON; photos by MARIA JOHNSON,

ANDREA SCALZO and ROBERTA SCHOFIELD

Scene & Heard is going on hiatus for the summer and will resume in mid-August. E-mail information on community and social events in the area to mdjohnson@tampatrib.com or mail it to Scene & Heard, c/o The News Center, 200 S. Parker St., Tampa FL 33606, or

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