New Year's Celebrations Bubbling Up Around Town

TAMPA - A magnum's worth of New Year's Eve celebrations are planned around town, including:

•Aqua Eve at The Florida Aquarium, featuring food, drinks and fireworks, begins at 9 p.m. Dec. 31 and benefits aquarium programs.

Tickets are $80 through Sunday and $100 afterward. For tickets and information, call (831) 273-4568.

•The 13 Ugly Men Resolution Ball at the Renaissance Hotel International Plaza starts at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31 and continues through 3 a.m. It includes food, beverages, dancing, a champagne toast and a buffet breakfast.

The event is black-tie optional and tickets are $125 for women and $175 for men. It benefits the Children's Dream Fund. For tickets, go to www.13uglymen.com.

•The Caribbean Cultural Association's New Year's Eve Extravaganza will be at the West Tampa Convention Center, 3005 W. Columbus Drive.

The black-tie event includes dinner, dancing and a champagne toast. Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed and the best dance couple.

Tickets are $50 and available by calling (813) 319-3951.

TGH Foundation Has Night At Circus

CHANNEL DISTRICT - Tampa General Hospital will team with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for the 17th annual Night at the Circus.

The event will be Jan. 3 at the St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive. An animal open house is at 6 p.m., a pre-show at 6:30 p.m. and the circus performance at 7:30 p.m.

The fundraiser will benefit the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit, which last year received $184,000 from the event.

Sponsorships are $500 to $10,000. For information, call (813) 844-7273.

Bead Sale, Party Set For Bead Barn

PALMA CEIA - The Bead Barn will host its annual Bead Sale Extravaganza and Tailgate Party, formerly known as the Bead Fling, from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 29.

All krewes are invited to the event at 3015 W. Barcelona St.

The free party includes music and food; donations will be accepted for charities serving children. For information, call (813) 832-6620.

Charities Receive Money From Club

TAMPA PALMS - Rich's House, a haven for children in the Sulphur Springs area, was among the recipients of donations from the Tampa Palms Women's Club.

Rich's House is operated by the Tampa Police Department. Children receive academic tutoring and participate in programs to build self-esteem and learn conflict resolution.

"It is the heartbeat of the neighborhood," police Officer Debbie Boles said.

The women's club presented $6,200 to local charities at its annual holiday potluck luncheon at Compton Park. The money was raised at the Arts & Crafts Under the Palms festival in October.

Wheels of Success, which has offices in the Floriland Center, also was a beneficiary.

Wheels of Success founder Susan Jacobs said her organization "provides transportation to keep the family working." That includes cars, repairs, insurance and other assistance.

In 2006, the organization assisted 60 families. This year, it will help at least 120, Jacobs said.

Garden Club Bash Benefits Scholarships

BEACH PARK - The Beach Park Garden Club's Christmas Luncheon and Auction at the Beach Park Women's Club raised almost $900.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Hillsborough Community College Foundation for a scholarship to the Environmental Horticulture Technology Program.