On May 20th, “The Roast of Frank Hibbard” took place at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Modeled after the Comedy Central and old Dean Martin roasts, it consisted of a dinner show with quips, one-liners and humorous stories playfully leveled at Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard.
“The turnout exceeded expectations and it was a much-needed injection of levity for our community,” said Mayor Hibbard. “Best of all, the event raised money for local charities.”
The roasters consisted of Aaron Fodiman, Publisher & Editor of Tampa Bay Magazine, Pinellas County Commissioner Kathleen Peters, State Senator Ed Hooper, restaurateur Hoyt Hamilton, attorney Nathan Hightower, businessman Sam Hutkin and Doug Kelly who served as emcee.
“No one organizing the event received any fees or expenses,” said Kelly, a book author and local radio show host. “It was a great success and a lot of fun for all.”
With 100 percent of the net proceeds going toward charities, a $5,000 check was presented to each of two non-profit organizations: Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Homeless Empowerment Program.
Corporate sponsors included BayCare-Morton Plant Hospital, Duke Energy, Clear Sky Restaurants and Provise Management Group. Promotional support was provided by Tampa Bay Magazine, Amplify Clearwater, One-Stop Printing and WTAN-TanTalk Radio Network.
Frank Hibbard Roast in Photos
Photos by Sam Lampson
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