2013 Auction: Bella Sera – A Beautiful Evening

Auction Chair Betsy Zollinger with her family: Tim '14, Ted and Carrie '12.	Moon Mills bids in the Live Auction	Tampa Prep’s String Ensemble sets the mood at Bella Sera.

Planning for the 2013 Bella Sera Auction began in the Fall as dedicated parents volunteered under the enthusiastic leadership of Auction Chair Betsy Zollinger. The event was held at A La Carte Event Pavilion, which was transformed into an Italian countryside, complete with fountains and pergolas. As attendees browsed Silent Auction items, the School’s String Ensemble supplied musical ambiance. Several games were offered, including the 20/20 drawing, wine game and an exciting wine raffle for a $2,500 limited edition bottle of wine. The Live Auction began with a bidding frenzy on exciting items like designer handbags and jewelry; VIP experiences with the Lightning, Rays and Buccaneers; a trip to see Manchester United and one-of-a-kind outings with prominent members of the Terrapin community!

The community supported this year’s Fund-a-Future campaign, as individuals donated more than $35,000 towards Tampa Prep’s generous financial assistance program. This campaign raises funds in addition to the event’s overall proceeds. The commitment to financial aid by current families, faculty and administrators exemplifies Tampa Prep’s mission of “A preparation for life with a higher purpose than self.” On behalf of the students and faculty of Prep, we thank Pamela Blustein as Acquisitions Chair, Shannon Danielson, Technology Chair, and newcomer Kim Moros, Patron Chair, as well as every person who gave to the class baskets, became a patron, raised a paddle, made a bid, donated an item and attended Bella Sera. It truly was a BEAUTIFUL EVENING!

 Click here to view photos from the 2013 Bella Sera Gala Auction
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PREVIOUS TAMPA PREP AUCTIONS:

2012 Auction: All That Glitters – Glitz and Glamour 

Glitz and glamour filled the ballroom at the A La Carte Event Pavilion for Tampa Prep's All That Glitters Gala Auction and Dinner. Guests enjoyed bidding electronically on hundreds of items in the Silent Auction while sipping on luminescent signature cocktails. As attendees enjoyed a delicious meal, Mike Merritt, Danny Palmer, Evvie Walker, Carrie Zollinger, Elizabeth Carter, Sheva Cohn and Taylor Mitchell performed an energetic rendition of “Bonse Aba,” complete with student-played percussion, as well as “Man in the Mirror.”

Auction Chair Betsy Zollinger welcomed the crowd and Alumni Board President Shannon Encina ’99 gave a rousing speech about her time at Tampa Prep and the importance of giving back to the school before the Live Auction began. Exciting items including sports packages, international trips, designer accessories and one-of-a-kind experiences were hot items.

 Click here to view photos from the 2012 All That Glitters Gala Auction