Wow...840 people! Just shows what can be done if some determined people in Tampa Bay put their various talents together! Thank you to all of you who supported and attended our event this year!
A sea of beautifully dressed people made their way through the red carpet as camera's flashed in all directions, having drinks and chatting while awaiting entrance into the Grand Ballroom of the Tampa Marriott Waterside. The chandeliers sparkled as lights dancing off the disco balls reflected from the lavish crystals adorning the dancers outfits. Music and excitement filled the air!
As I hosted in my spectacular Entrada Couture dresses, with the dashing Ian Beckles by my side, I sighed with joy looking at all the beautiful dancers and attendees. There were more people then I could even get to see and thank and they all looked to be having such a great evening. But more importantly, we raised some serious money for Heartbeat International auctioning off 
incredible items including a $9000 diamond ring!
Thank you to our 12 amazing Dancers for they put on a first class performance! Along with giving your time, humility and talent by agreeing to be a dancer for this event, I know you all walked away having not only given but also taken away one of the most rewarding experiences which I hope you’ll remember for a lifetime!
Friends, family and even acquaintances come in anticipation of your performance...most longing to see you shine, while secretly having their camera ready "just in case", and others out of sheer curiosity!
I asked my husband if while em-cing with our great friend Ian Beckles, if I happened to slip and fall making my way back and forth to the dance floor in my heals would he come out and at least roll me off to the side out of view? He replied that he would pretend he didn't see me...I then asked, "But honey what if my jewelry fell off?" to which he perked up and said he would come out immediately and gather up the diamonds!
My point being, you can't take yourself too seriously and we have yet to have anyone take an unintended plunge onto the dance floor. My heartfelt thanks go out to the Fred Astaire Dance Studio and its talented staff. You were all incredibly supportive and provided the stars with well-trained professionals who made it all possible.
Designs to Shine and their intricately designed, hand made dresses which the dancers wore really made this a first class event. Kudos to Maria McGill who designed for Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance (also my partner in Entrada-Couture) and all the volunteers, even the the string which held mine together. Thanks to Melissa Johnson and her husband Jason. If you get a call next year...give it a shot! You’re in good hands and we will make you look and feel like a STAR!
Michael and Lindsey Stewart who chaired the event the previous year for Heartbeat International, thank you for your support. Michael Harris, the talented lead photographer, John Kantor and all the other talented photographers thank you for capturing a magical evening. Dave Geralds for his video work capturing the spirit of each dancer, J-thore, our generous sponsors, the talented judges, staff at HBI and my husband Steve for giving so much and supporting me taking so much time to help make this event a master piece! I know I am forgetting many deserving supporters...thank you all...you know who you are!
Thank you again Ian Beckles for looking like a million bucks and being the professional you are working with me that night. You gave me the piece of mind knowing if something went wrong you'd be there to entertain as you do daily on your successful radio show!
I look forward to sharing more interesting charity events from all around Tampa Bay every month in AS*I*BE Magazine, so if you can’t make it out, you'll feel like you did and have a feel of what is happening in Tampa Bay!
Until next time…become a fan of Gold & Diamond Source and see where we'll be next!
Julie Weintraub
