For the past two years, Emily Pierce has organized a fundraiser to raise money for families with children battling cancer. For Pierce, it’s a fundraiser that hits close to home. Her daughter, Morgan, has been fighting cancer for seven years.
Both years, Pierce’s event, called the SweetHearts Gala, was a huge success. It raised $13,000 its first year, and $17,000 last year. On Saturday, Feb. 13, the annual event will be returning to Keel and Curley Winery as the Heart of Gold Gala.
The gala is associated with the nonprofit association Jensen’s Heart of Gold. While Morgan was receiving treatment in New York City, the Pierce family befriended cancer patient Jensen Byrd and his family. Jensen passed away six years ago, but the Byrd and Pierce families remain close. The annual event remains a lasting tribute to his life.
“We just were wanting to let people know who we were and link ourselves more closely with the Jensen foundation,” Pierce said.
For Pierce, the goal of the annual event is to link up people who want to give and families who have a need.
“Because this is strictly for kids, that’s what makes us different,” Pierce said. “I would love to meet or exceed what we made last year. There’s a lot more excitement surrounding the event. There’s more hands on deck.”
This year’s event will be held in the Keel and Curley warehouse where the wine is produced. The warehouse will be transformed into a ballroom complete with a fairytale theme.
“Every year we add ambience and decor,” Pierce said.
Guests will be able to enjoy wine from Keel and Curley, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. Items up for grabs include everything from gift baskets to concert tickets from the upcoming Florida Strawberry Festival. Gala guests also will be able to purchase a key from a key tree for $20 and try their luck at unlocking a bird cage with a jewelry set from RAOK Boutique. Live music will be performed by pianist Benji Padgett and Dock Seven. Ballet dancers from Victoria’s School of Dance also will perform.
The night will end in dancing and speeches from advocates about defeating childhood cancer. Tickets, priced at $75, are still available.
All funds raised from the event will go to families with a child battling cancer in Plant City and surrounding areas in Central Florida.
“I want people to use this as the opportunity to help kids,” Pierce said. “There are kids in our community who are fighting cancer right now. It’s real, and it’s here, and we can help make an impact.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13
Where: Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road
Price: $75
Attire: Black-tie and fairytale attire welcome
Website: JensensHeartofGold.com/events