The 16th Annual Fostering Hope Gala for A Kid’s Place, proudly presented by Homes by WestBay was held February 14th, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection. It was a spectacular celebration of inspiration, love, and generosity.
We are beyond grateful for the outpouring of support we received—from attendees, donors, sponsors, committee members, volunteers, and staff. Each guest was a vital part of this mission to protect and uplift vulnerable children. We are proud to share that this year’s Gala netted over $580,000, a major victory for the kids we serve.
On Valentine’s Day, guests were welcomed into the stunning venue and greeted by the Bubbles & Bliss Champagne Bar, sponsored by Kevin & Katherine Gonzalez. After a quick stop for their first photos captured at our step and repeat by Rick Tauceda, guests made their way into the Cupid’s Lounge Cocktail Reception made possible by Bill & Jodi Williams.
Throughout cocktail hour, guests explored silent auction items, courtesy of our Sweetheart Circle Auction Website Sponsor I-RE / IOA, and placed their bids to win some amazing treasures. Throughout the reception, Grammy-nominee Michelle Jones of Violectric, a delightful, wandering violinist made her rounds through the event.
Our popular, Corks & Kisses Wall of Wine, sponsored by Krista & Arthur Schultz, gave everyone a chance to walk away a winner with a fantastic bottle of wine (or a secret weapon for a future dinner party!). Some lucky guests were also presented with a surprise Faces of Love caricature, sponsored by Ty & Brenda Trayner, while others picked up a velvet rose for their lapel or hair for a chance at a premier magnum of wine, with our activity brought to you by our Enchanted Rose Sponsors, Brantley & Jennifer Fraga. Guests also had the chance to pop the right bubble at our Bubbles & Bling activity, for the opportunity to take home a $2,500 gift certificate from Gold & Diamond Source, provided by Julie Weintraub and Hands Across the Bay.
Before heading into the main event, guests picked up a Heartwarmer or a Cupid’s Kiss, courtesy of our Love Potion Signature Drink Sponsor, Continuum Wealth Partners. Our Love on the Rocks Bar Sponsor, The Kearney Companies provided even more delicious options.
The venue was transformed into a spectacular display, with the help from EPI and our Draped in Love Linen Sponsors, Buccaneer Linens, setting the scene for a truly elegant evening. Each table also featured table wines through a generous Always & Forever Table Wine sponsorship by Adams Corp.
Brian Bullock of Homes by West Bay opened the program, followed by AKP’s CEO, Brad Gregory, and the audience was treated to some relationship advice from the children at A Kid’s Place, reported by staff in a new video produced in-house. We honored and celebrated Cathy Simmons, as the deserving recipient of the Dottie Berger-MacKinnon Guardian Angel Award. Cathy has been working tirelessly with our children at A Kid’s Place since 2010 when she volunteered her time before being hired on permanently in 2011. The award was lovingly presented by Candy Willoughby, a long-time friend and co-worker of Mrs. Simmons. The program also included a Mission Moment by Kiara Medina-Negron, a former resident of A Kid’s Place, who now, as a successful adult, is giving back to her community. To quote Kiara, “because of your investment in me, I’m now able to invest in kids just like me.”
After a heartfelt program, delicious dinner, a rousing live auction and a remarkable Give from the Heart experience, made possible by our Love Letter Paddle Sponsor, Panera Bread & The Albert Covelli Foundation, rounded out the program. Then the celebration really took off! Guests danced the night away with incredible entertainment of No Filter, courtesy of Endless Love Entertainment Sponsor, Dean Mead. Moments were captured at our photo booth, courtesy of Timeless Treasure Sponsor, Florida Executive Realty, while caricature portraits continued into the night. Some guests spent some time relaxing with a hand-rolled cigar in our Cigar Lounge, courtesy of Love is in the Air Sponsor, Joe & Debbie Troy.
The evening wrapped up with special gifts of mini-bundt cakes, adorned with Valentine’s Day cards created by A Kid’s Place kids, for all guests thanks to Candy Hearts Take Away Sponsor Courtesy Automotive, and departed with ease thanks to Locks of Love Valet Sponsor Cortona Cabinetry.
Thank you to all who joined us on or or supported us for this extraordinary night. Your support helps us fulfill our mission every day: providing a safe, loving, and nurturing home for children in foster care, and reminds us that together, by investing in the life of children, we truly can make a positive difference.
If you would like to review the memories from the evening, we have two links that will take you to images captured that night. The first is from the step and repeat station, and the second includes images from the entire event.
📸Event Heroes of Tampa Bay Event Images
