Preserve Vision Florida will honor Richard Gonzmart and Andrea Gonzmart Williams as its 2024 Persons of Vision, in recognition of their leadership in Tampa Bay.
The 45th Annual Person of Vision Award Gala will be held on February 5, at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, in Tampa.
Richard Gonzmart and his daughter, Andrea Gonzmart Williams, are the fourth- and fifth-generation caretakers of the 1905 Family of Restaurants, a 118-year-old, family-owned, hospitality company, based in Tampa, which includes Columbia Restaurant, Ulele, Casa Santo Stefano, Goody Goody Burgers, Cha Cha Coconuts and Café Con Leche Ybor City.
“In addition to this most fitting honor for Richard and Andrea, the Person of Vision Dinner is an opportunity to celebrate the Five Generations of the 1905 Family of Restaurants and support the vitally important work of Preserve Vision Florida,” said board chair, Kevin Bakewell. “The family’s positive impact in the community, and throughout the state, is felt in so many ways beyond their amazing restaurants and the millions of guests whose meals, and celebrations, they host every year.”
Over the last 26 years, the Gonzmart family has raised approximately $4 million for local non-profit organizations, through its month-long Community Harvest program. It is among several fundraising events and programs the family sponsors each year.
Celebrating its 45th year, the Person of Vision Award has honored Florida visionaries whose influence has been felt in the community, region, state and world. Recent honorees include Jeff and Penny Vinik, H. Lee Moffitt, Joe Lopano, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and, most recently, David Yates.