The 2025 Heroes Ball raised a record $2.6 million for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation, drawing nearly 900 attendees to the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street.
Funds raised will expand the hospital’s Nurse Navigator Program, which provides families with specialized nurses who help coordinate complex care and offer personalized clinical and emotional support. The program currently includes five navigators across cardiology, oncology and high-risk obstetrics. The expansion will add roles in neurology, neonatal care, endocrinology, rheumatology and aerodigestive care.
“This community showed up in the most powerful way,” said Kate Sawa, president of the foundation. “Their generosity will impact countless families facing difficult diagnoses and complex medical journeys.”
Ron Wanek, founder and chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries, and his wife, Joyce, were honored with the 2025 Community Hero Award for their ongoing support of children’s health and education initiatives. (Pictured above)
The event was co-chaired by Casey Ellison, chief executive officer of Ellison Companies, and his father, Sam Ellison. Attendees bid on high-profile auction items, including a Kentucky Derby experience and a private dinner with NFL star Rob Gronkowski.
Next year’s Heroes Ball is scheduled for April 11, 2026, and will be chaired by former NFL player Kyle Rudolph and his wife, Jordan.
