AdventHealth Starlight Gala raises $2.4 million for women’s and children’s services (PHOTOS)

The AdventHealth Foundation West Florida’s annual Starlight Gala set a new fundraising record in 2025, bringing in $2.4 million to support women’s and children’s services across the health system’s hospitals.

The event, themed Once Upon a Miracle, was chaired by Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, owner and co-chairman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and held at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street.

“The 2025 Starlight Gala: Once Upon a Miracle was a powerful reminder of what our community can achieve together,” said Kristen McCall, president of the AdventHealth Foundation West Florida. “Thanks to the generosity of so many amazing supporters in attendance, we raised a record-breaking amount to fund women’s and children’s services. This directly impacts patients like Chloe, a brave little girl who spent 104 days in the NICU. Investing in these services means investing in hope, healing and the future of families in our community.”

Funds will go toward projects such as labor and delivery simulation centers, NICU camera systems for parents and other patient-centered initiatives throughout AdventHealth West Florida facilities.

The foundation also announced that next year’s gala will be held Aug. 27, 2026, with Tom Johnston, co-founder and president of Stability Biologics and longtime supporter of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, serving as event chair.

Photos courtesy of AdventHealth.

You May Also Like
St. Pete YMCA’s new CEO sets belonging as top priority

New CEO Nicci Bucher is leading the St. Pete YMCA with a focus on belonging, partnerships and community growth.

Read More
Nicci Bucher, newly appointed CEO of the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, stands outside a YMCA facility, smiling confidently. The YMCA logo is displayed beside her.
Steve King leaves Meals on Wheels Tampa stronger than he found it

Steve King looks back on two decades that reshaped Meals on Wheels Tampa and strengthened support for the city’s homebound seniors.

Read More
Steve King accepts his award at TBBW Apogee Awards while speaking from the stage.
USF names sole finalist for presidency 

USF names Moez Limayem sole finalist for its presidency, a decision that could shape Tampa Bay’s economic and educational future.

Read More
Split image showing the University of South Florida campus sign with the green bull logo on the left, and Moez Limayem, smiling in a suit and tie, on the right.
USF climbs top 50 public universities, cementing its place among Florida’s best colleges

The University of South Florida is staking a stronger claim as one of the nation’s top universities, climbing to its highest position ever in U.S News & World Report’s annual rankings. In results released Sept. 23, USF rose to No. 88 overall, among all public and private universities, up from No. 91 the previous year.

Read More
Entrance sign for the University of South Florida in Tampa, featuring the green bull logo on a brick and white monument surrounded by landscaping
Other Posts
Tampa International Airport opens nearly $6M call for artists

Tampa International Airport is opening a Call for Artists tied to a nearly $6M public art investment.

Read More
Large pink flamingo sculpture inside Tampa International Airport terminal
Largo issues RFP for 14-acre City Hall redevelopment

Largo issued an RFP to redevelop its 14-acre 201 Highland Ave municipal campus.

Read More
Exterior view of Largo City Hall, the municipal campus targeted for redevelopment under a newly issued RFP.
Cogent Bank takes minority stake in Everpath Partners

Everpath Partners and Cogent Bank announced a strategic partnership and minority growth equity investment.

Read More
Exterior of a Cogent Bank branch in Florida with palm trees and the Cogent Bank sign visible.
How Pinellas County allocates tourism tax dollars

Pinellas County Commissioner Brian Scott spoke with TBBW about how tourism tax dollars are allocated.

Read More
Downtown St. Petersburg waterfront skyline reflecting tourism funded infrastructure and development.