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Bring On Bling For Spring

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A staff report

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 10, 2008

WESTCHASE - Organizers of the Blue Jeans and Bling gala are hoping to get at least 100 women to turn out for an evening of food and entertainment to benefit The Spring.

The event begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Stone Chase restaurant, where guests can enjoy a dinner buffet, cocktails and a dessert buffet. A DJ will play dance music for the event.

Linda Hess, community liaison for The Spring of Tampa Bay, will speak on how the organization has changed the lives of thousands of families in the Tampa Bay area. The Spring serves women and children who have been physically and emotionally abused.

Hess has arranged for the organization's donation truck to be at the restaurant parking lot so folks can donate items.

"We always need toiletries, clothing and baby items since we house families for quite some time," Hess said.

The donation wish list also includes towels, washcloths, twin sheets, makeup and hair care products, cleaning and laundry supplies, craft items for kids, new and gently used clothing for women and children, and snacks.

Organizers are providing makeovers for seven women who have transitioned through The Spring, and they will be guests at the event.

Those attending are encouraged to wear blue jeans and sparkling bling. A $35 donation will be collected at the door.

Westchase resident Maria Kletchka hosted the first benefit in her home last year and says she is expecting this year's event to be even bigger, as there is a team of women planning the event.

Last year the donation truck was nearly filled, she said, and the expectations for donations this year are even higher. Local businesses are encouraged to donate clothing and other items on the wish list.

Though it is billed as a "Women Helping Women" evening of fun and entertainment, Kletchka says men are also welcome to attend.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP by contacting Kletchka at (813) 597-6013 or e-mailing her at MariaK@tampabay.rr.com.

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