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Westchase Gala Springs To Action

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By STEPHEN HAMMILL | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 17, 2008

WETSCHASE Early Wednesday evening, The Spring's donation truck pulled into Stone Chase Grill's parking lot. By night's end, it drove off with some much-needed items.

It was part of a night of "women helping women," as 100 ate, drank and danced during the second annual Blue Jeans and Bling Gala.

Organizer and Westchase resident Maria Kletchka began the charity last year as a private party for girlfriends, hosted at her home.

"I wanted to host a ladies night to honor many of the great women in my life," she said. "The Spring has always been something very special to me. I've had friendships, mentors, colleagues there. I wanted a way to honor them."

She decided the best way to do that would be to pay it forward.

To expand the event this year, Kletchka teamed up with Stone Chase Grill at 12227 W. Linebaugh Ave.

She asked a handful of friends to donate their time and talents.

"First and foremost this is about community awareness," said Linda Hess, community relations manager for The Spring.

Attendees paid a $35 entry fee and made donations of items from The Spring's wish list, which includes women's and children's clothing, toiletries and bedding, make-up and hair-care products, baby food, wipes, diapers and cleaning supplies.

The entry fees, along with raffle tickets sold for 13 items, including free legal services and a bottle of Dom Perignon, netted more than $750, which will go directly to The Spring.

Started in 1977, The Spring provides services for abused adults and their children and is the largest of Florida 's 41 certified domestic violence shelters.

The Spring's six service sites include an emergency shelter with a school and child care center, a transitional housing apartment complex, three outreach centers and two retail stores: the Simply Spring Thrift Store/donation warehouse at 209 North Willow St. and the Spring Vintage Boutique at 3418 West Swann Ave.

Private donations and events such as the gala provide for nearly half of the Spring's yearly operating budget.

As part of the gala, five women were selected from the transitional housing program for a makeover, courtesy of Serenity Salon & Spa in Westchase.

"We gave them a hair cut, shampoo and styling lesson," said Serenity manager Risa Katynski. "We showed them how to use makeup and gave them gift bags and flowers."

"It brings back some self esteem," Hess said. "Many of these women have kids. It was a nice retreat for them, a ladies night out."

The party lasted until 1 a.m. By the end of the night, The Spring's donation truck was filled about one-third of the way with items which will go directly to the shelter.

"It's enlightening for me," said Hess. "Some of these women have been in abusive domestic relationships or know someone who has, and they came out because they believe in what we are doing."

Kletchka and Hess say they've begun discussions for the next gala. "She told me next year's going to be even bigger," Hess said.

To make a donation to The Spring, call (813) 247-5433. To speak to one of their abuse counselors, call (813) 247-7233.

Reporter Stephen Hammill can be reached at (813) 865-1523 or at shammill@tampatrib.com.

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