It’s in the books: Art of Giving proves a bestseller Models walked the red carpets, the New York Times bestselling author worked the crowd, and flashbulbs popped during the fashion shoot. But this wasn’t Paris or Milan; it was Tampa during the Fourth Annual United Way of Tampa Bay’s Art of Giving dinner, presented by Bank of America. Thanks to the charisma and talents of The Devil Wears Prada author Lauren Weisberger, more than 450 guests packed the Pepin Hospitality Center to benefit the United Way’s Summer Care program. The event raised more than $80,000 to help support low-income working families with affordable child care and financial literacy education. In the hallways, models from Alexa, dressed in LIVE UNITED T-shirts, fashioned purses for auction as photographer Matt Clark captured all the action. Stylists from Aveda provided finishing touches to guests’ hair and makeup. And Miranda Priestly, the main character in the Prada movie, kept an eye on the festivities. The "Power of the Purse" live and silent auction was a great success, raising more than $16,000. Mistress of Ceremonies, Lindsay MacDonald, from "Daytime" on WFLA, auctioned 28 purses, such as: Prada, Fendi, Coach, Marc Jacobs, and more. Weisberger, who gave an inside glimpse of the fashion industry and the literary world, was the highlight of the evening. She discussed all things Prada, as well as her life as a bestselling author. Lauren helped conclude the evening by signing books for Summer Care supporters. United Way’s 2008 Art of Giving is in the books. It’s time to start penning the 2009 bestseller. Stay tuned! ......................................................................................... United Way Recognizes Top Volunteers of the Year Veterans, teens, an artist, and a pro football player are among the thirteen individuals or groups to receive United Way of Tampa Bay’s Volunteer of the Year awards for their commitment and volunteer efforts in the community. The awards were presented Tuesday, April 29 during the annual awards luncheon at the Tampa Doubletree hotel. |more| ......................................................................................... ‘HOT’ Shots: The sequel  View Photos - pdf1  View Photos - pdf2 In the movie spoof, HOT Shots! Part Deux, the film’s main character Toppy Harley was quoted: “Of all the missions in all the jungles you had to walk into this one.” The mission of these HOT Shots, United Way Hands On Tampa Bay volunteers, didn’t include a jungle. Rather in this sequel, the HOT volunteers raked, landscaped, painted, and cleaned up the Bay Pines VA Healthcare Campus in St. Petersburg on Saturday, April 5 as part of Hands On Tampa Bay Day.  |more| .........................................................................................