A Night of Timeless Temptation: My Fairy Godfathers Gala
Last Saturday, the My Fairy Godfathers Foundation hosted its highly anticipated annual charity event, aptly themed "Timeless Temptation" at the Shanna and Bryan Glazer Jewish Community Center in Tampa, Florida. With over 300 guests in attendance, this black-tie gala transformed the venue into an enchanting space adorned in rich red and black hues, setting the stage for an evening dedicated to beauty and charity.
The event began with a warm welcome as attendees enjoyed music performed by a talented harpist and cellist, creating an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication. Guests participated in a silent auction featuring more than 50 unique items, each aimed at generating contributions for this noble cause. Those in attendance savored exquisite dishes during a delightful three-course meal and raised their glasses to signature cocktails and wines from the renowned Nonna Dolly Vineyard in Northern Italy.
The highlight of the evening came when actress Nicole Eggert, known for her role in the iconic TV series
Baywatch, sent a heartfelt video message to the guests. As a breast cancer survivor and recipient of support from the foundation, she shared her emotional journey, emphasizing how the founders, Andrew Ashton and Steven Anderson, helped her find beauty and confidence during her treatment. "Even in the toughest times, we should still feel beautiful," she stated, resonating deeply with everyone present.
As the night progressed, the excitement peaked during a live auction featuring luxury vacations in destinations such as Finland, Sweden, and Spain, including an enticing six-night Italian Escape. This unforgettable adventure included activities such as wine tastings, cooking classes, spa experiences, and touring historical castles, all hosted by the Nonna Dolly Family.
Co-founder Andrew Ashton expressed gratitude for the generosity of donors and supporters, announcing that this year's gala raised over $250,000. This outstanding achievement reflects the foundation's dedication to empowering women through beauty and the arts. Ashton shared, "With this incredible generosity, we look forward to sharing our passion and helping thousands of deserving women feel beautiful inside and out in the coming year."
The event also featured an emotional speech by Falana Shannon, a foundation recipient who overcame a difficult childhood in the foster care system and health challenges. Her story of transformation through the foundation’s programs highlighted the profound impact of My Fairy Godfathers on women’s lives, instilling hope and empowerment.
Founded nearly two decades ago, My Fairy Godfathers has evolved from a singular makeup experience for a prom attendee to a registered 501©3 organization since 2011, expanding its mission to include personalized wig donations, scholarships, beauty bags for first responders, and once-in-a-lifetime prom beauty experiences. Through their charitable efforts, they have touched the lives of over 12,000 women across the United States.
Their impactful work has garnered attention, featuring on platforms such as
The Drew Barrymore Show, BLOOM, Tampa Bay Times, and ABC. In addition to their ongoing initiatives, they recently launched a podcast titled "Giving Back through Beauty" to further raise awareness and inspire those who wish to contribute or gain support.
For more information about the My Fairy Godfathers Foundation, to make a donation, or to submit an application for support, visit
www.myfairygodfathers.net. Inquiries regarding media can be directed to Blair LaHaye at [
[email protected]].
In a world where beauty and kindness intertwine, events like this gala remind us that together, we can uplift and empower those who need it most.