Brandon Supports the Arts: Center Place ‘Artis Gras’ in Photos

The 27th annual patron party, hosted for the first time in a long time in Greater Brandon itself, drew some 250 people to an “Artis Gras” celebration for the arts and, in some respects, a tribute to one of Brandon’s most-beloved nonprofits.

In building the Brandon Community Advantage Center, now known as The Regent, with state, federal and county money, one of the driving forces for the establishment of such a facility in the community was to have a facility large enough to hold civic, community and cultural gatherings.

Most recently, Center Place, which had outgrown the available spaces in Brandon, held its annual patron party and grand silent auction at the T. Pepin Hospitality Centre in Tampa. This year’s  and live auction helped the patron party raise more than $43,000, according to event organizers.

Also at this year’s April 9 event, Center Place President-Elect Randy Wolfe announced this year’s S.L. “Spud” Clements Award recipient, Dorothy Mahieu. Also recognized, the two winners of this year’s Patricia B. Odiorne Scholarship, Ashley Joseph of King High School and Danielle S. Quichocho of Newsome High School.