HISTORY FOR HARMONY ACROSS THE BAY
The Florida Orchestra is supported by three volunteer organizations – the Florida Orchestra Guild, St. Petersburg, The Florida Orchestra North Suncoast Associates, and Tampa Friends of The Florida Orchestra. The mission of the three Guilds is to raise money to support programs of The Florida Orchestra. Many years ago these organizations began getting together at a luncheon for members to get to know each other and coordinate fundraising events. The luncheon was originally called Hands Across the Bay, and each organization took a turn hosting the luncheon.
Although Hands Across the Bay had been dormant for several years, the St. Petersburg Guild rebranded the event to Harmony Across the Bay and began the cycle on January 12, 2024, by holding the first luncheon at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. The goal of this luncheon was to help defray the cost of TFO’s new Steinway piano located at the Mahaffey. The spectacular Silent Auction table containing baskets from the three Guilds was a tremendous success and raised $7,000.
Tampa Friends of The Florida Orchestra hosted the next Harmony Across the Bay luncheon on January 16, 2025, at The Bay Club in Tampa. Entertainment was provided by Yoni Draiblate (TFO’s Principal Cellist) and his wife Kimberly, an accomplished vocalist. Silent Auction baskets were donated by all three Guilds and raised over $4,000 for The Florida Orchestra.
The North Suncoast Associates were the next hosts for Harmony Across the Bay. They held the luncheon at the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa on January 15, 2026. Our entertainment was Bonnie Walker on the violin, and her husband Dominic Walker on jazz guitar. The luncheon and Silent Auction baskets from the three Guilds raised $10,000 to support our fabulous Florida Orchestra.
The next Harmony Across the Bay will be hosted by the St. Petersburg Guild on January 28, 2027, at the Karol Hotel. Stay tuned for more details!
