“A Night In Assisi” – 2024 Sacred Heart Gala

On Friday, April 19, nearly 250 parishioners set sail with the friars across Tampa Bay aboard the Yacht StarShip for our annual parish gala. Featuring the Umbrian theme of “A Night in Assisi,” our friars weren’t the only reference to the ‘green heart’ of Italy, as attendees dined on pasta and had the chance to take part in an olive oil tasting, all with a beautiful sunset as the perfect backdrop for our fellowship and fundraising.

In total, an estimated $78,000 was raised through our live and silent auctions, raffles, and ticket sales, all of which will be used to begin the work of renovating our North Campus kitchen, used most often by our homeless outreach ministry, Hands of Hope. This incredible evening benefitting this important fund could not have taken place without the help of our voracious volunteers from our Event Planning Committee, our gracious hosts at the Yacht Starship, our sponsors, and, of course, all those who took part through bids or donations.

We look forward to seeing you at our next gala in 2025.


*NEW* Click here to view a gallery of photos from the 2024 Gala, including portraits!

Our 2024 Sponsors

The Burnette Family | The Murray/Spiwak Family | John & Lydia Oliva


The Aventura Lotteria:  Our 2024 Gala Raffle!

This year’s gala raffle features your choice of three amazing adventures! The winner of the Aventura Lotteria, our annual gala’s main raffle, will have their choice between a family stay in Asheville, N.C., a Caribbean cruise for two to the Bahamas, or an authentic taste of Tuscany. Tickets are $100 each, with only 100 tickets being sold. To purchase tickets, volunteers and staff will be available after Masses leading up to the gala, or you may contact or stop by the parish office. These will sell out, so be sure to get your tickets soon! 

Purchase Tickets

(Airfare not included; You do not have to be present at the gala to win.)


Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?

We’re looking for businesses and organizations to support our renovation of the North Campus kitchen by sponsoring our Gala. You can support our parish while at the same time receive community recognition through various opportunities (digital marketing, bulletin, social media, event signage and more). Contact Vicky McCarthy for details.

Sponsor an element at the gala! | Our goal is to operate the event as close to net-zero as possible, to ensure all revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships, auctions, and donations directly aid the needed renovations at our North Campus. Consider sponsoring an event element for to feature your business.

    • Print Material Sponsor | $600 SOLD
    • Live Auction Sponsor | $1000
    • Signature Drink Sponsor | $1000
    • Photography Sponsor | $600
    • Décor Sponsor | $1200
    • Gifts and Favors Sponsor | $1200
    • Signature Tote Sponsor | $750 SOLD

Parking, Validation, and Arrival

There is a scheduled concert at Amalie Arena on the night of our event, so it is recommended that all attendees plan their arrival in advance. Parking will be limited in the Garrison Street lot, and subject to special event pricing.

Discounted parking for Gala guests will be available at the Tampa Port Authority Channelside Parking Garage (369 South 12th Street). To receive the discounted rate, please download (print or digital) and present this voucher to the attendant upon entry to the garage beginning at 6 p.m.

If applicable, ridesharing to the gala is recommended, as there is rideshare drop-off and pick up available along Garrison Street, near Sparkman Wharf.

Serving downtown Tampa and the surrounding areas, the TECO Line Streetcar is another option for a fast and free ride to the StarShip. The closest stop is by Amalie Arena Station #8, located at the corner of Beneficial Dr. and Channelside Drive. Learn more at tecolinestreetcar.org.


Gala Frequently Asked Questions