Almost 10 years ago, I remember sitting at a boxing match at A La Carte Event Pavilion and seeing a stylishly-dressed man walking around greeting everyone warmly and excitedly, like he knew everyone in the room.
Today, Dr. Randy Feldman is still owning every room he walks in to.
Photo courtesy of Barry Lively Images
After nearly 30 years as a Board of Counselor member at the University of Tampa, he was given a proper send off to become inducted as a Board of Fellows member at the Vaughn Center at the University of Tampa (UT) on Friday, November 20th.
The intimate gathering of friends came together to celebrate Dr. Feldman's Board of Fellows induction and all proceeds from the event will benefit UT scholarships.
Established in 1962, the UT Board of Counselors consists of more than 90 volunteer members whose mission is to support the University and to mentor students as they prepare to move from the classroom to career. Counselors provide financial support and organize events to raise money and awareness for the university.
The event featured hors d' ouevres, an open bar, a vodka lounge and a signature drink called the Tampa 85, (after Dr. Feldman's initial year on the Board of Counselors,) live music, dancing and beautiful views of downtown Tampa.
Have you ever met a person who makes you feel like you're the most important on Earth when they talk to you? Dr. Feldman is one of those people who treats everyone he meets with so much kindness and generosity and the best part of all - it's authentic.
He has been inducted into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame and was recently recognized as a Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero for his tireless philanthropic work. Whether it's providing medical care to those who can't afford it or his countless hours of volunteering and work with local charities (like the charity he helped co-found, 13 Ugly Men,) it's no surprise that even an intimate gathering for him beckons hundreds of people.
His day job as a renowned orthodontist and owner of Feldman Orthodontics is seemingly eclipsed by his penchant for giving back to the community he calls home.
Phil Orsino, close friend and UT Board of Trustees member, said it best, "Anyone can write a check to a cause, but it takes a lot of sacrifice to volunteer your time and give back like Randy Feldman."
Well said. Someone who talks the talk and walks the walk is truly remarkable.
In fact, anyone you talk to about Dr. Feldman will usually break into a wide smile before they list the reasons he's such a treasured friend and leader.
"I'm truly thankful to Dr. Feldman for his 30 years of service to the University of Tampa. He's a leader in this community and I am proud to call him my mentor. We are excited to continue working with him as a member of the University Board of Fellows," said Aakash M. Patel, Chair of the UT Board of Counselors.
Of course, no Feldman party is complete without some serious style and guests came out in full flapper and fedora gear. The speakeasy password was "The Bee's Knees" and the party went strong with great beats provided by DJ Papi.
The planning committee was comprised of some of Dr. Feldman's closest friends and his lovely wife, Kelly Feldman.
The evening was a testament that Tampa loves a great dress up party and the opportunity to celebrate its' community leaders. Cheers to the guy with impeccable style and a big heart, Dr. Feldman!
Some photos courtesy of yours truly, most courtesy of Barry Lively Images.
Full disclosure - My tickets were purchased by my employer: Nationwide Title Clearing, Inc.
