Parachute pants, fluorescent hats, break dancin' duos oh my! Who says you can't travel back in time? We got "into the groove" and took a fun-filled trip back to the 80's for "That 80's Party" to support the launch of the Ian Beckles Foundation at the Hard Rock Cafe Tampa.
There was definitely no parking on the LED dance floor as everyone came out dressed in their best 80's threads ready to "start something" on the dance floor, feel the beat during the DJ Battle, compete in the costume contest, enjoy delicious food and have a whole lot of throwback fun for a fantastic cause.
The Ian Beckles Foundation was founded by former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player and current co-host of the Ron & Ian sports show on 620 AM WDAE, Ian Beckles, in August 2014. After being raised by a single parent, Beckles started the organization to "provide awareness, mentorship, and financial support to organizations actively improving the future of children’s lives in Tampa Bay." Beckles chose the 80's theme because "the 80's are fun, we're dealing with a lot of children going through a lot of tragedies, when you come here and enjoy yourself, it's about having fun."
Beckles works with a variety of organizations to improve the lives of children all over the Tampa Bay area. He started out working with foster children but that "wasn't enough" for him so he began working with other organizations including The Children's Home and Van Buren Middle School. This summer when the Children's Home was going to be forced to shut down the pool due to costly repairs, the Foundation raised money to repair the pool and keep the kids swimming during the hot summer. This party was the official launch of the Ian Beckles Foundation and is one Beckles hopes to turn into an annual event. "Let's hear it for the" man that makes this all possible:
Beckles certainly knows how to throw a fun party! The Hard Rock Cafe was transformed into an 80's disco lounge, complete with an LED dance floor, leather couches, dueling DJ's, video games, and 80's decor galore.
Everyone came "ready to rock" in their best 80's attire:
There was no "dancing in the dark" on this LED dance floor:
I Wanna Rock Right Now (on my head!)
Pour Some Sugar On Me:
Third Leg Greg was the MC for the evening and announced the winners of the Gold & Diamond Source Costume Contest:
This lucky lady is just gonna have fun with a $1,000 Gold and Diamond Source gift certificate and a 3 day cruise to the Bahamas!
Dueling DJ's kept the party rockin' with their best 80's tunes. DJ Sandman and DJ Jake Del a Cruz represented Team Beckles while DJ Coz and DJ Shizm were spinning for Team Wolf. DJ Sandman "put another dime in the jukebox" and started something on the dance floor!
Legendary Hip Hop Icon Rob Base made a special appearance and reminded us “It Takes Two to Make a Thing Go Right!”:
The party was winding down but not before we hit the dessert table because, sweet dreams are made of Hard Rock Cafe desserts:
Oh what a celebration it was! And the best part? All of the proceeds benefit the Ian Beckles Foundation and its' mission to help children in the Tampa Bay area. Many thanks to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, the Hard Rock Cafe, The Ian Beckles Foundation, The Gold and Diamond Source and all the other sponsors who made this night "Just Like Heaven", 80's style.
