Tampa Bay Foundation to Launch with Inaugural “A Night of Purpose” Fundraiser on October 2

A new Tampa Bay organization focused on using data, collaboration and strategic investment to address regional needs will officially launch Friday, Oct. 2, with its inaugural "A Night of Purpose" fundraiser at The Sapphire in Tampa.

The Tampa Bay Foundation, led by Sam Barrington, CEO of Sky Limit Crane; Michael Hall, Partner at MediumFour; and Angel Williams, CEO of The Shine Firm, is building what its founders describe as a data-driven philanthropic ecosystem connecting capital with the people, organizations and ideas working to strengthen the Tampa Bay region.

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"A Night of Purpose" will bring together business and community leaders, philanthropists and supporters for an evening of dinner, entertainment, networking and fundraising. Award-winning journalist and WFLA personality Deanne King will host the event, which will also feature special guests and celebrity DJs.

The evening will serve as the official introduction of the Tampa Bay Foundation and its strategic board members, who will help guide the organization's priorities, growth and regional partnerships.

"A Night of Purpose is about bringing great people together around something bigger than ourselves," Barrington said. "We want people to come out, enjoy an incredible evening, and connect with others who care about Tampa Bay, but most importantly, understand that their support is helping us build something designed to create meaningful, lasting impact across our region."

The Foundation plans to focus on technology and innovation, philanthropic innovation, arts and culture, youth and future leaders, workforce development, housing and economic mobility, and regional collaboration.

Central to its approach will be the use of data to identify community needs, guide funding decisions and measure the results of investments. The organization also plans to bring businesses, nonprofits, government and community leaders together to identify gaps and better align resources.

"Data gives us the ability to move philanthropy from good intentions to measurable outcomes," Hall said. "We want to understand where the gaps are before capital is deployed, track what happens after an investment is made, and be transparent about the results."

Williams said collaboration will also play a central role in the Foundation's work.

"This Foundation is built on collaboration and the belief that lasting, generational change happens when people have the opportunity to use their voices and platforms to help shape the solutions that impact their communities," Williams said. "When businesses, nonprofits, government, community leaders and funders come together, we can align resources, amplify the important work already happening across Tampa Bay and create opportunities that extend well beyond a single event or initiative."

Proceeds from A Night of Purpose will benefit the Tampa Bay Foundation and support its work throughout the region.

The Black & White Chic event will run from 7 to 10:15 p.m. at The Sapphire in Tampa. Tickets are $300 per person and include the seated dinner and main fundraising event. The evening will also celebrate Barrington's 36th birthday.

Following the fundraiser, guests can attend "After the Purpose — The Celebration Continues," beginning at 10:30 p.m. The after-party will feature music, dancing and cocktails. Individual admission is $50, while table reservations require a $200 deposit for parties of up to six, with a bottle purchase required.

For tickets and reservations, visit bit.ly/TBF26.

For more information about the Tampa Bay Foundation, visit TampaBayFoundation.org.