Conversation with a Philanthropist: Richard Gonzmart
Join us for an intimate conversation with a Tampa legend, Richard Gonzmart. A champion in business and a generous philanthropist, Mr. Gonzmart has supported many local non-profits over the years as well as created initiatives to support the causes he is most passionate about. We will host a moderated conversation with Mr. Gonzmart about his life, his family's philanthropy in our community and his vision on how private philanthropy can affect the issues we face in Tampa Bay.
Moderated by: Geoffrey A. Simon, Managing Director & Senior Vice President, Investments - Simon & Associates Wealth Management of Raymond James
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Doors open at 11:30 AM
11:00 Membership Orientation
11:30 Networking
11:45 Announcements
12:00 Program
LUNCHEON PARTNERSHIP AVAILABLE.
APPROVED for 1 hour CFRE Credit
MENU OPTIONS:
REGULAR: Marinated Flank Steak - Poblano pepper, applewood bacon, carmelized onion compote with crumbled goat cheese
VEGETARIAN: Quinoa Stuffed Red Pepper - Chickpeas, wilted spinach and cherry tomato
MEETING FEE
$25.00 for Members
$40.00 for Guests
Payments may be paid in advance or at the door. Reservations after 12 PM on the Friday before the meeting, and walk-ins, are charged $40 at the door. No shows will be billed.
Richard Gonzmart:
The fourth-generation “caretaker” of the Columbia Restaurant Group, Richard Gonzmart has been named – as part of more than 100 awards – Community Hero by the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Boys and Girls Clubs, and Big Brothers and Big Sisters. He also has been officially named a Luminary, a Visionary and a Philanthropist of the Year as well as Father of the Year, Hispanic Man of the Year, Businessman of the Year, two time Alumni of the Year, Outstanding Citizen of the Year and Tampa Police Citizen of the Year. He has been inducted into five Hall of Fames, most recently, the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA) Hall of Fame. Gonzmart serves or has served on dozens of non-profit boards and organizations, including a new appointment on Tampa General Hospital’s governing board. He is passionate about the education of our youth and young adults, and in finding a cure for cancer. Pope Francis recognized Richard with the highest recognition of the Catholic Church, the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice.
His great-grandfather started the world-famous Columbia Restaurant in Tampa’s historic Ybor City in 1905. Still 100 percent family-owned, it’s now the oldest restaurant in Florida. There are seven Columbia restaurants in Florida. Newer restaurant concepts include Cha Cha Coconuts, Ulele, Goody Goody and Café Con Leche Ybor City, increasing the total number of restaurants to 13. He has at least two more restaurants planned over the next two years.
