Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 11-4-22

Feature
University Area CDC Gala To Feature Black Opera Singer
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Staff Writer
On November 5, 2022, the Uni- versity Area CDC (Community Devel- opment Corporation) will hold its 2022 gala, Casino Royale. The event will be held at the T. Pepin Hospital- ity Centre, 4121 N. 50th St., Tampa.
The University Area CDC’s annual gala is the largest fundraiser of the year, celebrating the organization’s accomplishments and raising money for operations and programs.
This year’s event will feature ex- clusive entertainment, including high roller reception, casino gaming, a silent auction, live entertainment, dancing, an art gallery, dinner, dessert, and a martini bar.
Chrishawn Floyd, a profes- sional opera singer and teacher, will be a featured performer.
Floyd was born and raised in Vir- ginia Beach, VA. She moved to Tampa
CHRISHAWN FLOYD
in August 2021, after living in St. Louis, MO, Madrid Spain, Washing- ton DC, and Texas. She speaks Span- ish fluently.
Growing up, she had two loves,
singing and languages. Her mother put her in an immersive Spanish class when she was a young teen. At 16 years old, she began taking voice les- sons.
She attended Old Dominion Uni- versity for her undergraduate work and St. Louis University (SLU) for her post-graduate work, earning a major in Spanish, and a minor in Voice. Be- cause SLU had a campus in Madrid Spain, Floyd spent time there.
“I am lucky that I was able to teach what I love while also continuing my opera career. I am a firm believer in God’s timing and His will, which guides my life. Auditions can come at any time. I am constantly working on my voice with teachers and coaches,” Floyd states.
In each place that she lived, Floyd has participated in local Opera pro- ductions and local church choirs.
Floyd teaches at the Service Learning School, a dual language
school located in the University Area serviced by the CDC.
Along with entertainment, special awards will be presented to three in- dividuals who have made a significant contribution to the mission of the University Area CDC over the past year.
State Rep. Fentrice Driskell will receive the Community Hero Award.
The funds raised from the event will support the Neighborhood Trans- formation Strategy. This strategy sup- ports a comprehensive approach to community development and engage- ment, and is focused on resident and community engagement, attainable housing, the University Area Cultural Campus, and Harvest Hope Park.
Ticket purchases and more infor- mation about the event and sponsor- ships are available by calling 813.558.5212 ext. 210 and by visiting www.uacdc.org/gala.
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