Gaspar's Grotto is an Ybor City leader when it comes to hosting fundraisers and this week, the spacious, pirate-themed watering hole becomes the setting for two separate charitable events that are guaranteed to appeal to your giving side. For the third year in a row, the grotto presents An Affair to Remember, a bachelor and bachelorette charity auction at which participants get the opportunity to make bids for dates with some of the Bay area's most eligible single professionals. (You can preview all the candidates at www.atampaaffair.com.) The Suncoast Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society benefits. The following night, USF's Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) hosts Fiesta By The Bay to commemorate Autism Awareness Month, and to raise money for special activities that support individuals with autism and related disabilities. Guests enjoy tasty finger foods, live music, prize drawings, and salsa dancing and lessons ($5). Affair, Thurs., April 27, 5:30-7 p.m. V.I.P. party, 7:15 p.m. auction, $35 auction only/$50 V.I.P. party (includes a complimentary wine bar, champagne toast, hors d'oeuvres and a meet-and-greet with auction candidates), 813-963-6461; Fiesta, Fri., April 28, beginning at 5 p.m., $25, 813-979-0133, Gaspar's Grotto, 1805 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City, 813-963-6461. Leilani Polk
This article appears in Apr 26 – May 2, 2006.