Corks and Forks Rocks the YMCA

Break out the disco pants and 1980s hairdos, the Campo Family YMCA wants to take you back in time through the sound of Rock & Roll.

For the popular recreational center, the annual Corks and Forks fundraiser is an opporunity to open its doors to the public and generate funds for a good cause. Every year, the event undergoes a theme change and raises money for local families who struggle to afford a YMCA membership. This year's theme is Rock of Ages and will include classics from the 1960s to present day.

"This is the eighth year for Corks and Forks and our third here at Campo," event coordinator Christy Lowe said. "It's an event we look forward to every year because it's a charity event where the money raised stays right here in the community.

"We'll have a DJ, music videos playing on big screens, dancers on elevated stages. We have a lot going on and it's just a good time for everyone that is for a great cause."

The event is also attended by more than a dozen Brandon and Bloomingdale area restaurants who will offer a wide variety of culinary specialties from their kitchens. As patrons jam to the music and enjoy the interactive display of large screen music videos and live dancers, they have a plethora of food choices to please their palate as well as a selection of wine and beer.

Bloomingdale Pizza will be amongst the vendors for the second consecutive year. For owner Al Carapella, the event is a great opportunity to put his food in the hands of potential customers.

"It's a great event that gets the business out there and allows the community a chance to see who we are and get to know us," Carapella said. "It just enhances our relationship with people in the community and the YMCA is a great organization that we enjoy working with because of what they do for people."

The event will include a live auction and raffle and even offers the sport fan desperate not to miss college football Saturday a chance to sit poolside and watch the day's games.

"It's just a really fun laid back evening," Lowe said. "We even have a chef doing a live cooking demonstration or sports broadcasted at poolside so there is a little something for everyone."

For more information, visit www.tampaymca.org. This an adult only event (21 and over). Tickets are $75 and include wine/beer, food and entertainment. They can be purchased at the Campo YMCA front desk or online.