Join us at the FARA Energy Ball on September 27, 2025!

The 17th FARA Energy Ball will be held at the Tampa Marriott Water Street on September 27 from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. for a high-energy evening of camaraderie and fundraising to support Friedreich’s ataxia research. We look forward to seeing you in September!

energy ball 2025

Hotel Block

The 2025 FARA Energy Ball will be held at the Tampa Marriott Water Street, 505 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602.

To reserve a room in the room block, please visit the link below.

Reserve Your Room
Photo of decor at the Energy Ball

Research Reception Brunch

Before the FARA Energy Ball kicks off, join FARA and USF Health Ataxia Research Center for a Research Reception Brunch at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine & Heart Institute. The FA Research Reception Brunch will be Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 10am – 12:30 pm. This will be a unique opportunity to learn about current research in FA and the impact supporters have made through the gala.

Agenda coming soon!

RSVP for the Research Reception
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Auction

We would be grateful if you could support these efforts with an in-kind contribution to this year’s FARA Energy Ball auction. The generosity of businesses through auction item donations is a critical part of the event’s success, with auction proceeds making up over a quarter of the $1.5 million raised during last year’s event.

Your support would highlight your business’ name and philanthropic interests within the community and help fuel continued research, making a difference in the lives of those living with FA.

We appreciate anything you might be willing to give. Depending on the nature of your business, some of the suggested auction items are gift certificates, merchandise, getaways, exclusive experiences, and memorabilia autographed by major league athletes and A-list celebrities.

Make your commitment by filling out the commitment form or emailing ann.musheno@curefa.org.

Auction Commitment Form
A table at a fundraising event

Energy Ball Honorary Chair Council

Suzanne & Paul Avery, Chairman, FARA Board of Directors

Ron Bartek, President, FARA

Charles J. Lockwood, M.D., M.H.C.M., Executive Vice President, USF Health; Dean, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine

Honorary Chairs

Janell and Steve Griggs, CEO and Vice Chairman, Vinik Sports Group

Honorary Committee Members

Joann Abraham
Anna and Frank Alfano
Alison Avery
Laurel Avery
Michael Barbaro
Lori and Anthony Barkett
Steve Blair
Tom Bradley
James Buell
Sandy and Bob Callaghan
Janey DePew
Samantha Diaz
Tanya and Herman Fernandez
Sarah Foglia
Maggie Ganther
Judy Genshaft, PhD

Ryan Heatherington
Mary and Paul Jacobs
Dawn and Kevin Lambert
Kim Linton
Kaye and Jim Pollard
John Renslow
Nancy and Brad Rex
Kathy and Doug Rothschild
Wendy Ryan
Marc Sawyer
Sandi and Chris Sullivan
Jo and Renek Wojtkowski
Heidi and Bill Wright
Becca Zarcone
Avery Lowry Zaritsky
Theresa Zesiewicz, MD FAAN

2025 Media Sponsors for Energy Ball