Photo Gallery: Hope Floats on Beach Drive

Saturday's culinary stroll featured world-class cuisine at restaurants along downtown St. Petersburg's  waterfront. Around 50 people came out for "Hope Floats on Beach Drive" in support ofMy Hope Chest.

Madeira Beach native Alisa Savoretti started My Hope Chest to help uninsured women who might otherwise have to forgo reconstructive surgery after mastectomies.

Savoretti's  led her to start the non-profit in 2003; she was a Las Vegas showgirl and an uninsured survivor of breast cancer. She also has deep ties to the Tampa Bay area and was a graduate of Seminole High School.

The blue sky deepened as My Hope Chest supporters gathered on the terrace of Gatsby's Restaurant. They mingled over flavorful curry from Moon Under Water and dessert shooters by Gatsby's.

Participants enjoyed the ambience of Beach Drive, as they strolled along the bouelvard and sampled gourmet cuisine from participating restaurants.

But the purpose was a serious one. Everyone came to help fund reconstruction surgeries for uninsured breast cancer survivors . Some shared the need to fix the health care system, raise awareness, and fund reconstruction.

"I think it's shameful that the big (breast cancer) organizations don't fund (breast reconstruction)...the general public does not know it's not covered," said Peter Roos.

Some people came because they know someone affected by breast cancer.

"My niece, Janelle, was 27 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had insurance, which funded her reconstruction surgery. I can't imagine what would have happened if she did not have surgery," said Maggie Maranzana.

My Hope Chest has various ways to help that include upcoming fundraisers in the Tampa Bay area.

• * Tea for Two Bay Palms Gold Classic, MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa;
• Creating Butterflies Zumba Event, details to be announced.