March 26, 2008 Cosmic Quandaries with Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson
An out of this world event, Cosmic Quandaries, held at The Palladium in St. Petersburg at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26th drew in an audience of nearly 800! With a one in a million chance of meeting one of only 6,000 astrophysicists in the world, audience members were lined up in order to have the opportunity to ask Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson a question on any and all galactic wonders they may have.

Filling The Palladium from the balcony down, Dr. Tyson had the audience falling out of their seats in laughter with his witty take on extraterrestrial visitors, science fiction media and his encounters with Hollywood movie-producers who “get the sky wrong.” With mesmerized admiration, the audience listened intently, hanging on every work Dr. Tyson delivered on cosmic quandaries ranging from black holes to black matter.

With a comfortable atmosphere and a high demand of interest in speaking with the “sexiest astrophysicist alive” – Cosmic Quandaries would have went through the night; however the event with time elapsing as quickly as a shooting star, the event concluded just past 9 p.m.; however with time elapsing as quickly as a shooting star, the event concluded just past 9 p.m.

February 2, 2008 Sojourn 2008
On February 2, 2008, guests were invited to commemorate the station’s golden anniversary while savoring and celebrating the essence of France; a country rich in its history and distinct culture. More than 400 guests packed their imaginary bags and set sail for what the media has dubbed the party of the year – WEDU’s award-winning destination gala – Sojourn™.

WEDU Be More Awards 2008
A nationally-recognized, award-winning program, The WEDU Be More Awards™ generates awareness for non-profit organizations and celebrates the spirit of goodwill throughout our community.

Friday, October 26, 2007 Benise Meet and Greet at Ruth Eckerd Hall
WEDU Donors had a chance to meet PBS music superstar Benise when he performed at Ruth Eckerd Hall on Friday evening, October 26, 2007 with his Nights of Fire 2007 tour. Armed with his Spanish guitar, and amazing world class band of musicians, and elaborately choreographed dancers, NIGHTS OF FIRE! captured world music at its best with a sexy blend of Spanish, salsa, gypsy and more.

Saturday, February 3, 2007 Sojourn 2007
The dramatic extremes of Australia and New Zealand beckoned guests to sample, savor and celebrate their essence at Sojourn™ 2007 on Saturday, February 3, 2007 at the Hilton Carillon Park. The most successful WEDU fundraising event in the station’s 49-year history, Sojourn™ 2007 transported more than 400 guests to the exotic land “down under” in an international celebration of the wine, cuisine and culture of the “New World.”

Friday, November 3, 2006 Get a Clue ~ MYSTERY! Dinner Theatre
More than 75 guests joined special guest Rebecca Eaton, executive producer for MYSTERY! and Masterpiece Theatre, for a mystery dinner theatre backstage at WEDU Studios in Tampa. Event guests enjoyed a gourmet buffet dinner and behind-the-scenes information from Ms. Eaton regarding her 20 years of producing the two PBS signature programs. The event was topped off with a “whodunit” skit performed by Detective Dinner Theater.
Event Sponsors:


Friday, October 13, 2006 Seven ~ an Artful Celebration
More than 70 guests helped WEDU kick off its special fundraising event season at Seven ~ an Artful Celebration at the South Florida Museum in Bradenton. This exclusive reception captured the beauty of Florida featuring several of the nationally recognized artists whose new work was featured in the South Florida Museum’s innovative exhibit entitled Seven.
Event Sponsors: Mr. Florist Plant N’ Things


Saturday, August 12, 2006 ~ Speaking of Women’s Health ~ Tampa
More than 1,000 women enjoyed a day of learning, laughter, and fun at the 7th annual Speaking of Women’s Health conference in Tampa benefiting WEDU.

Saturday, August 19, 2006 Breakfast with Elmo!
Over 150 kids and parents enjoyed breakfast with Elmo at Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry on Saturday, August 19. Everyone met Elmo and experienced the Sesame Street “The Body” and Kids In Charge exhibits.
Event Sponsor:


Saturday, May 13, 2006 Speaking of Women's Health - Sarasota
More than 500 Sarasota women enjoyed a day of learning, laughter, and fun at the 4th annual Speaking of Women’s Health conference benefiting WEDU. The sold-out event taking place at the Ritz-Carlton featured two dynamic keynote speakers, 16 informative breakout sessions, fabulous sponsor giveaways, culminating with a delicious lunch and special check presentations from WEDU to two local non-profit organizations in Sarasota.