TAMPA, Fla. — The owner of the Rialto Theatre set up an event, Friday evening, for couples to get married or renew their vows and at the same time support a good cause.
District battling insurance company over rebuilding Lee Elementary
Eight couples participated and donated money that the owner said would be donated to the Lee Elementary PTA in hopes to help rebuild Lee Elementary school after a massive fire destroyed it.
"I think it has its roots in love....roots in wanting to have a fun, festive, less formal wedding ceremony, but also with a feel good cause," Hope Donnelly the owner and creative director of 8-Count Productions and Rialto Theatre said.
District officials said the future of the school is up in the air because they are still working with the insurance company. District officials said tonight's ceremony is not an event sponsored by the district.
"We wanted something community based (and) local with direct impact," Donnelly said.
Donnelly said they raised about $1,000.
Michael Lopez and his wife renewed their vows. He said it was a surprise gift for their anniversary.
"I think she's going to be really happy to know that it's a benefit to the local school system," Lopez said.
