Up Close and Personal With Kristie Johnston, Tampa Bay Woman of the Year 2011

More than 200 people showed up for the glitzy Tampa Bay Woman of the Year Ladies’ Night Out 2011 event on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Neiman Marcus.

Eight nominees were present, but only one was declared TBWOY 2011. This year, that honor went to Kristie Johnston, a 32 year-old bartender.

Christal Beattie and Adrienne Phillips, both of Westchase, were also up for the award.

The Westchase Charitable Foundation organized the event. The non profit operates helping children with serious illnesses, or children with tragic family situations. This year TBWOY raised $56,000 via funds raised by TBWOY candidates, proceeds of the event’s silent auction, and donations made by Tampa Bay residents.

Johnston was all smiles as she was crowned. Here is what she shared with Patch:

Patch: What is your background?

Johnston: I was raised in Clearwater by my mother, grandparents and stepfather, and graduated from Countryside High School. I attended Saint Petersburg College and graduated with a degree in General Education. I've worked in a few restaurants since and am currently at Catch Twenty Three. I've been married for four years to Matt Johnston, and we have a 2 1/2 year-old daughter named Madissen.

Patch: How did you get involved in fundraising?

Johnston: Throughout high school and college, I volunteered at the Humane Society, but nothing to the extent of the TBWOY contest.

Patch: How did you become a candidate?

Johnston: WCF President Sean O’Donnell and Secretary Trey Corish nominated me. I've known many of the board members for years, and some I consider very close friends. From the moment I nominated, I had an emotional commitment to help the families in need.

Patch: What you think made you a promising nominee in the eyes of WCF?

Johnston: I was fortunate enough to read a few letters and thank you notes from some of the families. The letters make it all so real. That is really what gave me the drive to go above and beyond the call of duty. I also know how important these families are to WCF, and I would never want to let them down

Patch: Through what sources or avenues did you raise funds?

Johnston: I raised funds through family, friends, fundraising events, and patrons of Catch Twenty Three, to name a few. I wouldn't be TBWOY without their support. Rob Wickner, owner of Catch Twenty Three, had the idea to feature guest bartenders, with the tips going to charity. We featured bartenders Blair Myers and Marc Calixte, and raised about $2,500. My husband, Matt, had the idea to hold a charity cornhole tournament. Friends Alanna Hazzard and Chris Cuccia organized the tournament at Slug, which raised about $350. Mark Rose, owner of Village Market, lent his house for a food and wine pairing party, which raised about $2,000. Heather Valdes and Barbers Blair Myers gave haircuts to men at Volume Hair Studios, which raised about $200. Also, Rob Wickner donated an iPad to raffle off, which I like to think of as the secret weapon. I'm not sure of the exact sum raised from it, but was likely over $3,000. I also had many online donations, not to mention donations from local businesses Catch Twenty Three, Grill 54, Stonechase, National and SWS.

Patch: What goals do you hope to accomplish during your “reign”?

Johnston: I want to educate others to make a difference. I am really excited about helping WCF and getting to know some of the families in need, and helping in as many ways as I can.

Patch: What was the best part of the event, and about being crowned TBWOY 2011?

Johnston: Neiman Marcus pulled off a great event. Also, WCF made the event very special, and showed that helping families is most important.

Patch: Who was your inspiration to accept the nomination and work so hard to reach your goal?

Johnston: My inspiration was my husband, Matt Johnston, first and foremost. My family and friends inspired me as well.

Patch: What are some long-term goals, for after your TBWOY “reign” ends?

Johnston: My long-term goal really is to do as much as I can for the community. I know I will continue to help WCF. I hope to teach my daughter the value of others, and to be a good wife. I don't think I've changed by winning Tampa Bay Woman of the Year, except for my heart doubling in size.