Martinis for Moffitt Celebrates 20 Years of Impact in Tampa Bay
What began as a shared commitment among a group of Tampa Bay business and civic leaders has grown into an impactful philanthropic event for community members.
Twenty years ago, Bay Area Advisors made a deliberate decision to support Moffitt Cancer Center, recognizing both the world class care happening in their own backyard and the profound impact it has on families throughout the community. That decision became the foundation for what is now Martinis for Moffitt. The annual event has raised more than $3.1 million for cancer research and care.
“Back when this organization started, everyone had universally decided that Moffitt would be the recipient of the funds raised at our yearly event because we knew it would serve a bigger purpose,” said Jason Levy, a founding member.
Bay Area Advisors is an accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Tampa. The organization was built on the belief that more can be accomplished through community support and involvement. That belief continues to drive the success of Martinis for Moffitt today.
Continued Growth
What started in 2005 as a modest fundraiser has steadily grown in both scale and impact. The first event raised $4,000. In 2025, the event surpassed $300,000 raised in a single night, bringing together more than 1,000 attendees in support of a shared mission.
Since 2005, Martinis for Moffitt has raised $3.1 million to support cancer research and patient care.
“We look at this event similar to how we look at the start of our own businesses,” said Cory Lilburn, a founding member. “In the beginning, we didn’t know what it would turn into, but we put one foot in front of the other and kept moving forward, and now it has become what it is today.”
Meaningful Support
Over the years, the connection to the cause has only deepened. For many within Bay Area Advisors and the broader community, the fight against cancer has become personal, reinforcing the importance of supporting innovative research and patient-centered care at Moffitt.
“We have learned how blessed we are to have Moffitt so close to us here in Tampa Bay,” said Mark Spence, a founding member. “When my father-in-law came down with cancer, we knew immediately we wanted him to be treated at Moffitt.”
Making an Impact
Proceeds from Martinis for Moffitt directly benefit Moffitt’s Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program and prostate cancer research, two areas where continued funding plays a critical role in advancing care, improving quality of life and delivering hope to patients and their families.
“Throughout these two decades of collaborations, the Bay Area Advisors generous support has provided funding for impactful research across the full spectrum of prostate cancer: from chemoprevention in early disease to novel treatments in advanced cancers,” Julio Pow-Sang, MD, chair of the Genitourinary Oncology Department at Moffitt.
Moffitt’s AYA program provides support and resources tailored to the unique concerns and emotional needs of young adults with cancer, ages 15 to 39.
“The AYA program’s partnership with the Bay Area Advisors has been instrumental in providing our AYA’s with services that care for the whole person, and not just their cancer,” said Jonathan Metts, MD, a medical oncologist specializing in the care of adolescents and young adults with sarcoma. “AYA’s fertility support programs, patient connection events, and AYA research simply would not be possible without the support of the Bay Area Advisors”
Celebrating Two Decades
Each year, Martinis for Moffitt features live entertainment, immersive performances, curated food offerings, a silent auction and specialty martinis, creating an unforgettable evening that brings the community together in a meaningful way.
“We continue to evolve the event every year, and we always work to elevate the overall experience,” said Steve Frey a founding member. “It’s going to be especially great this year, celebrating 20 years.”
The 20th anniversary event will take place on July 11 at Armature Works, celebrating two decades of impact with a Casino Royale theme and an elevated guest experience.
As Bay Area Advisors looks ahead, the focus remains on building upon the momentum of the past 20 years while continuing to expand the event’s reach and impact.
