Special Events Campaigns of the Year: MIND Research Institute and Avow Hospice

Since then, attendance at the gala has grown by more than 100 percent, sponsorships have grown from less than $20,000 to $85,000 and giving at the event has become a major part of the foundation's revenue.

"In 2011, the Eye Ball gala was selected by Tampa Bay Business Journal as one of the five best black-tie events in the community, coming from obscurity only two years before," Sims wrote. "Even more important than that distinction is the resounding feeling among our organ-donation community that we're telling their very important story, and the funds have allowed us to improve the quality of life for those who are blind or visually impaired."