2026 FARA Energy Ball — October 17, 2026
Join us at the FARA Energy Ball on October 17, 2026, at the Tampa Marriott Water Street in Tampa, Florida!
BENEFITTING FARA AND THE USF HEALTH ATAXIA RESEARCH CENTER
FARA Energy Ball
The FARA Energy Ball is a high-energy gala that brings together hundreds of supporters to raise funds for critical research into Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). Guests enjoy delicious food, drinks, dancing, and entertainment, all while supporting FARA’s mission. The event also features a silent and live auction, with proceeds benefiting FARA’s research programs and the USF Health Ataxia Research Center.
Hotel Information
The 2026 FARA Energy Ball will be held at the Tampa Marriott Water Street, 505 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602.
The room block is now available. Please click the link below to reserve a room.
Room block closes on September 17, 2026.
USF Research Reception Brunch
Before the FARA Energy Ball kicks off, join FARA and USF Health Ataxia Research Center for a Research Reception Brunch at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine & Heart Institute.
The FA Research Reception Brunch will be Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 10am – 12:30 pm. This will be a unique opportunity to learn about current research in FA and the impact supporters have made through the gala.
Donate in support of the FARA Energy Ball
Thank you for considering a donation to support FARA.
Personal and corporate donations can be designated in honor of a particular person or in support of the FARA Energy Ball.
You can donate by credit card online by clicking the button below.
For information on donating through other means (ACH, stock, donor-advised fund, etc), please call (484) 879-6160.
By Phone: You can donate over the phone by calling the FARA office at (484) 879 6160, (includes international donations). We will need your name, address and credit card information. The credit card user fee charged to FARA is 2.6% of your donation.
By Mail: You can send a check or money order to FARA at:
The FARA ENERGY BALL
533 W Uwchlan Ave
Downingtown, PA 19335 USA
Energy Ball Auction
Auction Donations
We would be grateful if you could support these efforts with an in-kind contribution to this year’s FARA Energy Ball auction.
Your support would highlight your business’ name and philanthropic interests within the community and help fuel continued research, making a difference in the lives of those living with FA.
We appreciate anything you might be willing to give. Depending on the nature of your business, some of the suggested auction items are gift certificates, merchandise, getaways, exclusive experiences, and memorabilia autographed by major league athletes and A-list celebrities.
Make your commitment by filling out the commitment form or emailing maggie.ganther@curefa.org.
Wine Pull Donations
If you would like to donate wine for the FARA Energy Ball Wine Pull, please click here. All wine pull donations should be made directly through this link.
You will need to include name of person donating. Make sure to opt for pickup, not delivery. (All wines donated will be held for pickup prior to the event.)
If you don’t find what you are looking for, please call the store for assistance.
All are welcome to purchase in store. Inform your sales person that the purchase is for FARA and they will hold.
Energy Ball Honorary Chair Council
Suzanne & Paul Avery, Chairman, FARA Board of Directors
Ron Bartek, President, FARA
Charles J. Lockwood, M.D., M.H.C.M., Executive Vice President, USF Health; Dean, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
Honorary Committee Members
Anna and Frank Alfano
Alison Avery
Laurel Avery
Michael Barbaro
Lori and Anthony Barkett
Steve Blair
Tom Bradley
James Buell
Sandy and Bob Callaghan
Rhonda and David Calverley
Janey DePew
Samantha Diaz
Rafael Fernandes
Tanya and Herman Fernandez
Ava Forney
Judy Genshaft, PhD
Mary and Paul Jacobs
Tori and Chris Kingston
Dawn and Kevin Lambert
Maggie Lilley
Connie and Andy Mayts
Nicole and Mike Mezrah
Kaye and Jim Pollard
Nancy and Brad Rex
Kathy and Doug Rothschild
Wendy Ryan
Marc Sawyer
Sandi and Chris Sullivan
Jo and Renek Wojtkowski
Becca Zarcone
Avery Lowry Zaritsky
Theresa Zesiewicz, MD FAAN
