Get to know the Gary behind 1-800-Ask-Gary

Dr. Gary Kompothecras' first name sits on one of the largest outdoor concert venues in Tampa, but to many, the man behind the logo, and dozens of billboards, is a mystery.

The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, a nonprofit focused on school readiness for young children, now aims to solve the whodunit at an unusual fundraising dinner. The event, a roast of Kompothecras, is entitled “Just who is 1-800-Ask-Gary? The Early Learning Collation wants to know.”

The list of speakers scheduled to roast Kompothecras is eclectic. It includes former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist; Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight; prominent Sarasota developers Henry Rodriguez and Tim Vining; and local radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge.

Also on the list: Roz Leaphart, a 1-800-Ask-Gary commercial spokeswoman. Leaphart is the one who screams “Don't be scared and confused!” on the 1-800-Ask-Gary TV commercials.

Of course, even though many concertgoers at the 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheatre in Tampa probably wonder about the name, not everything about Kompothecras is a mystery.

Kompothecras is a Sarasota-based chiropractor, with offices that treat hundreds of accident victims statewide. 1-800-Ask-Gary is a referral service for doctors and lawyers Kompothecras founded.

Kompothecras has also donated money to political races and causes, mostly Republican, including Crist's campaigns.

The dinner is scheduled for 6 p.m., Friday, May 18 at the Bradenton Auditorium. Tickets are $100 each and include a seated dinner from Harry's Continental Kitchen and an open bar from Anna Maria Oyster Bar. Net proceeds of the event go to the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County.

For more information, call Jayme Carter at the Early Learning Coalition, 941-757-2900, Ext. 209.