Toast of Tampa

Ellen Robinson was honored by her peers from the Toast of Tampa Show Chorus as the outstanding Sweet Adeline member of the Year. 

This award is bestowed upon a member of the chorus who best exemplifies the chorus’ vision and mission in helping to promote harmony and consistently applying high standards in every aspect of the chorus.

This past year Ellen had the vision that showcased the chorus as 1912 townspeople from Iowa during a "Music Man" set performed in Calgary, Alberta, Canada at the Sweet Adeline International Chorus Competition.  Decked out in their vintage costumes, the chorus sang their way to 6th place internationally in addition to winning the coveted "Most Entertaining Chorus" award.  Ellen spent many long hours dreaming, designing and sewing her vision that was uniquely Toast of Tampa and winning Ellen the right to be called Sweet Adeline of the Year.

A Winter Park, Florida native, Ellen truly has “sand in her shoes.”  She returned home to the Sunshine State in 1980 after an assignment in Germany with her husband, John, then an attorney with the U.S. Army.  Ellen and John’s family grew to include son, Will and daughter, Anna, both of whom now reside in that other sunny state, California.  A graduate of Florida State University, Ellen remains an active community volunteer.  She has served as president of Tampa Preservation Inc., as well as for St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School Board.  She currently serves as Treasurer for the H.B. Plant Museum Society and is a regular volunteer for the Plant Museum.  She also volunteers weekly for Teaching Tools for Hillsborough Schools, a free store for teachers in Title 1, at risk schools.  Her newest challenge will be investigating the implementation of a volunteer program for the still-under-construction Tampa Bay History Center.

Sweet Adelines became a part of Ellen’s life in 2000, when she joined the newly formed local chorus, Bayside A Cappella.  She served as Team Coordinator and was involved in the transition when Bayside members joined Toast of Tampa.  She’s never looked back, having found a true home of wonderful friends and singers in TOT.

Ellen has served as a member of Toast of Tampa’s Management Team in several capacities, including Team Coordinator for two years, and currently as Visual Chairman.  In this capacity, Ellen is responsible for all details concerning how the chorus looks onstage; that includes costumes, props, jewelry, hair, makeup and even fingernails!