Gretchen Shires and Chris Richard

Gretchen Shires and Chris Richard's Bayshore home conveys an immediate sense of warmth. They have a wonderful collection of art work and antique items that flow perfectly from one room to another. As Chris says "we are eclectic in our collecting". The decor of their home has amazing views of Bayshore from the Tampa Yacht Club to downtown Tampa. This, of course, is not by accident! Their surroundings directly reflect their personalities. Chris and Gretchen are one of the very rare couples that exude life. When they walk into a room you cannot help but feel better about yourself. They are very comfortable with themselves and are compassionate to others who are less fortunate. Gretchen and Chris are actively involved with The Spring, where Gretchen sits on the Board of Trustees. The commit a lot of their time to help this non-profit organization. The Spring is the 3rd largest shelter in the US that aids victims of domestic violence. The Spring has a 75-80% success rate in helping victims break the cycle of abuse by providing assistance in obtaining an education, a job, and a home. They are nationally viewed as a successful role model for operating a shelter. Gretchen and Chris have an interesting story about how they met. The both grew up in Arlington, VA where their families worked for the CIA. In the 1960's, interesting enough both their fathers were transferred to Germany. Gretchen and Chris both attended the Frankfurt American High School, but never had a chance to meet one another. After high school, Gretchen attended the University of Tampa. She obtained a degree in Biology and minored in Psychology, and she was a cheerleader for UT's football team. She became a teacher in North Carolina and then came back to Tampa to work as an Occupational Therapist at Tampa General Hospital. Chris left high school in Germany, and attended Old Dominion University where he graduated with a degree in Accounting. After several jobs, he started his own remodeling company in Virginia. Their paths never crossed until 1998 at a Frankfurt High School reunion. The dated via long distance and it wasn't until another reuion in Chicago in 2002 that they knew they were meant to be together. Chris sold his business in Virginia and moved to Tampa soon afterwards. Some interesting facts about Gretchen and Chris: First, they are fun-loving and genuine people. Second, they love cats and have two female three year old silver shaded Persians named Coco and Chanel. Third, they love to travel. This winter they are planning a trip to the Far East. Fourth, Chris has a large collection of Scotch liquors. Make sure you buy him the good stuff at the University Club! Fifth, besides the Club, they enjoy dinner at Cafe Paradiso, and Chris swears that the apple tart at Pane Rustica is the best dessert he has ever had! Finally, when asked why they recently joined the University Club, they said because they had some friends who belonged. Beyond that, they love the intimacy, decor and the service they found at the Club. Not to mention all the new friendships they are forming. I have also heard through the grapevine, that Chris has found some fellow scotch drinkers there as well!