A Decade of Impact: Celebrating the 10th Annual Stay in Step Gala
by Leslie Parsons
On September 6, 2025, the Tampa Bay community came together in dazzling fashion for the 10th Annual Stay in Step Gala, a milestone event honoring a decade of resilience, innovation, and hope.
This year’s theme, “Golden Glamour,” was the perfect reflection of the occasion: a celebration not just of ten years of Stay in Step’s remarkable work, but of the countless lives changed along the way.
Honoring a Vision Born from Adversity
Stay in Step’s story begins with Romy and Gaby Camargo, who turned personal tragedy into a mission of service. In 2008, Romy, a Special Forces veteran, was shot during combat in Afghanistan and left paralyzed from the neck down. During his long recovery, he and Gaby discovered a gap in care for individuals with spinal cord and brain injuries.
Determined to fill that void, they founded Stay in Step in 2015—a nonprofit rehabilitation center dedicated to providing cutting-edge therapy, while also creating a welcoming community for both patients and their families.
CAVU CEO Greg Parsons with Romy and Gaby Comargo, founders of Stay in Step
As Gaby has often shared, her vision went beyond therapy. From the start, she made sure the center included spaces and programs for families and children. This commitment was deeply personal: when Romy was in the hospital for 18 months, they had a young son with no place to play. That experience inspired Stay in Step to create an environment where healing extends beyond the patient, supporting the entire family unit.
An Evening of Inspiration
The 10th Annual Gala embodied this spirit of inclusion and resilience. Scott Mann, former Green Beret and celebrated author, delivered a powerful keynote highlighting Gaby’s vision and the center’s holistic approach. His words underscored how Stay in Step is more than a therapy center—it is a community of strength and support.
Guests were also moved by the story of one of Stay in Step’s own clients: a former MMA fighter who became quadriplegic after a motorcycle accident. His journey of perseverance and recovery embodied the mission of Stay in Step, demonstrating the transformative power of hope and hard work.
True North’s Ongoing Commitment
The True North Foundation was proud to stand alongside Stay in Step as a Diamond Sponsor, contributing $25,000 to support its programs. True North’s founder and CAVU Securities CEO, Greg Parsons, has been involved with Stay in Step since its inception and attended this year’s gala with team member Riley Gregoire. They were joined by Founding Patrons Bryce Jenkins and Aaron King, as well as adaptive athlete Luke Kittel, whose own story of determination continues to inspire.
Melea Guilbault, Chief Development Officer at Stay in Step, expressed her gratitude to Parsons and True North in the following statement:
“A special thank-you goes to True North for being a long-time advocate and supporter. Greg Parsons not only joined us as a Diamond Sponsor, but also raised his paddle during the ‘Give from the Heart’ moment—a gesture that moved the entire room. His generosity reminds us why we do this work—because when people come together, lives are changed.”
A Decade of Impact, A Future of Possibilities
The success of this year’s Golden Glamour Gala exceeded expectations. Thanks to the dedication of partners, sponsors, and guests, Stay in Step is positioned to expand its programs and reach even more veterans and civilians in need of specialized therapy.
At True North, we are honored to walk alongside Stay in Step as they continue their life-changing mission. For ten years, Romy and Gaby Camargo have shown us what it means to turn hardship into hope—and their work reminds us that the most powerful healing happens when a community comes together.
As we look ahead to the next decade, the True North Foundation remains steadfast in our commitment to organizations like Stay in Step that embody resilience, compassion, and service. Together, we will continue to honor our heroes and strengthen the families who stand beside them.
To learn more about Stay in Step and the other organizations True North supports, please visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter.