Allison Casper Adams

Owner, Oxford Exchange

A life-long Tampa resident, Allison has been exposed to many philanthropic organizations through family, close friends and businesses. In addition to the Ronald McDonald House Charities that her McDonald’s franchise restaurants support, Allison is also a member of the Tampa Museum of Art, Junior Achievement and Wheels for Success. When she’s not spending quality time with her husband Robby and their children Dallas and Adelaide, Allison likes to wind down at the Oxford Exchange, the hip breakfast/lunch/brunch café in downtown Tampa.

What is one of your favorite memories when working with your charity? As much as I enjoy attending the fundraising events, my favorite memories are always when I can directly see the impact an organization has on people’s lives. Nothing feels better than walking in to a Ronald McDonald House and seeing families with sick children able to find some peace and serenity, or seeing someone who struggled with transportation have a reliable car and be able to get to work worry free.

What is one of your favorite charity events in Tampa Bay and why? Pavilion. I am so proud to see the support from the Tampa Bay community for the arts.

As a leading lady, what is one of your proudest accomplishments? I’m not sure I’d consider myself a “leading lady,” but as a woman, my proudest accomplishments center around being a good role model for my daughters. Demonstrating the ability to run a business and a home, while giving back to the community, will instill values in my girls that will last a lifetime. Seeing how they have grown to be intelligent and independent, but more importantly kind, generous and of strong character is the greatest accomplishment I can imagine.

How do you like to unwind? Enjoying time with good friends and traveling.

Who do you most admire in Tampa Bay? Those people investing in culture, philanthropy and the community at large

Outside of charity work, what inspires you? The kindness of others

Which Bay-area spots do you take your out-of-town guests to really show off our city? Tampa Art Museum, Oxford Exchange and the Don Cesar

What advice would you pass on to younger generations? Be sure to appreciate all of the rich culture Tampa Bay has to offer. More importantly, do your part to ensure it not only exists, but also is enriched for future generations.

Finish this sentence: The best meal in town is at the Oxford Exchange.

What are you currently reading? The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald

What’s an ideal Friday night for you? No plans.

Name one thing most people wouldn’t know about you. I love to play Words with Friends.

Who would you pick for a dream date? My husband Robby, of course

Favorite album of all time: Hotel Costes: A Decade

Who is your favorite hero of fiction? Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice

Any hidden talents?  I make great margaritas.

Do you have a motto or words of wisdom that you live by?  The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. – Eleanor Roosevelt

Snickerdoodles

1 ½ cups of butter or margarine softened

1/2 cup of shortening

2 eggs

2 ¾ cups of Gold Medallion flour

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Mix 1 ½ cups sugar, the butter, shortening and eggs in large bowl. Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Shape dough into 1 ¼-inch balls. Mix ¼-cup sugar and the cinnamon. Roll balls in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place two inches apart on un-greased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes or until set. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.