by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
A dozen years ago, Michelle Moje and Linda Ainsworth met in the bathroom at the Tree Steak House while at Chop-Chomp — the annual gathering of Florida and Florida State fans. While chatting, it dawned on them that Chop-Chomp was predominantly a male get-together. The women needed something.
Thursday, the group known as Lady Gators & Lady Noles met at the River City Brewing Co. for the 11th time — and the only men in the room were a couple of photographers, a DJ, a couple of River City employees and two former FSU players.
“When we first started we had about 75,” said Moje, a nurse at Memorial Hospital who graduated from FSU in 1973, who organizes the FSU side of the annual luncheon. “Today, we’ll have about 175-180.”
Jeannie Blaylock, TV-12/25 news anchor, hosted the event and came decked out in her Gator colors. Like Blaylock, some dressed modestly in their team colors. Others took it to the extreme.
Ainsworth handles the Gator side of things and she was in beyond full gear. Orange and blue and white from head to toe. She even made a skirt out of a Gator flag. She isn’t a UF grad, but Ainsworth said her loyalties lie with the Gators.
“I’m kind of like Mr. Two-Bits. I have been a Gator fan for eons,” said Ainsworth, who is self-employed in the insurance and investment business and is from Maryland. “I am a die-hard Gator.”
Unlike game day — this year’s game is next Saturday in Tallahassee at noon — the fans get along well at the luncheon.
“There is such camaraderie,” said Ainsworth. “Every year it gets stronger and stronger. It’s so nice to have a large room full of Lady Seminoles and Lady Gators and have all of them get along.”
An auction, proceeds from vendors and a portion of the luncheon cost also go towards scholarships given on behalf of the entire group.
“We give up to two scholarships worth $500 for each school. They go to daughters, granddaughters or nieces of the ladies here,” said Moje. “When we started, we gave out two scholarships worth $250.”