The Rogai Family Foundation

When: October 25

Where: Tampa Police Department, District 1

Steven Anthony Rogai, founder of the Rogai Family Foundation, along with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and other local dignitaries spoke at the dedication ceremony to honor fallen Master Police Officer Jesse Madsen and those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The ceremony included members of the Madsen family, community leaders and police officers as they attended the unveiling of “Taking a Stance,” located outside Tampa’s Police Department District 1 at 3818 W. Tampa Blvd.

The Rogai Family Foundation commissioned Tampa artist Dominique Martinez, a metal sculptor, and CEO of Rustic Steel to create the memorial entitled “Taking A Stance.” The lion sculpture weighs 800 pounds, stands six feet tall and is made up of various pieces of the police vehicle that Officer Madsen was driving when the tragedy occurred. In addition, 125 de-commissioned pistols, revolvers, shotguns, and assault rifles are woven into the sculpture. It consists of over 6,000 welds throughout the entire piece and took about 700 hours of fabrication.

“The creation of the memorial statue allows the Tampa Bay community to honor the service and bravery of the police officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said Steven Anthony Rogai. Rogai was inspired by Madsen’s courage and created the Rogai Family Foundation to raise funds to create the L.E.O (Law Enforcement Officer) memorial sculpture. The memorial statue was the first of many initiatives that will support the Tampa Bay community.

“It has been an absolute privilege to lead the charge of getting this memorial sculpture created and installed by creating the Rogai Family Foundation.”

When: October 12

Where: Red Door No. 5

It was a chance for the friends, family and co-workers of Jesse Madsen to see the first look reveal of the fallen officer memorial “Taking A Stance.” From concept to execution, the memorial project took nearly a year of planning and preparation. Steven Anthony Rogai, founder of the Rogai Family Foundation hosted the Reveal Party at Red Door No. 5. The memorial statue was created by artists Dominique Martinez and Felipe Lopez of Rustic Steel. Guests enjoyed cocktails, charcuterie, and music. The Tampa Police Department Honor Guard stoon watch until the statue was unveiled.

“I have participated in many local charities by giving my time and personal donations over the years but championing something of this magnitude was an honor,” said Steven Anthony Rogai.

“I have had a lot of success in the recent and it is time to give back. I don’t have a lot of causes I personally support, because I believe politics and greed generally get in the way of most good causes, but paying respect to the men and women that serve our community, and keep our city safe is something I believe we can get everyone to get behind. I am excited to be the one who will remind the great people of our city that they need to honor those who make it the safe and wonderful place it is today.”

When: March 9

Where: Eddie V’s Prime Steakhouse & Seafood

More that 250 invited guests and friends celebrated the evening to raise funds to create the L.E.O (Law Enforcement Officer) memorial to honor fallen Officer Jesse Madsen, killed on March 9, 2021, while stopping a wrong-way driver on I-275, and others who make the ultimate sacrifice. Steven Anthony Rogai organized the event held at Eddie V’s to create a memorial to be placed at the Tampa Police District 1 Police Station in Tampa. The Rogai Family Foundation is the charitable arm of Steven Anthony Luxury Homes. The memorial will be created by Rustic Steel artist Dominique Martinez using parts of Madsen’s car and found objects donated by TPD. The memorial installation is scheduled for Fall 2022.

Guests shared an evening of cocktails, appetizers, entertainment, plus silent auctions, and raffles along with a special performance by Billboard artist, Alex Harris. MJ Morning Show DJ Roxanne Wilder served as emcee. In attendance was Danyelle Madsen, Major Eric DeFelice, Mayor Jane Castor, Ruben “Butch” Delgado and numerous police officers and friends of Madsen.

A special thank you to Presenting Sponsor Hugh Shelton Group/Compass, and others including Biospine Institute, Atlas Professional Services, Hoopers Concrete, Skanska, Compass Land &Title, DeBartolo Family Foundation, and others.

Photography: Gabby Torres Photography, Ben Szentpaly

To donate, please visit https://rogaifamilyfoundation.launchtrack.events/register/rogai-family-foundation-launch-party