“Tropical Dreams” Come True
Dreams do come true! On Saturday, November 6th, “Tropical Dreams”- the 6th Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon at Stoneybrook-Heritage Harbour, fulfilled the dreams of 140 residents and guests. Sponsored by the Dining Out Club, Helping Hands and Harbour Hatties, the gala event raised $5540.00 for the local charity chosen this year, Adopt-A-Family of Manatee, Inc. They reach out to families in need during the holiday season, and after a family qualifies, the charity purchases, wraps and distributes gifts to the needy children. Gratefully receiving the benefits from this event, Elaine Henneberry, President of Adopt-A-Family, gave a brief overview of how great the needs are for this year. All attending were delighted to be a part of making these children’s dreams come true.
Without the help of many hands, events like this can’t just happen. Thanks go to Cindy Bellacosa - Chair and Mistress of Ceremonies, Carol Eichert – Ticket Sales Coordinator, Rose Vinopal – Tickets and Brochure, Nancy Lively – Raffle Fundraising with Pat Klimek – CoChair, Rosalie Celio – Table Sponsor Sales, Marilyn Tropp – Decorations Chair with Cathy Faust – CoChair, Nancy Molis – Fashion Show Treasurer. Many others donated their time to prepare table decorations and promote ticket sales for the raffles. Thanks to each and every one of them.
Lovely fashions from Irene’s Resort Wear of Holmes Beach, modeled by Pat Abbotoy, Barbara Beam, Michel Callahan, Margie Jaudon, Paula Kelly, Norma Lake, Jeanne Larranaga and Rose Vinopal, were presented and narrated by Eileen Witzgall. Escorts for the models were John Larranaga, Larry Eichert and Mark Latessa.
The big ticket raffle item this year was a $500 Gift Certificate to The Ritz Carlton Hotel and the happy winning ticket holder was Jenny Magarelli of Stoneybrook. In addition, there were thirty nine generous donors who gave tangible gifts or services for many other lucky winners. All of these contributors were acknowledged individually in the program. Sixteen table sponsors gave a $100.00 per table donation and were listed in the program and recognized by a plaque at the table. Opportunities for advertising their services were available at a separate table. We are grateful to all the donors who helped make many dreams come true.
The event would not have been complete without the delicious salad and dessert served by Stoneybrook Golf Clubhouse. Thanks to Mike Voss and his staff for the tasty tropical treats.
The Beauty of Friendship 2009
The “Beauty of Friendship” blossomed as 140 friends and guests attended the elegant 5th Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show at Stoneybrook-Heritage Harbour on Saturday, November 14th. Sponsored by the Dining Out Club, Helping Hands and Harbour Hatties, $4,621.00 was raised to benefit Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee .
Guest of honor, Kristen Theisen – Development Director, received the gift on behalf of the charity. Cindy Bellacosa, representing the Dining Out Club along with co-chairs Rose Vinopal and Nancy Molis, welcomed the guests.
A delectable luncheon, prepared by Michael Voss - Food and Beverage Manager, included tomato basil soup topped with parmesan cheese, a generous chef’s salad and black forest cake for dessert.
During the luncheon, drawings for gift baskets were called by Cathy Faust of Harbour Hatties and Carol Eichert of Helping Hands. Forty two gift sponsors donated the items in the beautiful baskets. All fourteen tables were sponsored by generous donors. A vacation week at their Indian Rock Condo was graciously given by Joanne and Jerry Pytlik.
Presenting for CHICO’S at Southgate in Sarasota, Sharry Addison described the lovely outfits worn by the 8 fashion models: Eloise Eckler, Nancy Lively, Helen Miras, Barbara Neely, Sigi Offermann, Anne Silverman, Sandy Willetts and Mary Ann Werner.
Working with Fundraising were Nancy Lively, Pat Klimek and Rosalie Celio. Marilyn Tropp and Cathy Faust co-chaired Decorating that graced the room with beautiful spring flowers and fresh roses. A guest at each table received the rose centerpiece. Thanks to Dennis Colletti and his Clubhouse staff plus all who took part in helping to make this a most memorable and successful charitable event. Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee thanks you too!