Special
Events - Florida Jazz Cruise Fundraiser
Earlier this year, Port Charlotte PH support group leader Penny
Engel had an idea. She had been organizing support group
meetings, making connections with businesses in her local
community, and organizing small fundraisers for quite some
time. This year, she wanted to do something big. With the encouragement of her PH doctor, Dr. John Swisher from the
Suncoast Medical Center, Penny decided to organize a major
special event—a sunset cruise on the Sarasota Bay.
Penny said, “I had a lot of encouragement, and thought
maybe with this thousand dollar support group seed grant, I
could actually do it!” And “do it” she did.
In October, the “Cruise the Bay with PHA: Jazz Cruise
Fundraiser” came to fruition. That evening PH patients, families,
friends, doctors, and medical professionals boarded the deck of
the Lady Tampa yacht. Over 83 people from across the state
participated in the night’s events, which included live music
from the Tony DiBianca Trio, light hors d’oeuvres, open bar,
delicious desserts, and coffee. A lively silent auction was held
that featured very competitive bidding and put patients and
doctors head-to-head in a lively contest to win such prizes as
certificates for spa treatments, gift certificates for dinner, a trip
for two to Key West, and more.
Penny and Sarasota support group leader Gail Bucci made
remarks during the event, which was emceed by local radio
personality Karen Hallenbeck. Penny has been a frequent guest
on Karen’s call-in shows and Karen donated her time for free to
the event. Sarasota Scene Magazine promised to cover the cruise
and other local papers expressed interest in covering the event
and PH in later editions.
According to Penny, the night was entertaining and
worthwhile. “Everyone enjoyed the music and the evening was
beautiful with the moon out and the weather was perfect! We
were approached by a major fundraiser for women’s wellness in
Sarasota who was so impressed with the cruise that she said she
will get involved with us the next time,” she said.
At the end of the night, the event grossed over $15,000.
What a wonderful night and what a huge difference these groups
and supporters are making in the PH community!
