VETERANS DAY WEEKEND November 10-11, 2012
“Salute to Our Military” at Burnt Store Marina Benefiting WISH for OUR HEROES
Veteran’s Day Weekend at Burnt Store Marina was packed with events to honor our Military both past and present, with a focus on local veterans and military members in the Burnt Store area. It was also a fundraising weekend to benefit WISH for OUR HEROES, a 501(c)(3) who grants wishes to assist military families in need.
The weekend started with a Golf Tournament on Saturday morning at the Golf Club where nearly100 golfers played in a scramble which was followed by lunch and prizes at the Linkside Café. Thanks to the Golf Club and Linkside Café, as well as the Burnt Store staff and the volunteers, the weekend started out with a bang! All Veteran’s in attendance were entered into a free raffle to win a Red, White and Blue Golf Bag that donated by Gary Tenharmsel.
Many thanks to the tournament hole sponsors:
Susan Ion Hogan DDS, P. A., Linka Quick, Donna Flack and Family, Bob & Carol Patulo, Jim Merz, Gordon & Cheryl Fogg & Lynn Powers and Gary Wiezorak, Lou and Jackie Paolillo, Prudential Florida Realty – KhomeTeam, Linkside Homeowners Association, Roland & Yvonne Thiede, Gary Tenharmsel, Dick and Penny Bagwell, Jim & Carol Hinch, Donna & Terry Tattar, Mariners Pass Homeowner Association, Canterbury Corporation, Legro Coffee/Steve Mcomber, Tom & Debra Fitzpatrick, Century 21 – Sunbelt Realty, Porto Bello Restaurant, and a group of “Families of Veterans” – Bob Vail, LyndaMcDermott, Dick & Joyce Brown, Pat & Diane Elliot, Chuck & Maxine Roberts, Larry Marks, John & Dianne Ardolino, Leo & Louise Podolske, Ed & Francine Hutcheson.
On Saturday evening, the fun and giving continued as120 people attended the SOLD OUT event held at the amenities building between Grande Isle I & II at the Burnt Store Marina. With enough food and drinks (most donated by resident attendees and local businesses ) to feed the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines, no one left thirsty or hungry! This event was open to the general public but tickets sold out in less than 2 days when they were released in early October. This event began last year when Steve Mcomber, a Burnt Store Marina homeowner and a Veteran, decided he wanted to put together an event to help veterans and active-duty military members. Steve enlisted the support of his entire family: Paula Schroth, Cathy Junker, Aimee Gagne, Andy Mcomber , Matt Mcomber and his wife Lisa all flew in from Rochester NY. Chad Mcomber also came in from Dayton OH and Wendy and her husband Mike Mason flew in from South Carolina. In addition he enlisted the assistance of four BSM residents, Dar Johnson, Barb Poet, Patti Ewashko and Joyce Brown to help make this happen. Steve Flagg, a Burnt Store Marina homeowner and entertainer, donated his time to keep the event “rocking” all evening. The music and entertainment was AWESOME! Steve and his family hope to continue this an annual event here to raise funds for our Military. His favorite saying is that “FREEDOM IS NOT FREE” and his family believes strongly in giving back to those who serve our country and protect our freedom each and every day.
Thanks to Miceli’s Restaurant, Dean’s South of the Border, Creative Ends Salon, Phil’s 41, Bubba’s, Berts Bar and Jinx Carlson for all of your kind donations. In addition, many thanks to Porto Bello for donating so much wonderful food for the event.
The weekend’s events culminated Sunday morning with a Veterans Day Breakfast Buffet and Ceremony to recognize and honor our Veterans at Linside Café. Many of our local veterans were in attendance and recognized.
Throughout the weekend, Steve (and his family), Joyce, and the generous residents of Burnt Store Marina raised $8,160 to benefit military families. 100% of these funds were donated to WISH for OUR HEROES. All supplies, food, etc. were donated so there were ZERO ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES for the weekend. This would never have been possible without the many Volunteers who helped with the events to make the weekend such a great success!
What a way to honor our Military PAST AND PRESENT!!!!
