Sarasota Boat, Bike And Car Fun Run Raises $52,000 For Children’s Charity
By summer boating-event standards, last weekend’s fun run in Sarasota, Fla., benefitting Suncoast Charities for Children was far from a marquee happening. But boat-counts are just one measure of such events and far from the most important one. With roughly 30 powerboats, 25 automobiles and 16 motorcycles in the mix, the event raised $52,000 for the charity.
A longtime Sarasota resident and former offshore racer, Dr. Bruce Kruglick tackled the event with friends in his Statement Marine center console. Photos courtesy Suncoast Charities for Children
Working with local offshore racing great Billy Glueck, Innovation Marine’s Josh Boothby and other organizing committee members and assorted volunteers, Suncoast Charities for Children executive director Lucy Nicandri pulled yet another successful happening out of her hat. The event included a Disco and Dice-themed party on Friday night before the fun run. More than 200 guests dressed in their 1970s disco-best showed up for the bash, which included casino-style games and a dance contest—the winner took home a disco ball—at the Sarasota Event Center.
Dedicated to the late Noel Speranza, a former Suncoast Charities for Children board-member, the fun run stated at the Marina Jack facility and finished at Tarpon Bay Grill.
“Noel had a passion for boats, cars and motorcycles,” said Nicandri, who counted Speranza as a friend. “So this event is dedicated to his memory.”
Members of the organizing committee took the dress code to heart.
The event is one of several during Suncoast Summer Fest. Based on the success of last weekend’s fun run and other events benefitting Suncoast Charities for Children, the Summer Fest is “projected to net” $150,000 for the charity, according to Nicandri.
“It was wonderful to see several of our ‘first-time’ generous sponsors this year were from the local marine industry,” she said. “It was also heartwarming to see so many local racers attending in support of the event.
“Events like this put the ‘fun’ into ‘fundraising,’” she continued. “The nice thing is that all our sponsors and participants can see firsthand the positive impact their donation is making here in the local community just by taking an agency tour. Plans are already underway for an even bigger event next year.”
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