YMCA hopes for $7,000 from annual Crystal Ball fund-raiser

Officials hope the ball will net from $5,000 to $7,000, once the numbers are crunched.

Organizer Jim Curran said he was happy with the turnout, considering that so many other fund-raisers take place on Marco this time of the year.

"We would, of course, have loved double that amount," Curran said. "But we are competing with so many other things."

He said it was hoped the Crystal Ball would become bigger and better each year, supplementing the YMCA's other major annual fund-raisers: the annual golf tournament, Dottie's Duck Derby and the Taste of Marco.

Both Curran and YMCA Executive Director Cindy Love said the latest theme for the Crystal Ball seemed to be the most popular since the ball's inception three years ago.

"It was tremendously enjoyable, and people really loved the comedy," Love said, referring to after-dinner performances by magician Keith Raygor and "master hypnotist" Arrigo.

Also popular -- and very busy -- were a palmist, tarot- card reader, crystal-ball gazer and psychic, who fascinated attendees during the cocktail hour.

Marco Islander Marie Zandy, who said the evening was an opportunity to have a good time while supporting the "fantastic Y," was all smiles as palmist Wilma Rambadt made some personal analyses and predictions.

"I love this kind of thing," Zandy said afterward. "It's spiritual. She (Rambadt) told me everything would run smoothly with my daughter Michele's transfer from San Diego to Marco Island."

After a similar session, Is lander Lorraine Lolli had much the same reaction.

"She (Rambadt) said I believe in God, which is true, and that I would have only one marriage, which is also true. She also said I have a nice long lifeline."

Lolli said she'd supported the $100-a-ticket function because her husband plays tennis at the YMCA, while Rookery Bay Volunteer Coordinator Daphne Hawkins said she attended because of a friendship with Y board member and attorney Ashley Lupo.

Curran became involved with the YMCA 10 years ago after realizing the nonprofit organization could do with all the help it could get.

A board member for the past six years, Curran said raising money is a continual task for the Y, because dues and dona tions cover only about 30 percent of the operating expenses.

He said it was common knowledge that four years ago the Y was running at a deficit, but that a grant kept the organization on its feet to the extent that today it is breaking even.

"People don't realize that the Y is totally not-for-profit and that much of the costs go into the scholarship fund, which subsidizes working island families who need child or day care," Curran said.

Fort Myers resident Phyllis Benishek won the raffle held in conjunction with the Crystal Ball. Her prize was an expense- paid trip to New Orleans. She bought her ticket at Stan's Idle Hour Restaurant on Goodland.