Rotarians host annual Mardi Gras Ball, auction

The Rotary Clubs of Bonita Springs hosted their eighth annual Mardi Gras Charity Ball Feb. 4 at Pelican's Nest Golf Club in Pelican Landing. Proceeds will benefit the Bonita Springs Assistance Office.

Photo by ANDREA M. GALABINSKI, Special to the Banner

From left: Nancy Wyckoff, of The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs, with guest Jim Burnes and Sue Masters, a Rotary member who was on the event committee, pose with a Vera Wang dress, valued at more than $1,500, for the auction.

The black tie affair/Mardi Gras costume event featured live, silent and Chinese auctions with fabulous items, casino gaming tables, gourmet cuisine and carnival festivities. There were jugglers, weight guessers and face painting to reflect the carnival theme.

Auction items were fun, opulent and many. Paul Lotz donated a Devoe GMC Pontiac Torrent; a Marina Mike's Sylvan Boat valued at $17,000 was donated by Gary Murphy; a Vera Wang dress valued at more than $1,500 donated by Ray and Jeanne Faubion; $6,000 gold and diamond earrings were donated by the Diamond District; DuFrane Jewelers donated a 14k yellow gold open medallion-sized diamond heart; a luau for 50 was donated by Russel's Clam Bakes; among other fun and fabulous auction items.

The event was the combined efforts of both of the Bonita Springs Rotary clubs, one known as the Morning, or A.M. Club, the other the Noon Club. "This was a very good turnout, and all the proceeds benefit a very worthy cause," said Gerry Myers, president of morning club.

Mike Priolette, president of noon club, agreed. "The Bonita Springs Assistance Office is an essential organization to the community of Bonita Springs," said Priolette. "The Rotary Clubs must support them and we're happy to do it," he added.

The Bonita Springs Assistance Office provides emergency relief for members of the community, to lessen the impact of financial and personal crisis. Services include food, rent and mortgage payments, utility payments, clothing, transportation and other services for those in need.

Photo by ANDREA M. GALABINSKI, Special to the Banner

Mark Ackerman, left, a charter member of the noon Rotary Club, with Dave Ziccarelli, a charter member also of the noon club, take part in festivities.

Mark McCaw, who has co-chaired the event for the last eight years, enjoyed the food, festivities and music along with the others at the well-attended party. His co-chair for the last two years was Sheila Seacat. Prior to that, said McCaw, popular local community leader Pat Lord had been his co-chair.

The evening honored Lord, a longtime Rotarian and incredibly active community leader, who recently passed away. "Pat Lord was remembered here tonight, for her many years with the morning club. She was a driving force for many years throughout the community as well," said Myers.

"She was involved with so much, including being a past president of the Rotary," said Seacat. "She was a huge part of what Bonita Springs is, and she loved it with all of her heart."

"This is a great event, it brings both clubs together for a good cause," said Dave Zaccarelli, a charter member of the Noon Rotary. "It's also a chance to see each other during season, which never happens," he added.

Mardi Gras music was provided by Marc Vee and his Party Band. Holly Hollingsworth served on the committee as marketing/public relations person, and worked with the live auction. Decorations were handled by Emmie Barr, who also worked on the auctions with Sheila Seacat. The Chinese auction was run by Karie Partington and Jose Lopez, while Jim Renfro handled the 50/50 ticket sales. Larry Ast was in charge of finance for the event, with inventory control by Mark Humphrey. Lois Hollands and Michael Bickford coordinated the silent auction, and Jim O'Leary the Web site technology.