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Spirit Auction raises hope and money for needy

By Staff | Dec 15, 2010

BOB PETCHER Auctioneer Mike Joyce takes a bid on his right side for a homemade wooden treasure chest, which was handcrafted by 87-year-old Robert Pittman of Jamestown, Indiana. The retired farmer contributes one or two chests each year for the Spirit of the Holidays Auction.

The spirit of giving was well represented at a yearly event to assist needy children and families involved in the Fort Myers Beach island community with gifts, clothing, food and other needs during the holidays.

Roughly 127 people attended The Spirit of the Holidays Annual Auction held on Tuesday, Dec. 7. The benefit dinner at South Beach Grille (who contributed back $10 from each dinner to the cause) offered a live auction and a silent auction as well as a regular raffle and a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds from all the night’s festivities as well as many more fundraising events on the island go to the Spirit of the Holidays, a committee spun from the Greater Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

“Without these events, we would not be able to buy all the toys and provisions for the kids,” said Fran Myers, who, along with husband Tom, own Red Coconut RV Park and began Spirit of the Holidays back in the early 1980s before including the local chamber and FMB Fire Department. “We’re very grateful to the very, very generous people who came to the auction at South Beach Grille, because we know that these are hard economic times. They really opened up their hearts.”

Before the auction began, Myers noted Al Durrett of Fish Tale Marina and Santini Marina Plaza and representatives from Coldwell Banker donated a check worth $1,155. The money was raised from funds collected by parking cars during the 2010 American Sand Sculpting Championships in November.

Auctioneer Mike Joyce of Gulf Coast Coin & Jewelry in Fort Myers helped in raising bids on no less than 28 live auction items for the cause. Top-bid prizes included a Space Shuttle mission experience with a pier-viewing spot and a condominium stay for $2,400; a wood-carving plaque by chainsaw artist Luke Andrews topped by a Fish Tale charter boat excursion for $800; a ‘wheel barrel of booze’ for $600; a DiamondHead Relaxication package for $550; a Pink Shell Getaway for $500; a one-week vacation rental at Roxie Smith’s cottage for $500; and two separate dinners for 4-6 guests prepared and served by FMB Fire Fighters at Station #32 for $450 and $400.

BOB PETCHER A ‘wheel barrel of booze’ has been an auction favorite for a number of years and raised $600 for needy children.

With an unofficial amount of $9,830 raised just during the live auction alone, the Spirit of the Holidays committee has conducted a lucrative drive thus far into the campaign.

“The auction did what it was supposed to do, but we are still looking for contributions,” said FMB Chamber President John Albion. “The number of requests by kids for what we call basic needs like coats and bedding is significantly up. These families are hurting.”

At the auction, Beach Elementary Principal Larry Wood gave kudos to all involved in making dreams come true.

“We appreciate what you do for kids at the Beach school and kids in general,” he said. “I just want to thank (Beach Elementary Administrative Assistant) Renee Mulloy for all the work she does for the school and for this fundraising event. She’s the person who knows the parents and the kids that need help. She does a great job working with (Spirit of the Holidays Committee Chairperson) Amy Jane (Mellott) for this benefit. God bless all of you and for all you do for the kids and families in our community.”

During an auction break, a representative from the Laguna Shores Homeowner Association noted she was collecting gift cards and certificates from area restaurants for their annual raffle event for the same cause. This year’s participating Beach restaurants for that drive include South Beach Grille, Anthony’s on the Gulf, Bayfront Bistro and The Sandbar & Grille as well as a few off-island eateries.

Last year, Sprit of the Holidays helped 79 children and 36 families on the Beach. This year, the organizers have already received requests to aid 72 children and 35 families. Your investment can help make a families’ Christmas holiday a little brighter, so contribute by calling Mellott at 463-7200 (ext. 207) or the chamber office at 454-7500 before Christmas Day..

Red Coconut RV Park will host its annual ‘Wrapping Party’ for Spirit of the Holidays today (Dec. 15) at 5:30 p.m.