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Light up the Sky: Surf Club cookout Saturday raises funds for FMB fireworks display

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For the 12th year in a row, Bruce Cermak and the Surf Club will hold its annual Light Up the Sky cookout for the Fort Myers Beach Fireworks Fund, Saturday, April 25, from 1 to 6 p.m. During the fund-raiser, the Diane Russell Band will rock the stage, and tons of raffles, prizes and freshmade food will be available. Above, fireworks committee members Sandy Kostick, Joanne Semmer and Bill Semmer get together with the Surf Club’s Bruce Cermak and Sarah Moen to discuss final plans for the event. Photo by VANDY MAJOR.
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The Diane Russell Band will rock the Surf Club Saturday. Photo provided.

For the 12th year in a row, Bruce Cermak and his Surf Club crew will be holding its annual Light Up the Sky cookout Saturday, April 25, from 1 to 6 p.m., raising funds for the Fort Myers Beach July Fourth Fireworks Fund.

During the event, plenty of live music from the Diane Russell Band will reign from the outdoor stage, as well as lots of raffles, prizes and giveaways, and a spread of scrumptious food.

“We’ll be selling raffle tickets and holding 50/50s with gifts that so many generous people have donated,” said Sandy Kostick, an organizer of the fireworks fund. “Prizes range anywhere from fishing trips and restaurants to gift certificates, food and I think even a box seat for 10 to the Fort Myers Miracle game.”

Sandy said any prizes that aren’t claimed immediately after its drawing will be posted on a bulletin board, so the winner has a chance to claim it before the fund-raiser wraps up for the night.

“Lots of times, we’ll have many visitors stop by for the event, buy a bunch of raffle tickets and bounce somewhere else before their number is called. This gives them a chance to return a few hours later to see if they won something. We actually get a lot of people that follow our events list (see page 7) and make their vacations around it.”

However, for those participating in the 50/50s, Sandy said you must be present to win.

As for the food, plenty of hot commodities will be had, including fresh-grilled burgers and brauts, along with scrumptious sides, all for a small donation of about $5.

“It’s always a good operation with Semmer Electric and the Surf Club,” said Sarah Moen, Surf Club representative. “We work well together and it’s always a great event.”

Bill Semmer, head of the Fort Myers Beach Fireworks Fund and fireworks-lighter during the event, is proud to work with Bruce and the Surf Club during these fund-raising events.

“Bruce is always about the community. He’s a real team player and we love being part of his team,” he proudly stated.

“Come out and help support the beach,” Sarah concluded.

Gift donations for the raffles are always eagerly accepted. Sandy said if for whatever reason a prize isn’t awarded that day, it will be raffled off during the next fireworks fund-raiser.

To donate a gift for the many raffles that day, call either the Surf Club (463-9256) or Semmer Electric (463-8008).