Happy Bruce Day! Community comes together to celebrate a local legend’s birthday
Paying tribute to a local man whose selfless acts have helped thousands throughout the decades he’s been on the island, Happy Bruce Day will be held at the Surf Club Sunday, Jan. 5, from 2 to 8 p.m. at the 1167 Estero Blvd. establishment for business owner Bruce Cermak.
“Bruce’s birthday passed twice without being able to celebrate, as he was recovering from some very serious medical procedures. This is our way of paying tribute to such a wonderful man, and celebrating his birthday the way he deserves,” said Jo List, Town of Fort Myers Beach councilwoman and one of the coordinators of the event. “If you walk around town, no matter where you go, you’ll meet someone who’s been helped by Bruce Cermak. You can hear story after story, all out of the goodness of his heart. He’s a good, good man, and everyone is encouraged to come eat, drink and celebrate his birthday Sunday.”
“Bruce has been a dear friend for so long, for so many, we want everyone to get together and celebrate his birthday with us it’s going to be a great time!” said Keri Hendry Weeg, associate editor of the Island Sand Paper and additional coordinator of the event.
During the six-hour celebration, stop by and partake in the many fun raffles, prizes and 50/50s that will be taking place not to mention lots of fantastic live music from very talented local artists and some delicious food and drinks.
“Councilman Dan Andre will be at the grill, making his famous jerk sliders, serving them until they run out,”?Jo said.
Taking the stage that day, the Carl Conley Project will kick off the festivities from 2 to 3:30 p.m., followed by Hazy, Hot and Humid Bill Rountree’s summertime group in Cape Cod, Mass., who’s making a special gathering during the party and Habitat for Harmony, featuring Mary Winner, Jo List and other great musicians.
“Bruce Cermak has been a big part of the Fort Myers Beach community for more than two decades, and he’s always been willing to support and lend a helping hand, helping with the community. A lot of people want to get together, come out and celebrate with him that day,” said Carl Conley, longtime friend of Bruce, and one of the musical performers of the event. “It’s very interesting and refreshing to see so many people getting together to pay tribute, show their respect and celebrate with Bruce people who haven’t worked together much or haven’t worked together in a long time are all coming together, community spirited. It’s very cool. I’m delighted to be part of something that seems to be universal, bringing everyone together to pay tribute for such a wonderful man. The whole thing is really cool, and it’s going to be a fun, fun time.”
Anyone who’d like to donate cash, services or raffle prizes for the all-day birthday bash, call Tom Coyne, 815-575-3508; Keri Hendry Weeg, 239-994-8897 or Jo List, 239-603-5744.