Luncheon/fashion show to benefit Mound House
Those interested in helping the oldest structure on Fort Myers Beach can do so at a special benefit luncheon at DiamondHead Resort tomorrow (Thursday, Dec. 8).
There is so much enthusiasm for this special fundraiser that more than 100 people had already purchased tickets a week before the event.
Members of “The Friends of the Mound House” will be raising money and hopes to help fund the Town of Fort Myers Beach-owned Mound House through various activities at the luncheon. All proceeds will benefit the Mound House.
The benefit begins at noon and promises to be full of smiles.
“The volunteers of so excited,” said Event Organizer Ceel Spuhler. “The momentum started by Theresa (Schober) is all coming to fruition. We’re hoping to make residents and visitors more aware of what a legacy the Mound House really is. It should be truly a way to raise funds and raise awareness for this wonderful project.”
According to Spuhler, limited tickets are still available for the luncheon for $35. That fee will include a complimentary glass of wine; entre choice of flounder with lobster sauce or chicken salad croissant with fruit; dessert; coffee or tea; and gratuity. A cash bar will be offered.
The smiles will increase during a featured fashion show involving the five members of the Fort Myers Beach Town Council. Models Larry Kiker, Bob Raymond, Jo List, Alan Mandel and Joe Kosinksi are all aboard for the fundraiser. Beach businesses Local Color and Palmetto’s Apparel will provide the fashions for the show.
“When we planned this we wanted people to attend, so we came up with the idea of a fashion show with a wonderful lunch at DiamondHead. We thought it would be great if the members of the Town Council would be the models,” said Spuhler. “I could hardly believe it when all of them accepted.”
Mound House officials Brent Newman, Sarah Desquesnes and Parke Lewis will also be models for the event. The three will also be showing two videos of the history and the progress of the restoration of Mound House.
There will also be a silent and live auction to bid on as part of the fundraiser.
“We’ll have three tables for our silent auction when you come in,” said Spuhler. “We’ll also have a ‘nonsense’ table of clever items.
The Friends of the Mound House is a 501c3 non-profit organization that raises money to help the sustainability of the Town-owned property at the end of Connecticut Street, so all donations are tax deductible.
With the help from this particular fundraiser, the Friends of the Mound House are hoping to present a $10,000 check to the Council by year’s end. That would increase the total contributions to $30,000 by the “Friends” small group.
“I think that with a fashion show of our city fathers, Christmas shopping, a delicious lunch and the friendship of joining the people that you are with, the tickets will sell fast,” said Spuhler. What better thing to do than support a fundraiser for this magnificent property.”
Call Ceel at 765-6472 for tickets. Checks and cash only will be accepted.