“Popeye” thanks the community
To the editor:
It would be a sin for me not to offer my most heartfelt and humble thank you to all who made Popeyepalooza a big success. On Memorial Day, May 31, we held a barbecue/benefit to raise money for the Fort Myers Beach Soccer Club and, as usual, the beach responded in enthusiastic fashion.
In a season when benefits are on every corner of every weekend, I decided (six months ago) to make my BBQ a benefit, and the businesses of the Beach responded, “Popeye, what do you need?” Many gave a slew of gifts for the raffle and silent auction, and I give gratitude to you: Silver Sands Inn; Capt. Cain’s Fishing Charters; Capt. Tony’s Fishing Adventures; Heritage Palms Golf & Country Club; Shipwreck Store; Jay’s Hardware; Saltwater Pro Shop – now located in Getaway Marina; Smokin’ Oyster Brewery; Pierside Grill; Gulfshore Grill; Junkanoo; Castaway’s; On the Sands Gifts; Katmandu Gifts; The Beached Whale; Heavenly Biscuit; Yucatan Beach Stand; Wahoo Willie’s; Sunflower Cafe; Diamondhead Beach Resort; Lani Kai; Beach Tobacco; Mermaid Lounge; and Sundance Dave for donating a cruise. If I have overlooked anyone, forgive me!
Special thanks are due to businesses who contributed to the buffet: Happy Foods Produce; Topps Supermarket; Matanzas Inn Restaurant; Nervous Nellie’s; and The Munchbox. Also, to my excellent friends, Spaceghost and Buffalo Mike, for their volunteered time and help in the past week. You guys ROCK!
Incredible thanks go out to all the good people of Fort Myers Beach, who showed up and once again defined Beach Love. We raised more than $1,000 for the children; I can think of no more worthy cause. FMB Soccer League President Jim DeMilia said we have just given new soccer jerseys to the kids. Everyone in attendance had a blast, by all accounts. Congrats to all who won in the raffle and silent auction. I look forward to next year’s BBQ. I hope you do too. Thank You!!
Mike “Popeye” Dearden
Fort Myers Beach