Event benefits Suncoast Charities for Children
On Saturday, Dec. 12, more than 20 decorated vessels participated in the 30th Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, held on Sarasota Bay.
The event, which is produced by and benefits Suncoast Charities for Children, nets an average of $10,000 in donations each year for the nonprofit organization, a news release explains. “Suncoast Charities for Children, in partnership with Marina Jack and Marine Max, made it a special night for various special needs clients” supported by Suncoast Charities, the release notes. Children were treated to VIP seating for the parade, refreshments “and a special visit from Santa himself,” the release adds.
Sam Chavers and Lucy Nicandri served as co-chairs for the 2015 parade, the release continues. The celebrity judges were Rae Dowling, area manager of Florida Power & Light; Maverick and Lulu, on-air radio hosts of 106.5 WCTQ; Stephen Jaynes, a board member of Suncoast Charities; Marlon Brown, deputy city manager of the City of Sarasota; and Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin, the release says.
The list of winners follows:
- Most Creative and overall winner: Elmo’s Christmas Express, Jeremy Quick of Venice.
- Private vessels from 21 feet to 35 feet: first place — Elmo’s Christmas Express; second place — Thunderstruck, John Watjen of Venice.
- Private vessels of 36 or more feet: first place — Insatiable, Cathy Convery of Longboat Key; second place — Trust No One, Joseph Fanciulli of Venice.
- Corporate vessels from 21 feet to 35 feet: first place — Turtle Beach Grill, Siesta Key; second place — City of Sarasota’s mooring field marine pump-out boat, Sarasota.
- Corporate vessels of 36 or more feet: first place — Leading Lady, Peter Havens, Sarasota; second place — Center of Attention, Bill Robbins, Sarasota.
