‘Bayou Blast’ coordinators thank all for a great time

To the Editor:

This past Saturday the Boca Grande Historical Society hosted its fundraiser, the Boca Bayou Blast, at the Louise duPont Crowninshield Community House.

I was extremely pleased with the turnout, and I believe all in attendance “passed a good time.” On behalf of the board members of the society I would like to thank the Boca Grande community for its attendance and support.

An event like this is not successful without the contributions of numerous businesses and individuals.

Kim Kyle, our Executive Director, did a TREMENDOUS job planning and coordinating the event.

I also very much appreciate the financial support offered by our sponsors and patrons: The Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Gasparilla Inn and Club, the Boca Beacon, Hudson’s Grocery, the Temptation Restaurant, Orion Marine Group, Gulf to Bay Sotheby’s Realty, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Michael Saunders & Company, Englewood Bank & Trust, Grande Aire Services, Ched & Maureen McConnell, Mike Giobbe and PJ’s Seagrille.  

Our event could not have occurred without the support of these individuals and island organizations and the people associated with them.

Things went very smoothly because of the efforts of our volunteers who assisted in food preparation, and set up, served, and cleaned up afterwards. They included Judy Hamilton, Bill and Katie Caldwell, Bob and Linda Edic, Dylan Edic, Nancy Lingeman, Jack and Bette Lyons, George Luer, Trisha Lowe, Jeff Gaines and Claudia Bentley, Ched and Maureen McConnell, Allison Henderson, Diane Todd, Renee Lindsey, Betsy Joiner, Joy and Mila Wyman, David Miller, Sharron Haynes, Beth Perkins, Dorsey Foote, Mary Bess, Kevin Hyde, Catrina and Aaron Crawford, and Cory and Michael Moffat.

Special thanks to Smitty at Hudson’s for his prep work, and to both Smitty and Nat Italiano for their efforts in the kitchen the night of the big event. Thanks to Black Tie Bartending & Catering Services as well.
Thanks to Chris Bertler and the soundmen at Pro Audio, dance instructors Jerry Carrier and Tricia Wurts, bartenders Kurt Olsen and Steve Molaro, and Eric Oberg from Boca Grande Marina.

And, finally, I appreciate the performance of the Pine Leaf Boys who turned a Boca Grande Saturday evening into a night filled with Cajun magic.

With great appreciation,

Tim Dumas
Board President
Boca Grande Historical Society