ANNA MARIA – Under a clear moonlit sky, Anna Maria Island neighbors came together for a celebration of service and community with The Center of Anna Maria Island’s Executive Director Chris Culhane, Director of Development Jillian Ptak and the rest of the staff on Nov. 10.
With The Center’s sports field and turf transformed into a party venue, festivities filled the air.
For the past 65 years, the Island’s community center, 407 Magnolia Ave., has been the place to go for community services, classes and workshops, childcare and development, sports and fitness, and fun and fundraising. The Island celebrated with music by the Billy Rice Band and food from Hickory Hollow in Ellenton.
With more than 200 friends of The Center celebrating, sharing stories, laughing over historic pictures and catching up with friends, Friday’s gathering reminded everyone of the importance of community and The Center.
Leading the path down memory lane was the first speaker of the night, Christine van Zandt, wife of John van Zandt, friend to the Island and namesake of The Center’s John van Zandt Scholarship Fund. Her moving stories expressing what the community center meant to her and her late husband silenced the audience.
Former Holmes Beach Mayor and Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore spoke about the importance of supporting The Center financially. She stressed the fact that the community center so many people rely on is a nonprofit organization, making donations essential to keeping the doors open and programs running.
Sandee Pruitt took the mic next reminiscing about her time working at The Center in her various roles as the “face” of the community center. Her love for The Center and the work it does was ever clear in her words to those in attendance Friday night. Sandee remains active at The Center as a member.
Chris Culhane introduced Paulette Webb, a native of Anna Maria Island. The memories rushed back through her stories of the past. Her passion for the Island and The Center made attendees laugh and ruminate about the changes on the Island. Her profound thoughts stressed the important role the Island’s Center has on the community.
Growing up at The Center, Jake Parsons spoke about a specific memory that so many locals remember. As a child, Jake sacrificed his locks for The Center. His fundraiser collected more than $500 for him to shave his head. Weeks later that hair was cut and the donations were made, along with the significant memory to many friends of The Center.
The evening closed with lifelong local and Center board member, and brother of Paulette, Ben Webb. After hearing the other speakers, Ben felt compelled to share.
Ben spoke about not being a supporter of the direction of The Center in the past. He focused on the faith he had in the current executive director. With his confidence in having him at the helm, Ben told the crowd that he asked Chris if he could serve on The Center’s board because of the good work he saw him doing as the organization’s leader.
Ending the night with more music and fellowship, The Center’s 65th anniversary celebration kicked off a fundraising campaign. The donation goal is $100,000, and a friend of The Center has committed to matching $25,000 donations.
For more information about The Center programs and to contribute to the services provided through your donations or volunteering, call 941-778-1908.
