BY COLLEEN GELLER
SPECIAL TO THE SUN
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – This year’s Anna Maria Elementary School’s annual gala-related fundraising activities concluded with a sold-out puppy yoga session held at the Center of Anna Maria Island on Saturday, May 16.
Led by instructor Kat Fetzer, of Yoga Journey with Kat, puppy yoga featured nine adorably and playful American bully puppies provided by RocSolid Bullies. Little hands and feet were climbed over, licked and nipped during this laughter-filled class.
SPRING GALA
This year’s gala-related fundraising season kicked off on Saturday, April 18, with the annual Spring Gala that featured “A Night at the Met” theme. The Center was transformed into a red carpet, disco ball, DJ dancing, cut loose party for a good cause. Black fabric tables lined the room with glittering lights displaying auction item donated by Island and local area businesses.
The event was catered by gRub Tropical BBQ owner Ben Sato and the plates were filled with charred oysters, carpaccio and red wine-braised short ribs. The night concluded with a live auction and paddles were raised high to outbid friends and neighbors for a great cause.
New to this year’s gala fundraising was the after-event party experiences. Local businesses paired together to create small, ticketed spin-off events, with 100% of the event proceeds donated to the Anna Maria Elementary school.
PIRATES AND PIZZA
The first ticketed event was held on April 25 with Pirate Adventures of Cortez and Pizza Social party. Anna Maria Elementary students and their siblings who held a golden ticket put on their eye patches and grabbed their swords to set sail on the pirate ship. Our Island’s little pirates were successful on their voyage in search of buried treasure.
PAINT-AND-SIP
On April 29, the North Shore Café hosted a relaxing paint-and-sip experience with local watercolor artist Cory Wright. The event offered guests a chance to explore their artistic side, meet new artists and enjoy lunch by the lake.
DOLPHINS AND SUSHI
As part of the fundraising efforts, Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours owner and Anna Maria Elementary alumni Ben Webb donated a ticketed evening of dolphin and sunset watching, with sushi served by Island Ocean Star.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The Parent-Teacher Organization members say the success of the gala-related fundraising efforts reflects the generosity of local businesses and the strong sense of community that supports Anna Maria Elementary. Funds raised go directly toward enriching student programs, supporting teachers and staff, providing classroom resources and hosting school events throughout the year.
