(Sun reporter Joe Hendricks contributed to this report)
CORTEZ – Before closing the doors of Slicker’s Eatery after five years in business, Bob Slicker greeted hundreds of well-wishers and friends at a Friday, Jan. 30, pig roast and send-off party.
“My only wish is I hope the love continues. I hope people carry the last five years with them the rest of their lives,” Slicker said.
Beginning at 3 p.m. and taking place inside and outside, the send-off party included musical performances by Tanya McCormick and Steve Paradis. Throughout the evening, many attendees did ceremonial shots with Slicker as he made the rounds while still overseeing the final evening of his regular business operations.
Bob Slicker addressed his many friends and supporters. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
At one point, Amy Moriarity and Amber Tipton stepped to the microphone, joined by Slicker, to present the “Be Like Bob” T-shirts they had made as a final and still ongoing fundraiser for three of Bob’s favorite non-profit organizations: The Blessing Bags Project, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (F.I.S.H.) and The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island’s youth reading program.
Tipton and Amy Moriarity showed Bob Slicker the “Be Like Bob” T-shirt. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The fundraising “Be Like Bob” T-shirts can still be ordered. – Amy Moriarity | Submitted
The front of the T-shirt features a photo of Slicker and says, “Be Like Bob.” The back of the shirt includes five “Bobisms” he frequently shared: “143 (code for I Love You),” “Love each other,” “Look for where you can help,” “Choose kindness” and “Much Love.”
The “Be Like Bob” shirts are $25 and can still be purchased by emailing BeLikeBobShirt@gmail.com and including the size and quantity of shirts wanted.
As the farewell festivities began winding down shortly after 9 p.m., Slicker cut a cake, shared pieces of the cake and grabbed the two airplane bottles of liqour on the cake and did another shot with a longtime friend.
When asked how he felt now that his five-year run was almost over, Slicker said, “After five years of love, hard times and great times here at Slicker’s, it’s sweet to see so many people come out and share their love tonight, and during the past few weeks. Our business motto was “to not look the other way,” our slogan was “For goodness’ sake” and for five years that’s what we did.”
The Slicker’s Eatery sign has been removed. – Facebook | Submitted
Having sold out most of their remaining stock, Slicker’s Eatery was closed on Saturday and the business operations concluded with a catered event on Sunday, Feb. 1.
SLICKER’S EATERY
Slicker’s Eatery opened at 12012 Cortez Rd. W. in February 2021. In September 2024, the leased building and its contents were badly damaged by Hurricane Helene’s storm surge and floodwaters. Following the hurricane, Slicker found tables and chairs askew and floating, freezers flipped over, a dumpster pushed into the middle of Cortez Road and an ice machine broken in two and wedged against the door.
With the help of his staff, he reopened the doors to the restaurant in February 2025, 128 days after Hurricane Helene.
During the time Slicker and his team were working on putting the restaurant back together, while also repairing damage to his own home, he found time to engage in several charitable activities.
On Thanksgiving Day, 2024, hundreds of people gathered under tents in front of Slicker’s Eatery to enjoy a free turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
Slicker was also involved in Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island initiatives to give away bicycles, donate cars and provide refrigerators to those impacted by the hurricanes.
He said he now plans to get some rest, spend some time with his grandchildren and catch up on his reading.
Folks gathered at Slicker’s Eatery one last time. – Leslie Lake | SunWell-wishers gathered under tents at Slicker’s Eatery for the send-off party and pig roast. – Leslie Lake | SunBarb Jeffries and Sunshine Bechler worked the outside bar. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
CORTEZ – Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker is winding down his restaurant operations and the leased space he currently occupies will soon be transformed into Izzy’s Place, a family diner operated by new leaseholder Tom Theophilopoulos.
During separate interviews given on Thursday, Jan. 8, Slicker and Theophilopoulos discussed the upcoming transition.
Bob Slicker is passing the torch to Tom Theophilopoulos. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Slicker’s Eatery will continue operating under Slicker’s leadership through the conclusion of a catered event on Sunday, Feb. 1. Theophilopoulos will take over the following day and the gradual transformation from Slicker’s Eatery to Izzy’s Place will begin.
“We’ve been on a month-to-month lease, our rent increased, and with all of the health issues I had last year, and having another grandchild I would like to visit, we have decided it is in our best interest to not continue our lease,” Slicker said.
“I am retiring from the restaurant business. I’m going to take a little time to get closer to my grandchildren, and myself, and I’m going to let my faith lead me which way I should go.
Abby Coller, Jason Harris, Barb Jeffries and Bob Slicker on the day the restaurant transition was announced. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“We’re going to throw a pig roast and our five-year anniversary party on the last Friday of month (Jan. 30) and we’re hoping during the next few weeks everyone will come by for hugs of joy, drinks and food. Thanks for the support during the good times. Thanks for the support during the bad times. Please come out and see us because my team members could all use a little boost right now. Please watch our Facebook page. We’re still going to be doing our normal activities and events for the next couple weeks,” Slicker said.
An eatery and more
Slicker’s Eatery opened at 12012 Cortez Rd. W. in February 2021. In 2024, the leased building and its contents were badly damaged by Hurricane Helene’s storm surge and floodwaters and further damaged by Hurricane Milton’s winds.
Slicker’s Eatery opened in February 2021. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“Everything in the place was ruined. That was disheartening,” Slicker said of Hurricane Helene. “The second storm ripping the brand-new air conditioner off the roof was bad too.”
While closed for regular business, Slicker’s Eatery hosted several outdoor hurricane relief parties that helped Slicker’s employees and other local out-of-work employees earn some much-needed money. Slicker’s Eatery also hosted a free Thanksgiving dinner for the hurricane-impacted community.
“We wanted to help the Cortez village and its residents,” Slicker said.
Slicker’s Eatery remained closed for 128 days and reopened in February 2025. For several years, Slicker also dealt with painful kidney stone issues that were finally resolved in 2025.
“The last year has been difficult. In all my years in business, this was the most difficult time I’ve had with the factors I can’t control. I ran a good race here for five years and it’s time to start another race,” he said. “I’m proud of everything we have done and everything we have accomplished in five years as a team. And even though the team has changed, we all had the same goal: ‘To not look the other way.’ Some of the team I opened with aren’t here anymore, but they were all part of a wonderful journey.”
Slicker expressed special thanks to his daughter, Molly (Slicker) Parry, his life partner, Amy Coller, and Amy’s 26-year-old daughter, Abby Coller, for the help and support they provided before and after Slicker’s Eatery first opened its doors.
“With all the stuff I went through last year, this place wouldn’t have lasted this long if it wasn’t for Amy, Abby and Molly,” he said.
“I’ve made some tremendous friends here that will carry me through the rest of my life. I’m grateful for those. I also lost the best friends of my life: Scott O’Brien, ‘Grego’ (Greg Koeper) and my mom (Ellen Scott).
“We had some great parties here, some great celebrations of life and some great wedding receptions. We’ve been involved with multiple charities throughout these years that we’ve been able to help support with our time and our products. That’s a wonderful feeling,” Slicker said.
The Slicker’s Eatery menu was developed by his nephew, Kurt Clennan, an executive chef in California.
“Our concept was fresh, no fryers, no walk-in freezer. We wanted to provide chef-driven food at a reasonable price, using local products and healthy ingredients. Our Spicy Octopus flies off the shelf and our Smoked Old Fashioned is our best-selling drink because it’s so unique to the area. I’m proud of the quality of our product and we always got great reviews for our food.”
The eatery’s post-hurricane recovery process included patrons and supporters paying $500 to have personal messages painted in white on the back of the black restaurant chairs – some of which now serve as memorials to deceased friends and loved ones. The chair that honors Slicker’s mom says, “Down in Front,” and sits at the corner of the bar where Ellen watched many Tampa Bay Lighting, Buccaneers and Rays’ games.
Many of the message-bearing chairs will remain. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“The chairs are amazing and I’m grateful that the new owner is going to keep them. The chairs helped us put money back into the building and helped us keep our team members through the slow time of the year,” Slicker said.
Patrons and supporters paid $500 to have a message painted on a chair. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In 2022, Slicker traveled to Poland as part of the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island’s efforts to assist Ukrainians impacted and displaced by the war with Russia.
“I can’t forget the nine-and-a-half hours of interviews with Ukrainian refugees that I have on my phone. I want to get back to that kind of energy and this is a great move energy-wise,” Slicker said of his unknown future endeavors. “It’s going to be good for my soul and my health, and that is what I’m looking forward to. With my faith, I’ve never worried about the next step. Now I can look for the next step. I want to do what I like doing best: helping people.”
As for what he’ll miss about owning a restaurant, Slicker said, “The love that a family restaurant can provide. I’ll miss that. I’ll miss the comfortability of it. You get used to seeing the same people every day. I will miss my team. I will not miss the long hours.
“Tom will move right in and I will help with the transition. I’m excited about his concept and I’m excited that he wants to move forward with my team. Through these years, I’ve always taken care of my team. It’s a great way to walk away,” Slicker said.
Izzy’s Place
Speaking by phone, Theophilopoulos said, “I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be working with Bob for a week or so and get to know the staff. I’ll wait a month, month-and-a-half, before we switch over to Izzy’s and go from there. I’ll be turning it into a really good family diner. We’re going to change the décor a bit and lighten the place up with some different colors.”
Tom Theophilopoulos will transform Slicker’s Eatery into Izzy’s Place. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Izzy’s Place will serve breakfast, lunch, daily lunch specials and dinner.
“For $15, or less, you’re going to get a sit-down meal that’s fresh-cooked using good ingredients. We’ll have good food, a good family-oriented environment and good prices,” Theophilopoulos said.
The liquor license will transfer to Izzy’s Place and mimosas and bloody marys will be part of the breakfast and brunch offerings.
Izzy’s Place is named after Theophilopoulos’ dog, Izzy, a friendly, five-year-old Havapoo that’s a mix of the Havanese and poodle breeds.
“I bring 40 years of restaurant experience,” Theophilopoulos said. “I’ve been director of operations for four chains. I ran the Hard Rock Cafés in the northeast United States. I’ve opened 30-plus restaurants for different concepts. I’ve owned three of my own restaurants and this will be my fourth. Like a good Greek boy, I started at 13-years-old as a busboy working for my dad on weekends, summer vacations and Christmas vacations. I worked as a busboy, dishwasher, line cook and a waiter.
“I’ve been working with a real estate agent for the last couple years and I looked at a lot of places. Charles (Leduc) called me up and said this is perfect for you. We live five minutes away in San Remo, behind the Cortez Clam Factory, and I knew the place because my girlfriend (Marilyn Medo) and I have eaten there.”
Theophilopoulos shares Slicker’s passion for helping the community: “I want to do a lot of local stuff, a lot of family stuff and get involved with the churches too.”
Family, staff, friends
Molly lives in the Orlando area with her husband, Richard, but she played an integral role in the opening and promotion of her dad’s restaurant.
“I am incredibly proud of what my dad and the Slicker’s team has accomplished. Through all the attrition we’ve faced, and the odds that were often stacked against our little family restaurant, their loyal team and loving friends, family and patrons have seen them through five years of success,” she said.
Richard Parry, Bob Slicker, Molly (Slicker) Parry and Ellen Scott enjoyed many good times at Slicker’s Eatery. – Molly Parry | Submitted
“I still remember doodling the logo on an index card while my dad talked about wanting to make this place a reality, and so much has changed since then. What hasn’t changed is why we did it: for goodness’s sake. They’ve made a lot of difference in a lot of lives. Mostly, I’m excited for my dad to have a well-deserved breather and for him to be able to spend less time working and more time as ‘Gramps,’” Molly said.
The Slicker’s Eatery team includes Jason Harris, Barb Jeffries, Bob Slicker and Abby Coller. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Abby was 22 when she started working at Slicker’s four years ago.
“I’ve met a lot of really special people through this place; and I learned a lot about people and life in general,” she said.
The changing of the guard frees her up to pursue another career path.
“I’m moving on. I went to school for environmental science and I stuck around to help my family and ease their stress levels,” Coller said.
She hopes to find work related to wildlife conservation, ecology, land management or something similar that allows her to continue making positive changes in the world she lives in.
“I got into Turtle Watch (Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring) because Bob knew Kristen (Mazzarella) and we held a lot of events for them,” she said.
27-year-old head chef Jason Harris has been working with Slicker on and off for the past 10 years, dating back to his high school years; and he too will eventually be moving on.
“After almost a decade, it’s been a pleasure to be able to help so many charities and do what we’ve done,” Harris said.
When asked what he learned from his many years with Slicker, Harris said it’s more than he can boil down into a few sentences for a newspaper story.
After assisting with the transition, Harris hopes to temporarily relocate to the Fort Myers/Boynton Beach area to begin working as a move supervisor for Armadillo Relocations – a company that travels to different locations in Florida and throughout the United States and helps relocate low-income individuals and families who need to move due to redevelopment, disaster or other housing issues.
Barb Jeffries is Slicker’s Eatery’s newest bartender, in addition to her full-time job as an executive assistant for the city of Anna Maria. She met Slicker in October after they worked the AMI Chamber of Commerce beer tent together during Bayfest.
“I heard about Bob and all the fundraising he does. I wanted to be a part of that; and the vibe here is awesome, with the people that come in and the people that work here,” Jeffries said.
Kathy Shaw, Lynn Sutthoff, Bob Slicker, Liz Bergeron and Nancy Schroder during happy hour on Friday, Jan. 9. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Wood Dock & Seawall is located next to the Slicker’s Eatery; and while sitting at the bar after work that Thursday afternoon, owner Joey Newell said, “I’ve been next to this place as it’s changed management multiple times throughout the years and I can say I’ve never met a better human than Bob. During the storms, he was giving away free food and supplying water to people. I’ve never seen somebody do more for the community than Bob. I wish him the best. I wish all the people that work here the best. They’re good humans at heart.”
His dad (and co-owner), Brian Wood, said, “I’ve known Bobby a long time – for 20 years at least. I’ll reiterate what my son Joey said: Bob Slicker has done a fantastic job with this place. The staff’s always been pleasant, they take care of you and I couldn’t find a better place to sit in the afternoon to have a cocktail and a bite to eat. I wish Bob the best. He’s always been a striver of excellence; and in the long run, things turn out for people who are good-hearted. God bless him and thank you.”
On Friday evening, Bill Woodruff, a Slicker’s Eatery regular and a longtime friend, said, “Bob’s always called me ‘grandpa’ because I’m older than him. He is more positive and more beneficial to the people around him than most people you meet today. He’s real, he’s there all the time and I love him dearly. I hate to see him go, but I feel it will be a new opportunity for Mr. Slicker. The next chapter is what I’m interested in.”
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Jim McDaniel will serve as the next president of the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island.
Succeeding current president Laurie Beppler and serving a one-year term that begins on July 1, McDaniel was installed as incoming president during the club’s June 3 board meeting at the Beach House restaurant in Bradenton Beach. McDaniel previously served as the club president from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
Jim McDaniel was installed as incoming club president by President Laurie Beppler on June 3. – AMI Rotary Club | Submitted
On June 7, while attending the Rotary District 6960 annual conference at the Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral, the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island received the Small Club of the Year award for the club’s post-hurricane relief efforts in Cortez in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Several club members received Disaster Relief Champion awards and Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker, who was unable to attend the conference, won the prestigious districtwide Service Above Self award.
Jim and Susan McDaniel, Judy Rupp and Laurie Beppler were joined by Rotary Club District 6960 Governor Kelsey Sola after receiving their awards. – AMI Rotary Club | Submitted
“It’s a testament to the group and its willingness to dive in and make good things happen,” McDaniel said.
During his previous stint as club president, McDaniel and Slicker helped the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island raise more than $100,000 to support the war-related humanitarian efforts in Ukraine while also assisting 10 other club causes. The AMI Rotary Club supports several events and activities associated with Anna Maria Elementary School and the club’s inaugural Reel for Rotary fishing tournament that recently raised $25,000 for the continued support of the Cortez community.
Described by McDaniel as “The little club with big ideas, making a difference locally and globally,” the Anna Maria Island Rotary Club is part of the Rotary International organization whose motto is “Service above self” and its seven areas of focus are promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies and protecting the environment.
For information about club membership and Rotary Club activities, contact McDaniel at Jim.mcdaniel2012@gmail.com.
CORTEZ – Slicker’s Eatery is celebrating its fourth anniversary on Saturday, May 17 under a giant tent with live music, food, raffles and prizes.
After being closed down for 128 days following extensive damage to the restaurant from Hurricane Helene and the long haul back to reopening the doors, the anniversary has special significance to owner Bob Slicker and his staff.
The actual anniversary of the restaurant was in February, but Slicker wanted to celebrate resilience following the storms.
“It’s means more now than it did before. We were excited about the way things were going before the hurricane,” Slicker said. “(Since reopening) It was like opening a whole other restaurant, we changed the concept a bit, we changed the style a bit and we added a lot of things to the menu for the economy and Cortez.”
He has added burgers, bratwurst, wings and pretzels to the menu.
“It’s interesting, it’s like starting over again,” Slicker said. “Our fourth anniversary is almost like a first year. We really changed everything purposely to help the (Cortez) village. Everyone’s going to be tight on money, there aren’t as many tourists, which means the locals are going to have less money.”
Slicker maintains a positive attitude and has been involved in charitable initiatives through the Anna Maria Island Rotary Club, which has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local causes.
“We’ve overcome quite a bit here, so for us this is really parallel to life, and how we deal with life and get through it and stay strong and stay happy and stay loving and kind,” Slicker said. “The last four years haven’t turned out how I wanted it to because of the struggles, but overall, spiritually and emotionally I couldn’t expect any more.”
Christine Olson, the founder of TIFF (To Inform Families First) will be available at the anniversary celebration to have people sign up for the initiative to link emergency contacts to a driver’s license.
“Because of Christine, in Florida we think it’s common to have that on your license. Now there’s 18 states doing that, and we would like to be nationwide by Oct. 26,” Slicker said. “We would like it to be going worldwide.”
The four-year anniversary celebration will be from 4-10 p.m. at Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W.
There will be live music by Steve Paradis, a liquor basket raffle and prizes. Burgers, brats and chicken sandwiches will be available outside as well as the full menu inside.
CORTEZ – The doors to Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., reopened 128 days after the flooding from Hurricane Helene swamped the restaurant.
“It feels tremendous to be open,” Slicker said. “We’re all so relieved. After four months of money going out for the staff and myself, we’re just happy to put a Band-aid on it and start moving forward.”
Slicker had been unprepared for the sight that greeted him after the September hurricane, when he said he found tables, chairs and dishes askew and floating, freezers flipped over, a dumpster pushed into the middle of Cortez Road and an ice machine broken in two and wedged against the door.
“My staff was here every day I needed them, from the day of the hurricane to opening back up. As a team, I haven’t lost one employee,” he said. “They all wanted to come back.”
Bob Slicker (standing), owner of Slicker’s Eatery, welcomes friends back to the newly-reopened restaurant. – Leslie Lake | Sun
When the storm hit, Slicker said the restaurant had been projected to have its best year ever in its four years of business.
“Our restaurant was finally where it needed to be,” Slicker said. “We were going on our fourth anniversary, we were excited. Everything was starting to click. We thought the world was finally catching up to us. Well, it caught up to us a little quicker than we thought.”
He said the staff pitched in with cleanup and even helped to build new tables using YouTube videos.
“We made all these tables ourselves,” Slicker said. “They’re polyurethane over plywood. We redid the floors together. Basically, we rebuilt the entire place as a team. Everything had to be replaced.”
The welcome home sign in front of Slicker’s Eatery says it all as the restaurant reopens following hurricane damage last September. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Slicker’s is currently serving a limited menu of sandwiches, salads and flatbreads, but the new menu will be rolled out slowly, he said.
“Our new hours aren’t out yet so we’re going to open every day at 4 o’clock,” he said. “In time, we’ll be able to do brunch again. Some of the music will start next week.”
While Slicker and his team were working on putting the restaurant back together, and he was repairing damage to his home, he found time to engage in charitable activities.
On Thanksgiving Day, hundreds gathered under tents in front of Slicker’s Eatery to enjoy a free turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
The event was co-sponsored by Mark Hoffman, Slicker’s Eatery, Bring on the Ministry, the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island and the Blessing Bags Project.
“I just know my whole life my mother taught me to be charitable,” Slicker said. “I’ll just put it this way, I’m surrounded by great people.”
Slicker was involved in Rotary initiatives to give away bicycles, donate cars and provide refrigerators to those impacted by the hurricanes.
“The restaurant itself, we had so many people come in here and help clean up, help gut the place after the first storm,” Slicker said. “Not only that, but I have also so many people, I can say hey, man, I want to give some cars away and we were able to give a couple of cars away. Those kinds of things are what is truly humbling to me.”
Supporters donated $500 to buy a personalized bar chair to support Slicker’s recovery.
“One of my relatives bought a chair and they put my mom’s favorite saying on it, which was, ‘Down in front,’ ” he said.
Slicker’s Eatery was recently named 2025 Small Business of the Year by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.
CORTEZ – The storm surge from Hurricane Helene not only flooded homes in Cortez, but it also destroyed many vehicles there.
To help residents recover their means of mobility, The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island has initiated a vehicle and bicycle donation program.
“A significant number of our neighbors have lost their vehicles during the recent hurricanes and are now left with no transportation to work and do simple things, such as buy groceries,” The Rotary Club posted on its Facebook page,
The club is accepting donations of used cars and bicycles to help these individuals get back on their feet.
“Do you own a car that you no longer need? We would love to take it off your hands and are able to offer drivers for vehicles not located on the Island. This is a way to truly make a difference in our community while making a tax-deductible donation for the value of your vehicle,” the Facebook post continues.
“We’re working from a list,” Rotary Board Member Bob Slicker said. “We’re starting first in Cortez village then on to Sunny Shores and then we’ll move out from there.”
Slicker said the first on the list is an 87-year-old individual with cancer who needs a means to get back and forth to treatments.
“Three people in their home, the car was ruined in the storm. The oldest person in the home is going through cancer treatment,” Slicker wrote on his personal Facebook page. “This car will help them get to and from, treatments and work. I know someone knows that somebody that has a car they are not using. Won’t you consider this life-changing donation?”
Slicker said 17 donated bicycles have been distributed and donations of working bikes will be appreciated. He said Bring on the Ministry is repairing some donated bicycles.
Slicker said he has been involved in hurricane relief efforts for more than 20 years.
“I know what people need right away after a storm,” he said. “There are health needs now and financial needs.”
The Rotary Club also provides meals daily at the Sunny Shores distribution center.
They also provided dehumidifiers to locals including the Cortez Cultural Center, the Cortez Church of Christ and multiple residences. The Rotary has donated 20 mini-refrigerators to residents.
Slicker has been personally affected by recent hurricanes both at his home and his restaurant, Slicker’s Eatery.
“We are all in this together,” he said.
At a recent fundraiser, more than $17,000 was raised for The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island to benefit Cortez and the surrounding area.
“Thank You, Harbor Landings. A two-hour party, just over 50 people, live music, thank you, Mike Sales, silent auction and a live auction, BYOB, that’s all it took,” Slicker wrote on his Facebook page following the fundraiser.
Those having a car they wish to donate can call Slicker at 941-650-2333.
As a way of helping restaurant workers who have been out of work since the hurricanes, Slicker’s will be hosting a hurricane relief party in the parking lot at 12012 Cortez Road W. on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 2-7 p.m. Live music will be provided by Billy Rice from 2-4 p.m. and Dos Macs with Smokin’ Joe from 5-7 p.m.
Food and drinks are free to hurricane victims and all donations will be given to employees of four local restaurants.
BRADENTON BEACH – Family and friends joyously celebrated the life and legacy of longtime Bradenton Beach resident and honorary Privateer Ellen Scott at the Drift In on Saturday, March 16. Ellen passed away on March 1 at the age of 85.
Ellen Scott made the lotto boards used during Drift In fundraisers. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Ellen’s son, Bob Slicker, thanked those in attendance and encouraged everyone to be as giving to their community as Ellen was to hers. Holding a “Green Flash” shot provided to all by the Drift In, Ellen’s oldest granddaughter, Katie Clennan, proposed a toast in honor of her beloved grandmother. In honor of Ellen’s festive holiday spirit, and St. Patty’s Day being the following day, many attendees wore green clothing; and bagpiper Klaus Hinrichson performed traditional Irish songs.
Granddaughter Katie Clennan proposed a toast after her uncle, Bob Slicker, spoke about his late mom. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Bagpiper Klaus Hinrichson performed Irish songs. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
On behalf of the Anna Maria Island Privateers, President MaryAnn “Maz” Zayla thanked Ellen for all the support and assistance she provided over the years during Privateers’ fundraisers. “She was the lotto board queen. She raised so much money for us. It was amazing,” Zayla said.
AMI Privateers’ President MaryAnn “Maz” Zayla thanked Ellen Scott. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Privateer Roger “Hoodat” Murphy recited a poem about the Green Flash and made a toast to Ellen Scott. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Privateer Roger “Hoodat” Murphree then recited a poem about the pirate lore of the green flash at sunset signifying a passing soul shooting to the sky. “It’s a rare event indeed, just as Ellen was a rare soul,” he said before raising his “Green Flash” shot and proposing another toast.
Laurie Weremecki sang a beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace.” – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Laurie Weremecki then sang an emotionally moving rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
The celebration continued into late afternoon with a potluck-style buffet that included many homemade pies baked in honor of Ellen’s habit of baking pies for others, live music performed by Dos-Macs and several special guests.
Several pies were shared during Saturday’s celebration. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Brian Slicker proposed a toast to his grandmother at Slicker’s Eatery. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
On March 14, friends and family members gathered at Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez for a Tampa Bay Lightning watch party that celebrated “The Electric Life of Ellen Scott” with blue Jello shots, a toast by Ellen’s grandson, Brian Slicker, and the raffling off of Lightning souvenirs.
BRADENTON BEACH – Longtime Bradenton Beach and Pines Trailer Park resident Ellen Scott passed away at her home on Friday, March 1 at the age of 85.
Ellen was born in Detroit, Michigan on Dec. 8, 1938, and spent many years living in Houghton Lake before moving to Anna Maria Island in 1994.
Ellen Scott was a beloved member of the Bradenton Beach and Cortez communities. – Slicker Family | Submitted
Ellen had three children, Bob Slicker, Bernie Slicker and Cindy Slicker, and a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces and other family members who loved her dearly. She leaves behind a legacy of love and a lifetime of charitable deeds that included making lotto boards and selling raffle tickets at charity fundraisers and baking homemade pies for bake sales and those she knew and loved.
A celebration of Ellen’s life will be held Saturday, March 16 at the Drift In in Bradenton Beach – a stone’s throw from the mobile home park in which she was believed to be the longest-tenured resident.
Beginning at 1 p.m., the celebration will include a bagpiper, a vocal performance of “Amazing Grace” by Laurie Weremecki, a toast to Ellen at 1:30 p.m. and live music by Dos Macs. Attendees are invited to bring a covered dish to share and some are bringing pies baked in Ellen’s pie pans.
Ellen loved the Tampa Bay Rays, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. On Thursday, March 14, folks are invited to gather at Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., at 6:30 p.m. for a special toast honoring “The Electric Life of Ellen Scott,” followed by a Lightning watch party at 7 p.m. Family and friends will gather the following day for a private memorial service.
MEMORIES AND LIFE LESSONS
Ellen spent her final days at home being cared for by family members and Hospice. Her son, Bob, was by her side when she died.
“At the end, it was her and I, and I played the song ‘Thank you,’ by Ben Rector as she passed. She made a stance against cancer. She started feeling sick in October and was diagnosed around the first of the year. Once we found out, we decided to make every day like her birthday.
Corbin, Rowan, Brian and Bob Slicker joined Ellen Scott at a recent Lightning game. – Slicker Family | Submitted
“On Feb. 19, we went to a Lightning game and the Lightning let her start the game by pulling the Tesla coil. They put her on the big screen a couple times and gave her a puck signed by her favorite player, Andrei Vasilevskiy. After the game, they took us down to the tunnel where the players come out after they shower. We met the players and took pictures with Steven Stamkos, Brandon Hagel and Austin Watson. On Feb. 25, she played her last hand of bar poker at the Drift In, and she insisted on walking there and back,” Bob said.
Lightning star Steven Stamkos posed for a photo with Ellen Scott. – Slicker Family | Submitted
When asked what he’ll miss most, Bob said, “How she loved. How she took anything bad that happened and just plowed right through it. She never dwelled on the negative.”
As for what he learned from his mom, Bob said, “Fortitude. Being able to forge through anything. My mom’s mom passed away when she was 6 years old. She became a ward of the state and she and her three sisters grew up in separate foster homes. She was a lead sales rep for an insurance company in Michigan and a successful florist too.”
In 1994, Bob encouraged Ellen to move to Florida. She lived in Anna Maria for two years and then spent two years living with an aunt in Bradenton Beach before moving into the Pines Trailer Park 26 years ago.
“My mom had 17 pie pans at her house. We passed them out to people in the park and they’ll be bringing pies Saturday,” Bob said. “When the hearse came and got my mother everybody came out and lined the streets. Two nights later, they did a toast on her porch. It’s such a wonderful neighborhood.”
Regarding Ellen’s charitable efforts at the Drift In and elsewhere, Bob said, “Even if you didn’t know my mom, you probably bought a raffle ticket from her.”
In closing, Bob said, “We were fortunate that we spent a lot of time together at the end. All her grandkids made it down to see her and attend an event with her before she passed. I’m blessed to have had a relationship with my mother that few ever get to have. She left our family a tremendous legacy.”
Ellen’s son, Bernie Slicker, said, “My mom lived the fullest life anybody could wish for. She loved the people in the Pines, the Drift In and the AMI Moose Lodge. She always dressed for the occasion. She wore green on St. Patty’s Day, white and red on Christmas and Easter colors for Easter.”
When asked what he’ll miss most, Bernie jokingly said, “Her pies. She made apple, blueberry, peach, cherry, and my favorite, lemon meringue.”
“There’s no pie like Grandma’s apple pie,” Bernie’s son, Mike, said.
“She taught me to live life every day and to be happy to be alive,” Bernie said.
“And never let the little things keep you down,” Mike added. “She chose her paradise and she lived until she died in her paradise.”
Ellen’s daughter, Cindy Slicker, lives in Tennessee but visits often. Speaking by phone while cleaning out her mom’s mobile home, Cindy said, “She’s still teaching me about life as I’m going through her stuff. She was selfless. She was an exceptional mom, grandmother and great-grandmother. She’s got four beautiful granddaughters from me and she taught me how to be a good mother. She was very encouraging and an exceptionally unique woman. She had good energy, was a go-getter and she’d get it done. Mom had three sisters and she’s the last to go. Her last statement to me was, ‘My sisters are waiting for me, I gotta get up there.’ ”
Ellen Scott and Molly (Slicker) Parry had a close and loving relationship. – Molly Parry | Submitted
Ellen’s granddaughter, Molly Parry (Bob’s daughter), said, “She was small in stature but she unapologetically took up space. She was feisty, honest and fiercely loyal. Her life was never easy but she always persevered. She was not to be underestimated and she was down for anything. She loved sports and never left a game early, no matter how badly her team was losing. She never missed a single one of my many events and her pride was unconditional.”
Ellen’s grandson, Brian Slicker (Bernie’s son), said, “I’m going to miss everything about her. She went to every one of my sons’ baseball games. She’d stay from 4:30 in the afternoon until 9 o’clock and she always brought goodies for all the kids.
Ellen Scott joined several family members at a Lightning game in February. – Slicker Family | Submitted
“We’d watch Lightning games together as a family at Slicker’s Eatery and go to games when we could. We went to the Lightning game before she started her downward spiral. She had the opportunity to do the Tesla coil and she brought our sons, Rowan and Corbin, up there with her. It was one of the coolest things ever. She was all about the grandkids and great-grandkids. She never missed anybody’s anything.” Brian said.
“She was one of the most charitable people I’ve ever known. If there was a fundraiser, she’d jump in to help. She did so much for the (Anna Maria Island) Privateers that they made her an honorary Privateer last year. In the trailer park, she helped organize events and create a sense of community there.
Regarding the pies, Brian said, “I’ve never seen a person with so many pie trays. She probably had 20 glass Pyrex pie dishes in her cabinet. I took two of them and I’m going to make a couple pies for the celebration.
Long ago, Ellen Scott, left, was integral part of the Tip-Up Town winter festival that’s still an annual event in Houghton, Michigan. – Submitted
“She was one of the most fun people ever. When I was a kid, living in Michigan, they used to have the Tip-Up Town festival on the ice in Houghton Lake. She dressed up and they called her ‘Laser Beam Ellen.’ You never knew anything was wrong with my grandma. She always saw the light and the positive side of life and she made other people happy. She was an icon. She had a great life,” Brian said.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
Drift In manager Doreen Flynn said, “Ellen was my go-to lady. She and Dort Davis helped get the champagne ready on New Year’s Eve. Ellen made all the lotto boards for our Privateers’ fundraisers and she helped The Renegades assist local families at Christmas. She was always the first to volunteer. She was such a big part of the Drift In, and my own life, and I’ll miss her dearly.”
Ellen Scott became an honorary Privateer in 2023. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Privateer John ‘Lil’ John Arr’ Rutherford said, “Ellen was tremendously helpful during the Privateers’ fundraisers and in recognition of her support we made her an honorary Privateer in 2023. She will be missed.”
Drift In patron and seasonal Pines Park resident ‘Mark the Park’ said, “Ellen was a lovely lady. She made us apple pies and blueberry pies. Last night, I was walking home and I did what I’ve done for the last 10 years: I said ‘Goodnight Ellen, I love you,’ as I walked by her trailer. I knew she wasn’t there, but I didn’t know her daughter was there. Cindy approached me this morning and thanked me.”
CORTEZ – Cortez restauranteur Bob Slicker, owner of Slicker’s Eatery, is once again gathering members of the Anna Maria Island Rotary Club and the community to raise money with a Concert for Peace. The second annual event is being held to help the people of Ukraine whose lives have been upended by the ongoing war with Russia.
Slicker, who became passionate about helping the people of Ukraine after watching the war begin to unfold in 2022, vowed to do whatever he could to help get supplies to the people who needed them desperately. His first Concert for Peace, held in June of 2022, raised more than $50,000, 100% of which went to supplies such as medical needs and refrigerators.
The second annual Concert for Peace will take place Saturday, June 10 at The Center of Anna Maria Island. The concert will be free and open to the public and feature musical acts the Eric Von Band and Trevor Bystrom, with money being raised through sales of food, drinks, raffle items, t-shirts and sponsorships. The AMI Rotary Club will take the proceeds and work with their Rotary partner in Poland to purchase supplies and get them into the areas of Ukraine where they are most needed.
“I went over there and saw first-hand how difficult these people have it due to the war,” Slicker said. These are just normal people who get up and go to work just like you and I, then one day their lives are upended. I went to apartment buildings where not only are multiple people sharing community refrigerators, but often multiple families have to share one shelf of a fridge.”
“The Rotary can be trusted to get the job done,” AMI Rotary President Jim McDaniel said. “There are only two seats in the United Nations that don’t belong to individual countries. One is the Red Cross and the other is Rotary.”
Sponsors are still signing on, so there is no complete list yet, but in addition to Slicker’s and the Rotary, Painting with a Twist will hold another “Painting with a Purpose” event at Slickers on June 4. More fundraising events are anticipated to be announced on Facebook in the coming weeks.
For information on becoming a sponsor, making a financial donation or the Concert for Peace, visit the Campaign for Ukraine Facebook page or email campaignforukraineami@gmail.com.
BRADENTON – Former Swordfish Grill Manager Greg “Grego” Koeper passed away on Feb. 22, at the age of 67.
In the early 2000s, Koeper was the owner/operator of Grego’s Almost to the Beach Tavern on Palma Sola Boulevard and that’s where his infamous NASCRAB (National Association for Safe Crab Racing at Bars) hermit crab races began.
Koeper is survived by his wife, Kathy Houck; stepdaughter, Aspen Houck; daughter, Kristin; son, Clyde; granddaughter, Cecilia (C.C.); mother, Yvonne; sister, Jan; and brothers, Chris, John and Bill. Koeper’s life and legacy will be celebrated with “Greg’s Last Dance” at the Swordfish Grill in Cortez on Saturday, March 18 from 1-5 p.m.
Koeper retired from the Swordfish Grill when he was 65 and last May he was diagnosed with melanoma, which would eventually take his life.
Houck and Koeper married on Aug. 21, 2022. March 17 would have marked their 23rd anniversary as a couple.
“We met at the Seahorse, where Slicker’s Eatery is now. Our friends Dawn Marie and Gloria decided he and I needed to meet,” Houck said.
“He died too young. He was my best friend. He lived his life to the fullest. He was happy-go-lucky and always smiling. He was caring and giving. He was good at making people feel comfortable, wanted and loved. He never met someone that didn’t leave as a friend,” Houck said.
When asked what she’ll miss the most, Houck said, “His friendship, his companionship and his smile. The whole person.”
Koeper’s daughter and son live out of state but were able to visit before his passing.
“Clyde brought C.C., so we got to spend time with them. The whole family was here in the house with us and that was nice,” Houck said.
PITTSBURGH ROOTS
Koeper was born and raised in Pittsburgh. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard and then worked at Houlihan’s restaurant in Station Square, where he was named Pittsburgh’s #1 bartender in 1986. Koeper moved to Bradenton from New York, when his first wife was transferred to Manatee Memorial Hospital.
“He was an unbelievable human being. Everybody loved the guy,” his youngest brother, Chris Koeper, said. “We’ve lived here since 1990 and I’ve never heard one bad word about him. He was the best man I ever met. He was the most selfless human being on this planet. Before he died, he looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, ‘I’m just glad this is me and not someone else I love.’”
WORKING MAN
During his time in the greater Bradenton area, Koeper explored many professions.
“He tried all kinds of different things. He used to work at an English pub on Cortez Road. Every Friday he’d dress up in a different costume and people came in to see what he was wearing,” Houck said.
Greg Koeper used to wear a different costume to work each Friday. – Kathy Houck | Submitted
At various times, Koeper worked as a maintenance man on Longboat Key and also tried his hand as a golf caddy. He also worked at Annie’s Bait & Tackle, Ace’s Lounge and the Palm Aire Country Club.
As for how the NASCRAB races began, Houck said, “He saw it at a bar in Illinois and thought it would be a good gimmick so he brought it to Grego’s Almost to the Beach Tavern. It was such a big hit. It was absolutely crazy how everybody reacted to it. It got to a point where we had to give out tickets to get a crab because people were sitting there all afternoon waiting to get one.”
Grego’s NASCRAB races became a popular attraction at the Swordfish Grill. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
After Koeper’s passing, many of his friends shared Facebook comments that referenced turn signals.
“When the tourists would come down, everyone would complain because they wouldn’t use their turn signals. Greg would end the crab races by saying peace, love and happiness. That catchphrase turned into peace, love and use your turn signals. He was trying to put that thought in their heads before they drove home,” Houck said.
The NASCRAB races later resumed at the Swordfish Grill.
Greg Koeper was the master of ceremonies for the Swordfish Grill’s NASCRAB races. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“He loved working with everybody at the Swordfish Grill. He and Bob Slicker put together such a great team that’s carrying on that legacy. They’re doing what they watched Greg and Bob do. Greg was so proud of the kids who started working there and are now grown up,” Houck said.
FATHER FIGURE
Kathy Houck’s daughter, Aspen Houck, was 19 when she met Koeper.
“He loved golf. We played golf every Saturday at Pinebrook and then everybody would go to Grego’s,” Kathy Houck said.
Aspen Houck, Greg Koeper and Kathy Houck shared many memorable moments together. – Aspen Houck | Submitted
Now 43, Aspen Houck said, “Growing up, my mom and I golfed with my real dad. My dad said women don’t use the drivers and the woods. He said women can only use irons. Then Greg comes along and asks why we didn’t use our woods and drivers. He forced us to start using our drivers and woods. It turns out my mom and I are really good golfers when we can use all the clubs in our bag.
“When I was young and moving from apartment to apartment, Greg and Mom would keep my clubs at their house and Greg would carry them to the golf course from me. That became an ongoing joke. I called him ‘Dad’ and I always said, ‘Hey Dad, thanks for carrying my s—’ (expletive). That’s what I said to him the night he passed: First, I said, ‘Thanks for always being my dad when you didn’t have to be’ and ‘Thanks for always carrying my s—,’ ” Aspen Houck said.
“One of his sayings was, ‘Fun is key.’ He taught me not to jump to conclusions and to always try to be a better person,” she added.
A TRUE FRIEND
Slicker owns and operates Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez. Before that, he was the general manager of the Swordfish Grill. He knew Koeper for 30 years.
“Greg and Kathy have been to every major event in my daughter Molly’s life – her wedding and every dance recital, baseball game and basketball game. She looks at them as Uncle Greg and Aunt Kathy,” Slicker said.
Greg “Grego” Koeper and Bob Slicker were friends for 30 years. – Submitted
“I cooked for Greg at Grego’s. I brought Greg to the Swordfish Grill in 2012 or 2013. He was the first person I hired. I hired him to do the crab races once a week and he ended up being a manager and working there full-time.
“Greg had a way of making people feel special. He was all-in on every conversation and every moment of life. He gave love and never passed judgment. Greg didn’t hold grudges and he realized the value of every day. He always said, ‘Kindness is key.’ He taught me to always be kind and he taught me by example. He also taught me how to get on stage with a microphone. He taught me that it’s okay to make fun of yourself, but it’s not okay to make fun of other people,” Slicker said.
Dressed as an elf, Greg Koeper assisted Santa during the Swordfish Grill Christmas parties that benefited underprivileged youngsters. – Submitted
Current Swordfish Grill General Manager Adam Sears worked with Koeper for many years.
“He was selfless. He was a very humble guy and he never wanted any recognition for what he did. He was always willing to help with the Blessing Bags Project charity events, the kids’ Christmas parties and the Nancy Franklin golf tournaments. He had a carefree attitude and he was always in a good mood. He used to say ‘groovy’ all the time and he was the grooviest dude I ever met,” Sears said.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Though the Island didn’t suffer major damage due to Hurricane Ian, some of its southern neighbors weren’t so lucky. While many want to help victims of the storm in Fort Myers, Sanibel, Captiva and other affected areas, some good intentions may not be the best intentions logistically.
“Whenever they have a catastrophe, about six to eight weeks later they have something they call the second catastrophe,” said Bob Slicker, owner of Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez. Slicker is working to find effective ways for locals to help hurricane victims that will do the most good. “The needs change as the catastrophe is being dealt with. Initially, everybody emotionally wants to help, so they gather a bunch of stuff that may not be needed yet and they send it down. All the sudden there’s people that shouldn’t be down there driving up and down the streets that are not ready for the traffic. There have to be distribution points.”
Slicker stresses the importance of getting in contact with local volunteers or agencies in affected areas to make sure it is safe to travel and that a good-faith effort won’t get in the way of an organized plan to address known needs and ongoing relief efforts. Arriving in a severely storm-affected area too soon could unintentionally do more harm than good.
“I would definitely recommend reaching out to the local Salvation Army down there. They are always taking donations,” Kelli Spring of ServPro of West Bradenton/Anna Maria said. “Also, the Moose Lodges are doing some things. The workers had mentioned many of them were able to provide some help as well.” Spring had some friends and coworkers that were affected, and she began collecting some things at her office. She announced at a Chamber of Commerce event that she was making a trip south and, if anyone had anything they wanted to donate, she would try her best to get it down there. She said Hurricane Nicole came at the time they were taking supplies south, hindering some of their efforts. They were still able to get some needed supplies to the area.
Spring’s advice echoes that of Slicker, saying the best course of action is to do some research online and contact groups and organizations who are on the ground in the area to see what they need, how and where they need it delivered, and when they need it.
Both Spring and Slicker also stress that it’s not just food and cleaning supplies that are needed. Many people who lost everything need beds, furniture, dishes and other items needed to get back to a normal life. They encourage anyone who might have a storage unit that contains household goods that are going unused to donate those items.
CORTEZ – It was another big success for the effort to raise money for the people of Ukraine as Bob Slicker, owner of Slicker’s Eatery, sold out his latest fundraising event while also celebrating his 60th birthday.
The Trolley for Peace on Aug. 13 traveled to four local restaurants and bars. For a ticket price of $75, riders rode two trolleys that made stops at R.J. Gators, Slicker’s Eatery, Clancy’s Irish Pub and 88 Live Piano Bar. In addition to the funds raised from the price of the trip, each bar had a raffle giveaway to help raise even more money for the war relief effort in Ukraine.
“After the last event, the Concert for Peace, I thought gosh, what’s the next thing we’re going to do,” Slicker said. “I knew my birthday was coming up. Today is actually my 60th birthday and I always like to do some sort of thing for charity on my birthday and this year it happened to coincide with our campaign for Ukraine.”
Slicker says this effort wouldn’t be possible without the help of the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island. After meeting the Rotary members when they held a meeting at Slicker’s Eatery earlier this year, the relationship quickly grew into an effort that has sent tens of thousands of dollars to assist in relief efforts in Ukraine. Desperately needed items such as refrigerators, washing machines and medical supplies are being delivered to people who are living with virtually nothing in a war zone. Relationships with Rotary clubs in Poland and Ukraine make it possible to not only assure the funds are accounted for, but the supplies are able to be physically delivered where they are needed most.
Slicker recently visited Poland and Ukraine, meeting some of the people affected by the war firsthand.
“We visited flats where they have as many as seven people living in one apartment and they are allowed one shelf per flat in the communal refrigerators,” Slicker said. “Imagine having only one shelf in a fridge for an entire large family, but they are very grateful to even have that. We want to buy more fridges, more washers and dryers. We have a lot more to do.”
Sixty-four people arrive at Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez via two trolleys for the Trolley for Peace Ukraine fundraising event. – Jason Schaffer | Sun
The Concert for Peace in June raised more than $50,000 and, while the totals are not yet in for the Trolley for Peace, Slicker expects this event to exceed $10,000 additional dollars, 100% of which will go to send supplies to the people of Ukraine. In addition to the multiple refugee centers they are working with, Slicker says they want to help provide some bulletproof vests to those in the most dangerous areas in addition to the refrigerators and other needed items.
AMI Rotary President Jim McDaniel echoed Slicker’s assessment that things in the region have been getting more difficult in recent weeks.
“We’re getting word that things are getting tougher over there from the president of the Rotary in Poland,” McDaniel said. “No matter what we do, we feel like it’s just not enough. We just want to do more.”
McDaniel just sent another $10,000 to the Poland Rotary to distribute supplies and the duo has no intentions of slowing down local fundraising efforts.
Slicker said plans for another Concert for Peace are in the works for early 2023. He also encourages anyone who wants to help to raise money to host their own homegrown efforts such as a party where guests donate to the relief effort or to donate privately with family and friends. For a QR code that allows you to donate directly to the Rotary, visit Slicker’s Eatery online or on Facebook.
CORTEZ – A partnership between Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker and the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island to raise money to buy supplies for the people of Ukraine will continue into the foreseeable future.
The two joined forces after Rotary Club members had a meeting at Slicker’s Eatery and began to discuss ways of helping people affected by a war none of them ever wanted, but have no choice but to live through.
“I knew that if we didn’t do something, the news would stop showing it,” he said. “If you ask people around here today, they say they have to turn it off because it’s so hard to watch because they don’t know what they can do or how to help. For three weeks I prayed about how I could help like we do here after a hurricane.”
Slicker’s prayers were answered when he learned the club had Rotary partners close to the war zone in both Poland and Ukraine that could not only assist with moving the funds raised, but also physically transport purchased supplies directly into Ukraine where they are needed most.
“When you try to help people, you always wonder where the money is going,” he said. “The Rotary is very transparent and very reputable; every ‘i’ is dotted and ‘t’ is crossed.”
Some of the efforts of the Polish Rotarians assisting the AMI chapter include creating a make-shift hospital, setting up a refugee center for families, making much-needed supply runs, and purchasing washers, dryers and refrigerators.
“We visited flats where they have as many as seven people living in one apartment and they are allowed one shelf per flat in the communal refrigerators,” Slicker said. “Imagine having only one shelf in a fridge for an entire large family, but they are very grateful to even have that. We want to buy more fridges, more washers and dryers. We have a lot more to do.”
As he addressed the July 12 Rotary meeting, Slicker showed pictures he took on a recent trip to Poland and Ukraine, allowing everyone in attendance to see the people affected by the war and how it has changed their lives. Slicker said he asked just about everybody he spoke to the same questions, including whether or not they thought this war would actually happen or if it was just a show of strength by Putin that would not escalate into war.
“So many people had the same answer to that question,” he said. “We never thought he was crazy enough to go through with it.”
The Concert for Peace event held on the Island on June 12 raised over $50,000 for the Campaign for Ukraine. Shortly after that event, the members of the AMI Rotary Club sent $5,000 to benefit Ukrainians, which was matched by a Rotary District in New Hampshire (7870) for a total of $10,000. The Rotary Club of AMI and Slicker’s Eatery partnership has also released an additional $10,000 to President Wojtek Jankowski of the Rotary Club of Czestochowa, Poland. The clubs communicate regularly with those on the ground internationally and on the front lines using WhatsApp.
At the close of his presentation to the club members, Slicker announced the next event, a pub crawl through Cortez.
The event is planned to include a trolley ride to four local bars, Clancy’s, R.J. Gators, Slicker’s Eatery and Piano 88. The bar crawl is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 13 from 1-5 p.m. Each pub will also have a gift basket to be raffled with funds also going to the Ukraine relief effort. Raffle tickets can be purchased any time before the event at each location. Event tickets are $75, with at least $45 of each purchase going directly to the Rotary’s Ukraine fundraising efforts after expenses. For ticket information, call Debbie at 941-704-3294. Slicker hopes the event will raise around $12,000.
Another Concert for Peace is also being planned for this fall.
The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island and Bob Slicker, owner of Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez, continue to raise funds for Ukraine.
The Concert for Peace on June 12 raised over $50,000; Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island also sent $5,000, which was matched by a Rotary District in New Hampshire (7870) for a total of $10,000; and the Rotary Club of AMI and Slicker’s Eatery Partnership released another $10,000 to President Wojtek Jankowski of the Rotary Club of Czestochowa, Poland.
Polish Rotarians are using the funds for a make-shift hospital, a refugee center for families and making regular supply runs to soldiers on the battlefield to get them food, medical supplies and clean clothing.
Slicker is currently in Eastern Europe witnessing firsthand the work being done on the ground. He is set to return on July 7.
“While in Poland, Bob is being taken care of by our Rotarian friends in Czestochowa so we are comfortable he is in good hands,” said Rotary Club of AMI President James McDaniel in a press release. “He will be accompanied by an international grad student affiliated with Rotary who will be filming his visit and documenting the conversations he has with the leaders and the people he meets. We feel this will help us explain the strong connection that Rotary is providing for our efforts to provide funding toward the cause. It also helps us bring awareness to this very trying situation that our world neighbors are experiencing and the importance of our work to this small area of the much greater area affected by this war.”
McDaniel said that when Slicker returns, the next fundraising event, slated to take place in August, will be announced.
ANNA MARIA – It was rock and roll for a great cause at The Center of Anna Maria Island, as hundreds of people gathered to listen to live music and raise money for the people of Ukraine.
The event was the brainchild of Bob Slicker, owner of Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez and emcee of the evening’s festivities. Along with the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island and dozens of local business owners and sponsors, the June 12 event drew a crowd.
“The war started and I was talking to my daughter and my girlfriend and I said we have to do something, this is horrible,” Slicker said. “I kept thinking about it and I thought, gee, they’re going to take this off the news pretty soon because people don’t want to watch war when they can’t help. I knew we had to do something.”
It was around that same time that the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island began meeting at Slicker’s Eatery. Slicker did some research on the Rotary and saw that there are Rotary Clubs in countries around the world, including Ukraine and nearby countries such as Poland. He approached the Rotary members right away, proposing they join together to hold a fundraising event. With Slicker’s ties to the community and friendships with many Island business owners and the Rotary’s ability to process payments and distribute funds through its partners in eastern Europe, a lot could be done, but more importantly, the funds could be distributed to a war zone, which would otherwise be very difficult.
A large crowd gathered at The Center of Anna Maria Island for the Campaign for Ukraine Concert for Peace charity fundraiser event. – Jason Schaffer | Sun
Slicker proposed the plan to the Rotary and committed to assisting them for at least one year. During their first meeting, a Rotary Club in New England offered to match the first $5,000 raised, which was done before the Campaign for Ukraine event even took place. This allowed the partnership to send $10,000 before any funds were raised at the concert.
“The Rotary has a Zoom meeting every two weeks which they allow me to sit in on even though I’m not a Rotarian. They break down how they’re allocating the money and where all the money is going to,” Slicker said. “This is boots on the ground – medical hospitals, medical vans, medical supplies, refugee centers and other places where the need is greatest.”
Slicker says the needs are constantly changing since it’s a war and therefore unpredictable. With 50 to 200 soldiers being killed in battle every day, the danger and hardship won’t dissipate anytime soon. He also said the Rotary Clubs have partnered with Ukrainian businesses to help stimulate their business and try to negate at least a little bit of the economic impact of the war.
Revenue from the Campaign for Ukraine concert was generated through sponsors, many of whom donated valuable prizes to be auctioned off with 100% of the proceeds going to the people of Ukraine. While the concert was free, there was plenty of food and drinks to be purchased, helping to raise even more money. The musicians, Scotty McCoghney, Poppa Grump and Twinkle and Rock Soul Radio as well as the small army of people tending the booths and tables all volunteered their time and services, leaving virtually no overhead costs.
Poppa Grump entertains the crowd at the Campaign for Ukraine Concert for Peace fundraiser at The Center of Anna Maria Island. – Jason Schaffer | Sun
“Rotary is a five-star charity, we give out everything we take in,” said Jim McDaniel, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island and director of development for The Center of Anna Maria Island. “At The Center, we’re going to be doing some things with the environment and the Ukrainian effort that will tie The Center in, so it’s great for everybody.”
McDaniel spoke of a particular Rotary member in Poland who personally drives supplies into the Ukrainian war zone. This man spoke with Rotary Club of AMI members including McDaniel on multiple Zoom calls, giving them first-hand insight into how funds raised are hitting the ground and moving to where they are needed most.
Anyone interested in helping with the fundraising effort can donate online or email Molly@SlickersEatery.com.
