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Tag: Christmas in July

Christmas in July benefits underprivileged kids

Christmas in July benefits underprivileged kids

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach.

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Privateers and the Drift In raised $2,350 during Saturday’s annual Christmas in July fundraiser.

Saturday evening’s fundraising efforts included two raffles: one raffle for the lotto board that contained a $100 bill surrounded by $400 worth of scratch-off lottery tickets; and another for the liquor basket valued at $300.

Glen Authers won the

lotto board assembled by honorary Privateer Ellen Scott, and Drift In Manager and honorary Privateer Doreen Flynn won the liquor basket.

Christmas in July benefits underprivileged kids
Glen Authers won the lotto board that bartender Amanda Westrich helped sell raffle tickets for. – Submitted

The fundraising efforts also included food sales. For a $10 donation, folks could enjoy a wide variety of food donated by local restaurants and others.

While standing near the food table, Privateer Carmela O’Driscoll thanked The Freckled Fin, the Palmetto Moose Lodge, Double Deez Chicago Style Hot Dogs, El Sombreros, Cheesecake Cutie, Bolo’s Baked Goods, the Privateers and Flynn for the food and desserts they donated to the cause.

Christmas in July benefits underprivileged kids

Several local restaurants donated food to the fundraising efforts. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

As the event got underway, Privateer John “Arr” Rutherford said, “We’re raising money for kids at Christmas time. Most of today’s proceeds will go toward the families that have fallen on hard times that we help during Christmas. This is one of our two annual events that we have to help our Christmas families. The Drift In has been great in allowing us to host this annual event here for the past several years. They’re super-supportive of the Privateers.”

Christmas in July benefits underprivileged kids
Drift In Manager Doreen Flynn, third from left, won the liquor basket. – Submitted

“We hope to raise lots of money for the Privateers,” Flynn said. “We help families every year at Christmas and we also help raise money for the scholarships the Privateers give away in July. The Privateers do so much for the children in our community and that’s what it’s all about.”

Christmas in July benefits underprivileged kids
Tammi McCoy was among those who posed for a photo with Santa (Greg McCoy). – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Sitting outside in his Adirondack chair, Santa (Greg McCoy) posed for pictures with those who made donations to the Privateers. During the late afternoon musical performance by Dos-Macs and Tommy Balbo, Santa stepped to the mic and said he was already compiling his naughty and nice lists and supporting the Privateers would get you on his nice list.

Concrete Edgar provided live music indoors that evening.

Privateers hold 'Christmas in July' for a good cause

Privateers hold ‘Christmas in July’ for a good cause

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – After not being able to hold the event last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Anna Maria Island Privateers were excited to resume their annual “Christmas in July” event at The Drift In on Bridge Street.

The event featured live music, a buffet of Island food, raffle prizes and more. While the event was a great party and everybody attending appeared to be indulging in lots of food and a little bit of rum, it was all for a great cause that the Privateers are passionate about.

“This is to help with the many things we do throughout the year. This is mostly to help with our Christmas families that we help in December,” said Dallas of the Privateers, explaining that proceeds will help families with children who may be having difficulties financially around the holidays. 

A large food buffet was open to anyone attending for a cost of $10 and featured dozens of dishes and desserts provided by Privateers as well as local restaurants including the Bridge Tender Inn, Seafood Shack, Pizza Social, The Moose Lodge, Smoqe House and The Cheesecake Cutie and Cafe. A lotto board and “booze basket” valued at $500 were also up for grabs with all the proceeds going to help Island children. 

Even Santa Claus was in on the action, taking a break from toy-making and bringing his sleigh to The Drift In parking lot for pictures with anyone who just couldn’t wait until December. It was also a rare chance to see Santa in board shorts, sandals and a straw beach hat. He certainly appeared to be enjoying his Anna Maria Island vacation. 

A merry Christmas in July

A merry Christmas in July

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Entertainment, Events, Family fun.

BRADENTON BEACH – Kids on Bridge Street got a surprise Saturday night, a visit from Santa Claus at the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Christmas in July on Bridge Street at the Drift In. The Privateers and Drift In raised $2,500 for next year’s scholarships by holding raffles and serving a potluck dinner inside the bar. In the parking lot, people enjoyed cool refreshments while listening to live music from Dos Max.

Bridge Tender Inn and Dockside Bar employees Dana Coty and Carlee Griffin paired up and purchased the winning ticket for the liquor basket. Bridge Tender employee Denise Hendricks purchased the winning ticket for the Lotto Board that contained $320 in lottery tickets and two $50 bills.

Drift In manager Doreen Flynn said she was happy that some local employees won those raffle prizes. She also noted that Santa Claus took a break from his summer vacation and made an appearance at the annual fundraiser. She also thanked Privateer Shelly “Fireball” Hill and Pines Trailer Park resident Ellen Scott for making this year’s Lotto Board and assisting with the fundraising efforts.

Privateer Tim “Hammer” Thompson said the first $1,000 raised Saturday night will go toward the purchase of Christmas gifts for this year’s adopted Christmas family or families. The remaining $1,500 will be placed in the Privateer’s scholarship fund.

“It all ends up going to kids one way or another,” Thompson said, noting that a similar fundraiser will take place in December.