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Island community raises more than $33,000 for Courtney Call’s son

Island community raises $33,000 for Courtney Call’s son

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – A fundraiser held at the Anchor Inn raised more than $33,000 for the teenage son of longtime Anna Maria Island resident and bartender Courtney Call.

Call, 42, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on June 5, leaving behind her 16-year old son, Matthew Curry. Call previously worked at the Anchor Inn in Holmes Beach and at TommyKnockers in Bradenton Beach. Some of the money raised may also be used to help pay some of Courtney’s final expenses.

Anchor Inn owners Darla and Bobby Tingler hosted the Wednesday, June 23 fundraiser, which was preceded by the Friday, June 18 beach memorial and fundraiser at TommyKnockers that raised about $550.

Bradenton Beach residents Sarah Santos and Kaitlind Lawrence played significant roles in securing from individuals, couples and businesses on and around Anna Maria Island and beyond the donated silent auction and Chinese raffle items for the Anchor Inn fundraiser.

The donated items included vacation rental and resort stays, dining experiences, gift certificates to numerous local restaurants, bars, retail shops, fishing excursions, recreational activities, as well as donated art and more.

Island community raises $34,000 for Courtney Call’s son
Numerous local businesses and individuals donated silent auction and raffle items to the fundraising efforts. – Submitted | Darla Tingler

The 50/50 raffle raised $2,200, including the 50% share of the winnings the raffle winner donated back to the cause. The Anchor Inn also gave out bottles of liquor as prizes for the free raffles.

A group of West Manatee Fire Rescue firefighters collected $190 among themselves and donated that to the fundraising efforts.

“These firemen took money out of their own pockets. That gave me goosebumps,” Darla Tingler said.

“We had a painting called “A Table for Two” that was valued at $2,500,” she added.

“Thank you to all that volunteered and a huge shout out to all those that donated,” Tingler said.

“We had over 100 donations. Sarah and Kaitlind pretty much put it together. They’re the ones that made the calls for donations. My mom always taught me to look at the bright side of things and through this tragedy, there was the bright spot of the community coming together to help,” Tingler said.

“The overwhelming support from our local businesses and people is truly heartwarming,” said Santos, who owns and operates AMI Boat Tours. “The way our local community comes together to support and help each other in difficult times such as this never ceases to amaze me. Matthew is a special kid and he will forever be part of our local family.”

According to Tingler, Matthew was visiting family members in Maine at the time of his mother’s unexpected passing. Tingler said family members and close family friends are still working out the legalities and details as to where Matthew will live and who will take care of him. Tingler and others are also working out the legalities of providing a 16-year-old with such a significant amount of money, and a trust fund may be part of the solution.

As of Monday morning, the “Courtney Call Memorial Benefitting Matthew Curry” GoFundMe page had raised an additional $12,782, and online donations are still being accepted.

Island loses a dear friend in Courtney Call

Island loses a dear friend in Courtney Call

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News.

HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria Island lost a good friend with the recent passing of Courtney Call.

Call, 43, was a Holmes Beach resident who spent several years working as a bartender at the Anchor Inn in Holmes Beach and at TommyKnockers Saloon in Bradenton Beach. She leaves behind her 16-year-old son, Matthew Curry.

Christina Redden created a GoFundMe fundraising account for Matthew.

“On Saturday, June 5th, we lost a beautiful soul, Courtney Call. Courtney passed suddenly in her sleep overnight, leaving behind her 16-year-old son, Matthew. This page was created in advocacy of Matthew for his mother’s cremation and for his financial needs moving forward. Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated. Many thanks to all for your love and support,” says the statement Redden posted at the fundraising page.

The GoFundMe page can be found at: https://au.gofundme.com/f/courtney-call-memorial-benefitting-matthew-curry.

A celebration of life will be held at TommyKnockers Saloon in Bradenton Beach at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 18 – with a sunset memorial on the beach across the street from the Wicked Cantina and TommyKnockers.

The Anchor Inn in Holmes Beach will host a small memorial ceremony and a large fundraising event and auction for Matthew at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23.

According to Anchor Inn owner Darla Tingler, Matthew was visiting family members in Maine at the time of his mother’s passing. Tingler said Call worked off and on at the Anchor Inn for eight years.

“Courtney would do anything for anybody. She would help someone else before she took care of herself,” Tingler said.

Regarding the June 23 fundraiser, Tingler said, “We’ve had a tremendous response to our request for donations. William Annis, from Island Vacation Properties, had one property owner donate a two-night, weekend stay at a beachfront home; and Jeff Higgins is helping us set up an online auction. Check the Anchor Inn’s Facebook page for fundraiser updates and donation opportunities.”

Island loses a dear friend in Courtney Call
Courtney Call, (fifth from right/black T-shirt), was tending bar at TommyKnockers in June 2020 when Florida’s bars were allowed to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

When asked about Call’s passing, TommyKnockers’ owner Frank Commendatore said, “I loved her like family. That fiery redhead will be sorely missed. She was a beautiful, kind-hearted soul.”

Courtney remembered

Call’s passing prompted several Facebook posts from those who knew and loved her.

In her post, Pamela Lazaroff wrote, “Our friend Courtney Call had one of the biggest hearts on the Island! She will be greatly missed! Feels like we have misplaced a key puzzle piece in our community. To honor her, we can support each other and carry on her unwavering kindness to those around us.”

Patrick Hannigan’s Facebook post said, “Courtney was one of the first people I met on the Island, she introduced me to many good people, told me ‘who was who,’ helped with whatever came up and always had food and water for Tulley (the lab) at TK’s so he wouldn’t feel left out. She made a fellow ‘Yank’ feel very welcome on AMI! Terrible, terrible loss to the Island, condolences to all.”

Billy Lavelle’s Facebook post said, “She was way too young to leave. Courtney always put everyone else first – sometimes too much, but that was Courtney. If someone needed to eat, she fed them. If someone needed a ride somewhere, Courtney would take them. If you just needed a phone call or a visit, Courtney was there. She had a heart as big as the moon. The few times she would express her anger, that Boston Irish accent would come out and was quite funny to listen to. I will miss you. Fly High with all the angels up in Heaven. Say Hi to Jimmy Heat, Kyle, Rich, Sabrina and all the others gone too soon.”

In her Facebook post, Call’s cousin, Lindsey Umeh, wrote, “She was just a couple months older than me. She was one tough cookie who always spoke her mind and was unapologetic for it. I admired that. She was a great mom to her son and did whatever needed to be done. She lived a tough life but never made excuses. She loved family. I absolutely took for granted her age and time because I thought she had decades left. My heart absolutely breaks for her son and brother. Love ya Court! Hope you’re causing a ruckus already! I have no doubts that you are…”