ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria’s Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute honored those who gave their lives in service to our country. The ceremony also recognized those who served and survived.
Held on Monday, May 26, this year’s Patriotic Symphony Salute took place inside The Center of Anna Maria Island gymnasium because a portion of City Pier Park is still being used as a post-hurricane temporary post office.
Featuring the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra, the annual city-hosted Patriotic Symphony Salute was initiated nine years ago by then-mayor, Dan Murphy, an Army veteran who served on a gun boat in the Mekong River Delta during the Vietnam War in 1968 and 1969.
“I’m so pleased this tradition is being carried on and that we’re honoring our veterans and recognizing the sacrifices they made for our country,” Murphy said before the ceremony began. “That’s why I started this: to honor and give recognition to those who made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their life for their country.”
Presiding over his first Memorial Day ceremony since being elected mayor last fall, Mayor Mark Short invited Bishop Michael Garrison to give the invocation.
Bishop Michael Garrison gave the invocation at the invitation of Mayor Mark Short. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“On this Memorial Day, we gather to remember; we gather to give thanks; we gather to honor all whose ultimate sacrifice has ensured the blessing we experience in these United States,” Garrison said. “In our nation’s history, more than a million women and men have lost their lives in our nation’s conflicts. Give us grace as a people to value and appreciate their sacrifice that provides the freedom we enjoy.”
An orchestra trumpeter played “Taps” after the Manatee High School Jr. ROTC Color Guard presented the colors. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
After the Manatee High School Jr. ROTC Color Guard and orchestra drummer Dave Morgan presented the colors, an orchestra trumpeter played “Taps” in honor of those who perished in the line of duty.
After the orchestra performed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Short thanked everyone for coming. He also thanked the color guard and he recognized the former mayor for his role in founding the city’s annual Memorial Day salute.
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short presided over the city’s Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Short then asked the spouses, significant others, widows and widowers of veterans to come forward to be recognized and receive a yellow rose from city staff. Members of each military branch were then called forward and recognized according to the branch they served in, with the orchestra performing each branch’s theme song as those veterans came forward.
After the service members were honored, Short turned the proceedings over to conductor Leonard Murphy for the symphonic salute.
Former Mayor Dan Murphy, center, was among the Army veterans recognized. – Joe Hendricks | SunThese Navy veterans were among those recognized for their service.- Joe Hendricks | Sun
Before the first song, the conductor said, “I would like to recognize one individual, a good friend of mine. Joe Bruno Sr. celebrated his 98th birthday two days ago. He’s a Navy veteran and served on the battleship New Jersey. He’s known in this area as ‘Mr. Trumpet.”
Bruno comes from a family of circus musicians and musicians and he was a well-known musician in the Sarasota area.
Navy veteran and musician Joe Bruno Sr. attended Patriotic Symphony Salute. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The symphony salute began with “Tribute to the Armed Forces.” Additional selections included “America the Beautiful,” “The Mansions of the Lord,” “American Patrol,” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Leonard Murphy conducted the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Before performing John Phillip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” Leonard Murphy told a humorous tale about his service as a Navy bandsman in 1954 and being ordered to march in an ad-hoc Fourth of July parade through a small town outside of Cannes, France – a musical endeavor that earned Murphy and his Navy bandmates a mid-parade beer break after playing the beloved song at the request of an American parade attendee.
The symphonic performance ended with the conductor asking the audience members to stand and join in singing “God Bless America.”
After the performance, Short called the attending city staff members forward, recognized their efforts and thanked them for the assisting with the city-hosted ceremony.
Sloane Self, Pat Short and Emmy Self enjoyed the Memorial Day event. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
During his closing remarks, Mayor Short offered a special thanks to his wife, Pat, because this Memorial Day also happened to be their 41st wedding anniversary.
The Anna Maria city staff was recognized and thanked for their efforts. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
North Shore Café owners Colleen and Scott Geller attended the ceremony with their daughter, Vivian Rose. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Anna Maria General Manager Dean Jones served in the Marine Corps. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
The audience stood and helped sing "God Bless America" to end the symphony salute. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
The chorus and orchestra sounded great inside The Center gymnasium. Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra performed patriotic songs. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
“The St. Patrick’s Parade has been an Island tradition for many years and has become one of the highlights of spring for islanders and visitors alike,” Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan said. “It’s wonderful to see everyone take part in the revelry and ‘get their Irish on.’ It’s my national holiday so being the presenting sponsor brings me so much joy watching everyone having so much fun. It’s like finding my own pot of gold. We look forward to seeing everyone along the parade route. Get ready to yell for those beads! Sláinte.”
Dr. Susan Welsh and Tom Martin went green for the 2022 parade. – Cindy Lane Sun
The parade will begin at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, and travel down 58th Street, Marina Drive, Palm Drive, Gulf Drive, Pine Avenue and Tarpon Street, ending at The Center of Anna Maria Island at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.
Those who wish to participate in the parade need to fill out the entry form on The Center website, www.centerami.org/events. Parade participation opportunities include non-profit organizations, individuals, businesses, walking groups, floats, business vehicles, trucks and trailers, personal vehicles, golf carts and more.
There is no entry fee for non-profit organizations. The entry fee is $10 for a personal golf cart or personal vehicle and $50 for a business vehicle. The suggested entry fee for a business float is $150.
Completed entry forms and entry fees must be delivered to The Center or to Duffy’s Tavern at 5808 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.
Participants and parade vehicles must check in at 2 p.m. to receive an entry permit. The parade lineup and staging will begin at 2:15 p.m. and the parade will begin at 4 p.m. Once the parade starts, all units must continue moving forward through the pre-designated route.
Proper and legal conduct of parade participants is required. Parade participants are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous and safe manner. Drinking and driving is prohibited. Excessive public displays of intoxication are prohibited and drivers of vehicles are prohibited from tossing items from their vehicles.
ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Island Garden Club hosted its annual luncheon and fashion show at The Center of Anna Maria Island on Feb. 26. Attended by nearly 300 people, this year’s theme was “Flower Power.”
The soirée began with drinks, appetizers and pop-up shopping opportunities. Attendees enjoyed a buffet luncheon prepared by Harry’s Continental Kitchens before the main event began – the annual fashion show that featured approximately 40 local citizens modeling fashions offered for sale by participating Island area retailers.
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short modeled this beachy ensemble. – Pat Short | Submitted
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short modeled a day at the beach outfit that included pink shorts, a Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses from AMI Outfitters and a carry-along cooler. “I thought the fashion show was fabulous,” Short said. “The garden club did a magnificent job putting it on. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I think my wife (Pat) may have bought what I modeled.”
Garden Club member and City Commissioner Kathy Morgan-Johnson said, “I thought it was a big success. We had almost 300 people there. Felcia Goett, from Blooms by the Beach, helped with the decorations, along with the Garden Club members, and everyone had a great time.”
AMI Garden Club member Jana Samuels modeled for Island Cabana. - Pat Short | Submitted
Nearly 300 people attended the fashion show and luncheon. - Janet Riley | Submitted
Attendees enjoyed lunch catered by Harry’s Continental Kitchens. - Jane Riley | Submitted
The Center’s Morgan Blackburn modeled for Island Cabana. - Pat Short | Submitted
Doctor’s Office employee Emily Mulling modeled for Vintage Beach. - Pat Short | Submitted
ANNA MARIA – Executive Director Chris Culhane and the staff, board of directors and volunteers at The Center of Anna Maria Island are The Sun’s Persons of the Year for 2024.
The Center staff includes Director of Development Jillian Ptak, Operations Director Tyler Bekkerus, Marketing and Office Administrator Aris Thompson, Director of Customer Service Morgan Blackburn, Youth Programs Director Erica Nielsen, Sports Programs Manager Charles McCracken, Youth and Sports Coordinator Marissa Brink, Culture and Events Coordinator Raul Loera, Fitness and Wellness Director Chris Emkey and Front Desk Coordinators Tyler Brewer and Shelby Eikel.
The Center staff made Santa’s nice list again in 2024. – The Center | Submitted
Don Purvis chairs the board of directors that includes Daniel Anderson, Remi Drigan, Sheila Fusé, Elizabeth Hager, Caroline Leibfried, Christine Major-Hicks, Kathy Morgan-Johnson and Ben Webb.
The Center offers numerous athletic, fitness and wellness activities and initiatives for youths and adults, after-school programs, senior outings, dance classes, bingo, a book club and much more.
Tyler Bekkerus is The Center’s operations director. – The Center | Submitted
The Center hosts community events and fundraisers that include Lester Family Fun Day, the annual Murder Mystery performance, The Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament, The St. Patrick’s Day parade and more. In July, The Center and The Waterfront restaurant co-hosted the “Rise Up for River Benefit” fundraiser to assist with infant River Anasis’ ongoing battle with a rare immune deficiency disorder.
The annual Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series serves as a primary fundraiser for The Center. Taking place at The Center, this year’s series began with Sheena Easton, continues with The Wailers on Jan. 11 and includes Robby Krieger of The Doors, The Moody Blues’ John Lodge and The Infamous Stringdusters.
Culhane was already associated with The Center when he was named executive director in 2018. At the time, The Center was struggling financially and some Anna Maria officials feared the city might have to take over operations of the facility located on city-owned property at 407 Magnolia Ave.
Under Culhane’s leadership, The Center’s financial condition improved dramatically in the years that followed. The annual report for The Center’s 2023-24 fiscal year that ended in June notes The Center finished the fiscal year with a positive net income of nearly $35,000 and experienced a 50% increase in fundraising revenues that totaled $1.09 million. Ptak became Director of Development in 2023 and the report recognizes her efforts regarding the increased fundraising revenues.
Jillian Ptak became director of development in 2023. – The Center | Submitted
“We are proud of the financial management that has enabled The Center to continue delivering on its mission and invest in the future of our community,” Culhane stated in the report. “We are also incredibly grateful for our community’s ongoing support, which makes all things possible.”
HURRICANE RELIEF
In 2024, Culhane and The Center played vital roles in the Island’s hurricane recovery efforts. The Center partnered with the Manatee County Tourist Development Council to host the Rock N’ Support hurricane relief concert at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto on Nov. 15 with Lynyrd Skynyrd as the headliner and Marcus King as the opening act.
Chris Culhane and The Center helped bring the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert to Palmetto for hurricane relief. – The Center | Submitted
According to Culhane and Anna Maria Oyster Bar CEO John Horne, the concert raised nearly $380,000. The Center, the Anna Maria Oyster Bar-affiliated “Shuckin’ Good Cause” initiative and the Women’s Resource Center then partnered to distribute $500 Rock N’ Support grants for hurricane-impacted full-time hospitality and tourism industry employees, and $250 grants for part-time employees, who work on Anna Maria Island, Cortez or north Longboat Key. As of Dec. 23, 680 grant applications were received and 628 applications were approved for a total of $293,500. Grants can still be applied for at www. centerami.org/rocknsupportgrant/.
Culhane and The Center also assisted Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan with her hurricane relief efforts.
“When I started receiving relief supplies at my dock in the wee hours the morning after Helene hit, I immediately called Chris and said, ‘Get The Center open. We are bringing supplies,’” Duncan said. “A handful of neighbors and friends pulled together and The Center relief efforts began. I organized off-Island supply donation drop-off locations and trucks to bring the supplies to The Center. It was truly amazing to see what unfolded so quickly.”
Chris Culhane and Darcie Duncan teamed up to bring hurricane relief to Anna Maria Island. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Culhane and The Center also partnered with Duncan and others on the “Let’s Give Thanks Together” community gathering that resulted in 400 free Thanksgiving dinners being served to community members at The Center on Thanksgiving Day.
Duncan praised Culhane’s leadership skills, his level-headedness, his open mind and his willingness to listen to others as situations arose and evolved. She also praised “the incredible Center staff” that helped Culhane implement The Center’s hurricane relief responses.
The Center is also currently assisting with the Stimart family’s Build Back the Beach post-hurricane shoreline replanting project taking place from Bean Point to Sycamore Avenue on Jan. 25-26. The Center is assisting with volunteer recruitment efforts and volunteers can register for one of three planting shifts at this link.
COMMUNITY PRAISE
During his recently-completed 10-year tenure as Anna Maria mayor, Dan Murphy had many interactions with Culhane and The Center.
“Immediately after the hurricanes, The Center stepped up and became the hub for the Island’s recovery,” Murphy said. “They not only provided hot meals and much-needed supplies, but they also became the focal point for volunteers from the mainland who wanted to help with the cleanup. I was amazed at all the good deeds they did. The Center played a critical role in restoring normalcy.”
In June, Murphy and the city commission provided Culhane and The Center with $50,000 to help replace The Center’s aging air conditioning system and $28,000 for a restroom remodeling and shower installation project.
When recommending commission approval of the funding requests, Murphy said, “I firmly believe that improving our own property is the right thing to do. I also like the way the community center has been running for the last couple years. There were times when I worried about having to take over that community center because it was adrift. I have to congratulate Chris and his staff on bringing it back in line. You’re running a good operation there.”
November marked the ninth year that Chris Culhane has been associated with The Center. – The Center | Submitted
Regarding The Center’s hurricane relief efforts, longtime city commissioner and new Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short said, “The Center was amazing in its efforts to help Island residents after the hurricanes and I commend Chris, his team, the volunteers and the donors who all came together in a critical time of need. Their efforts helped redefine what The Center can do to support our Island.”
Former Director of Development Jim McDaniel said, “Chris has learned so well how to manage and balance his responsibilities. Whether it is donating a kidney or dropping everything to support a friend in need, caring for the Island and its people is his passion.”
ANNA MARIA – After nine weeks of regular season play, the fall adult co-ed soccer league heads into the “play-in” games to determine which eight teams will make the playoffs. With 10 teams in this season’s competition, the top four teams battle it out for the final two post-regular season spots.
Language Services Associates will face off against Sato Real Estate after tying against Moss Builders last week 3-3. Jana Whitehead, Juan Rodriguez and James Rodriguez scored for the Language Services team, while Stephen Adair, Erica Nielsen and Greg Moss put up the points for Moss Builders.
Sato Real Estate tied in their match up last week against the Gulf Drive Café squad 5-5.
Helio Gomez scored a hat trick, with goals scored by teammates Eliza Faillace and Ian Godfrey for Gulf Drive Café.
Ben Sato and Jonathan Stern each had two goals for the Sato Real Estate team. Juan Vega had a solo goal in the tied ball game.
Playing the second play-in game, Gulf Drive Café and Hampton Paintings will square off on the Center pitch. Hampton Paintings lost by one goal last week against Bubble Binz.
Evelyn Long, Matt Staggs and Nate Welch did the scoring for Bubble Binz for the win. Daniel Hampton and Ethan Hampton put up the three points for the Hampton Paintings team.
AMI Dolphin Tours beat the Pool America team 4-2 last Thursday night. Scoring came off the boots of Robert Fellowes, Damir Glavan, Selena Gonzalez-Salinas and Cody Wright for team AMI Dolphin Tours.
Pool America’s two points were scored by Eduardo Schlueter and Lucas Wilson.
To close out the regular season, the top seed Solid Rock Construction team beat team Ross Built by one goal.
Scoring seven goals, Solid Rock secured its position in the playoffs. Julio Cantu and Alex Landy each scored two points, while teammates Jacek Czajkowski, Raul Loera and Keith Mahoney put the soccer ball past the Ross Built Custom Homes goalie.
Greg Ross and son Jake Ross each put two points on the scoreboard in their effort to topple their opponent. Mack Heitchue and Kevin Roman scored two points to help keep Ross Built in the game.
The first round of playoffs starts Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at The Center of Anna Maria Island. The champion will be named on Thursday, Dec. 19. Kickoff starts at 7 p.m.
ANNA MARIA – Approximately 400 free Thanksgiving meals were served during the “Let’s Give Thanks Together” community gathering held at The Center of Anna Maria Island on Thanksgiving Day.
Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan conceived and helped organize the hurricane-inspired community gathering and approximately 80 volunteers assisted with the cooking, meal service, decorating and event set-up and breakdown. The gathering took place in and around a large tent on The Center property.
Darcie Duncan, right, was joined at the gathering by her parents, Judy and Marion Duncan. – Whitney Patton Photography | Submitted
“We served 300 pounds of turkey breast, 150 pounds of dark meat, 60 pies and countless side dishes,” Duncan said in the written statement she provided.
“We also paid local restaurants to make our side dishes to help those get back on their feet. Some restaurants still just wanted to donate and we appreciated that as well,” she added, noting that numerous silent financial and in-kind donors also helped cover the event costs.
Approximately 400 Thanksgiving dinners were served. – Whitney Patton Photography | Submitted
The idea for a community gathering and Thanksgiving dinner came to Duncan on a Saturday morning in early October while she was watching the “College Game Day” college football pregame show.
“That is when I heard the first Christmas commercial and I said to myself, ‘It’s going to be Thanksgiving soon and many won’t have their kitchens and homes back together,’ and from there, this event came to life. My first call was to Chris Culhane at The Center. He said, ‘Why not?’ Then I started making some calls and the event came to life,” Duncan explained.
Folks of all ages enjoyed the “Let’s Give Thanks Together” gathering. – Whitney Patton Photography | Submitted
“I must give a huge shout out to Bethany Carter and Jenn Sayko. I could not have pulled this together without them, as well as the countless donors and volunteers,” Duncan said in her statement.
“To see all our neighbors and friends come together over a meal and be able to visit, share stories and talk about what they are going through while enjoying some music and beautiful weather. It was perfect; and truly the best gift ever!” she wrote.
The gathering took place at The Center under a large tent. – Darcie Duncan | Submitted
“Let’s Give Thanks Together” was sponsored by Duncan Real Estate, O’bricks Irish Pub & Martini Bar, Chateau 13, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Duffy’s Tavern, gRub Tropical BBQ, Mermaid Pies, Graze Street AMI, Lola Wines/Gamble Creek Farms/Ed Chiles, The Mike Carter Family, US Foods, Sysco, Edward Don, Grooms Motors & Automotive, Barnes Walker, Whitney Patton Photography, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing and Tropicana.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The application period for hospitality and tourism industry employees seeking $250-$500 hurricane relief grants opened on Nov. 14.
On Nov. 13, The Center of Anna Maria Island released a three-page information sheet that details the application process and eligibility requirements for the grants available to hurricane-impacted hospitality and tourism industry employees in Cortez, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and the Manatee County portion of Longboat Key.
Rock ‘N’ Support hurricane relief grants applications can be submitted online at The Center website.
The hurricane relief funds were generated by the Rock ‘N’ Support concert at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto on Nov. 15 with southern rock legend Lynyrd Skynyrd headlining the show and Marcus King as the opening act. All of the Rock ‘N’ Support concert proceeds will benefit hurricane-impacted hospitality and tourism employees.
Rock ‘N’ Support T-shirt sales were part of the fundraising efforts. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The grants are available to hospitality and tourism industry employees who were displaced by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton and/or experienced lost wages, evacuation expenses, damage to their home or damage to their belongings.
Eligible employees must be employed at a business located in one of the following zip codes: 34215 (Cortez), 34216 (Anna Maria), 34217 (Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach), 34218 (Bradenton Beach) or the Manatee County portion of 34228 (Longboat Key). To be eligible, an employee had to be employed at a business located in one of those zip codes for six months prior to Sept. 26 and hired on or before March 26.
Full-time employees who averaged more than 25 hours per week are eligible for a $500 grant. Part-time employees who averaged less than 25 hours per week are eligible for a $250 grant. The full-time/part-time determinations will be based on the average number of hours worked during the four weeks prior to Sept. 26.
The application form includes basic questions regarding the employee’s hire date, how their employment was impacted by the hurricanes and what hardships the hurricane-related employment interruptions caused. Applicants will also be asked to upload photos or copies of their driver’s license or valid ID and copies of their pay stubs for the four weeks prior to Sept. 26.
The list of eligible food service employees includes cooks, servers, bartenders, dishwashers, hostesses, hosts and bussers. The list of eligible hotel employees includes front desk, housekeeping, maintenance, concierge and valet parking personnel. The list of eligible event industry personnel includes caterers, salespeople and operations personnel. Tour operators, including charter boat captains, watersports guides and rental support staff, are also eligible for the grants.
Applications will be reviewed in the order received. Incomplete applications will be declined and can be resubmitted. Applicants will be notified by email when their application is approved or denied.
Checks will be mailed to the address listed on the application or they can be picked up in person at the Shuckin’ Good Cause office at 6688 Cortez Road W. in Bradenton.
The grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for as long as the Rock ‘N’ Support funds are available. The grant program will end when the funds are exhausted. Applying for a grant does not guarantee receiving a grant and applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
ANNA MARIA – The people of Anna Maria Island, Cortez and the surrounding communities will come together on Thanksgiving Day for a celebration of gratitude, hope and community connection.
The Let’s Give Thanks Together community gathering will take place on Thursday, Nov. 28, from noon until 4 p.m. at The Center of Anna Maria Island, at 407 Magnolia Ave.
“This event invites neighbors, friends and families to share a meal, make lasting memories, and embrace the spirit of togetherness,” event organizer and Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan said.
“In light of recent events that have affected our community, this gathering offers an opportunity to reconnect with one another and find comfort in the bonds that make our community so special. The Center, long cherished as a hub for the Island, is the perfect setting for an event designed to bring people together in gratitude and celebration,” Duncan said.
The Let’s Give Thanks Together event will feature a complimentary Thanksgiving meal prepared by local businesses, showcasing the generosity and culinary talent of the Island. Guests can also enjoy live music, a kids’ zone with children’s activities and a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can feel at home.
“This event is about more than just a meal; it’s about connection,” Duncan said. “Thanksgiving Together is our chance to gather as a community, share laughter and stories and celebrate the strength and kindness that define Anna Maria Island and beyond.
“The event is a reflection of the resilience and warmth that make our community unique. It’s a time for neighbors to come together, not only to enjoy a meal but also to create new memories and embrace the spirit of the holiday season,” Duncan said.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support the Food Bank of Manatee. Families are also invited to share their favorite recipes for a Community Gathering Cookbook – a collection of dishes and traditions that will represent the heart of the Anna Maria Island community.
To ensure there’s enough food and seating for everyone, RSVP reservations are required. Guests can reserve a spot by visiting the eventbrite website and searching for Let’s Give Thanks Together.
ANNA MARIA – Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan, The Center of Anna Maria Island Executive Director Chris Culhane and others are organizing a Thanksgiving Day “Let’s Give Thanks Together” community gathering for Anna Maria Island residents.
The Thursday, Nov. 28 gathering from noon until 4 p.m. will be hosted at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave. Full thanksgiving meals with all the trimmings will be provided free of charge but attendees are asked to reserve their seats in advance by visiting the eventbrite website.
Regarding the gathering, Duncan said, “What I started to recognize, as I have been out visiting with residents in their homes and just listening to the needs of the community, is that people are feeling disconnected. They don’t have their normal places to gather, as many are still in the process of rebuilding. Also, it is very apparent that many won’t have a kitchen to cook in or a home to gather in with friends and family. This just pulled at my heart so I thought what better way to bring our community together than over a Thanksgiving meal – a time for all of us to gather with our friends and neighbors and reconnect. We have so much to be grateful for. Having time to connect as our community heals is so important and the outpouring of support for this event is already overwhelming.”
The Gathering Cookbook will be published after the event and recipe contributors are asked to email or text their Thanksgiving recipes to darcie@teamduncan.com or 941-725-1589. You may also bring a printed or written recipe to the gathering on the day of the event.
Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items for the Food Bank of Manatee. Volunteer sign-up sheets and additional details will be coming soon.
