Focus Magazine of SWFL Hot Summer Looks | Page 158

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FUNraiser exceeds expectations

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by Sharon Arnold
Photos by Mary Kay Mickiewicz, FunPhotography

As promised, guests of Rio Carnival enjoyed an evening of fabulous food, fellowship and dancing all in the name
of raising funds to assist individuals
throughout the state who have cancer
and are financially in need. By night’s
end, the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation’s inaugural fundraiser generated
approximately $600,000 that will assist
individuals undergoing cancer treatment, may be unable to work and are
struggling to make ends meet.
The FCS Foundation assists qualified patients with non-medical living expenses,
such as rent or mortgage, utility, telephone, auto, and/or other pertinent bills.

In addition to events such as the Rio Carnival and other fundraising efforts, the
FCS Foundation is actively supported by
the physicians and employees of Florida
Cancer Specialists.
“As a result of the generosity of donors
and those attending this spectacular
event, the Florida Cancer Specialists
Foundation increased the amount of
money available to patients in need,”
said Dr. William Harwin, a board-certified
oncologist and hematologist, founder
and president of Florida Cancer Specialists. “I am overwhelmed by the heartfelt
support of the community.”

Jean Hertzog & Michael Neil, Naples Performing Arts Center perform
opening dance

Jack and Shelley Glenn

The evening began with a welcome reception featuring a silent auction with
many exclusive items, a Mount Gay
rum fruit signature cocktail and hors
d’oeuvres. Attendees then moved into
the ballroom which was alive in color
from the multi-colored centerpieces. Entertainment included the pulsating tropical carnival review of International Productions by Tahja; Bay Colony resident,
Jean Hertzog, and her dance partner,
Michael Neil; Gabriella Bodocs Lobello
and Johnny Permar with Naples Performing Arts Center; and Billy Dean & Dawn
provided high-powered music that kept
couples on the dance floor well into the
evening. Dinner was expertly prepared
by the culinary team at The Ritz Carlton,
Naples and included an entrée of Chilean sea bass and a scrumptious South
American desert.
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Pauline Pitt and Jerry Seay

Event chair, Jackie Bearse, an advisory
board member of the foundation who
has been successfully treated for breast
and lung cancer, oversaw the planning
and execution of every detail for the
sold-out event.
“Jackie’s creativity, passion and endless
energy are the reasons this inaugural
event was so successful,” added Harwin.
“Jackie, as well as her committee, is to
be commended for her dedication to this
cause that is so personal to her.”