Two Great Fundraisers and Two After Parties

It has been one of those times where the events are non-stop back to back. I barely had time to catch my breath after the weekend crawl (4 parties in 3 days and then some) and it was off to the races again with two fundraisers and two after parties (one planned and one unplanned) once again proving that to volunteer in Belize, it is always appreciated.

1. A Friend to Many

The first fundraiser was for Marcie Neumann who is back in the states undergoing cancer treatment. I was in on the behind the scenes FB messaging on this one and from the moment Sam posted the idea countless people and business stepped up to donate. Ruth from Island Time (Now Cozy Coconuts) immediately agreed to host the event, do a special menu for the evening and donate 50% of the proceeds to the cause. Right from the get go the 4:30 pm fundraiser was packed with well wishers and great live music. Sherry also brought her karaoke machine and many of the the crowd got up and entertained us. Even though most had pre-ordered food, the waiters were kept very busy trying to serve us all on a timely manner. While service was a bit slow, there was no way around it and I thought they did a great job of tracking everyone down considering how jam packed the beach bar was. Total raised was $1800 from island time plus $1200 already started with for a grand total of $3000 BZD

Raffle Prizes

In addition to a 50/50 draw, there were lots of great raffle prizes. Pest tech 14 pest control, Bella Italia, Crazy Canucks, Wayo’s Beach Bar, Lola’s, Melt Cafe and Beach Bar, Carole CG Esthetics, Robert Novak Acupuncture, Average Joes, SAGA Humane Society, J&J laundry, Sandbar, Pinocchio’s, Mimi Davis, Jane West. (If for some reason you or your business did not make it on the list please do not hesitate to leave a comment to be included and I will also forward it to the organizers.)

2. After party number one

Jack decided to hitch a ride north with Heidi, Kendall and I but he opted not to come to the after party. Since we had to drop Kendall in town and all of us agreed we were not done eating yet we decided to hit Blue Water Grill for dessert which quickly turned into a second dinner of Ahi Poke salad, pepperoni pizza and for a sweet treat after, apple crumble as well as flour-less molten chocolate cake (both with vanilla ice cream) for dessert.

3. Independence day fundraiser

Next fundraiser was SAGA Humane Society at El Fogon for Belize Independence. That is always a good time one as they close the street and make a big party. While the turn out may not have been quite as big as they had hoped for (too many people getting partied out) it was still busy and many SAGA volunteers worked very hard all night. To volunteer in Belize or help from afar email saga@btl[dot]net

Winning cook, grand total and Prizes

Honduran Enchiladas by Letty Hernandez took first prize for best Central American dish. SAGA raised $2,200 thanks to sponsors, donors and attendee’s. Raffle prizes were donated by Palapa Bar and Grill, Sandbar, Black Orchid Restaurant & Lounge, Lone Star Grill & Cantina, Top Notch, and Latitudes Cafe. Part of the Sangria was donated by Premium Wines and Spirits. (Same as above, if anyone is missing off the prize list please leave a comment)

4. After Party Number Two After SAGA we had promised Jack we would finally make it to Legends for Tuesday night jam so Heidi and I headed of to town to pick up Kendall with a short pit stop for candy on the way 🙂 To get ready for high season and a potential onslaught of carnivores, Jack is starting to get some really tasty meats from Reinland meats in Blue Creek. Since Kendall did not come out with us for the fundraiser food fiesta, he opted to try the burger with rib-eye and said it was really good. I can’t wait to try the full out carnivore platter Jack is planning on adding to the menu.