Beacon’s 12th annual fundraiser is Dec. 3-5 at Tarpon Lodge
According to board member Elsie Stearns, The Holiday House of Hope is the largest fundraiser the Pine Island Beacon of Hope undertakes, making it the most important annual event for the organization.
This year’s Holiday House will take place at the Tarpon Lodge on Friday, Dec. 3, from 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 4, from 4-9 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec, 5, from 1-4 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. This includes hors d’ oeuvres and lunch for the children on Sunday.
Reservations for dinner at the lodge during the event are highly recommended.
Stearns said there will be some new vendors this year, which is exciting as the Holiday House event has become a favorite tradition among many locals.
“This year, we’re excited to have all the vendors outside under the three tents, and on Sunday, from 1-4, we’re bringing back family day. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, deejay Frankie will be doing line dancing with the kids. The elementary school is going to provide tables for crafts. The Little League will do an event for the kids and Bobby Holloway will do kids cast-netting lessons. The Matlacha Hookers are going to be there, the Fire Department will roast hot dogs and CW Fudge will have popcorn samples for the kids,” Stearns said.
In addition to holiday shopping for visitors, the event will benefit the Beacon with a basket from each vendor to be raffled off, as well as the table-top trees available along with an holding auction for various products, goods and services from local businesses, such as Four Winds Marina, Bobby Holloway, Tow Boats, Captains for Clean Water, and Useppa Inn and Dock.
The Pine Island Art Association will also have a tree for auction, said Stearns.
Everyone can come and do some holiday shopping, said Stearns, support local businesses and support the Beacon of Hope.
“I always say that the Beacon umbrellas the island as a whole. There are many amazing organizations on the island, but the Beacon tends to be an umbrella because they do everything from diapers for newborns to Beacon Bites for the elderly, as well as everything in between, like education, mental wellness, classes to quit smoking, not to mention the thrift shop,” Stearns said.