Chamber’s sixth annual auction to feature mermaid art pieces
The Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce’s (GPICC) 6th Adopt a Mermaid Fundraiser will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 11 under the outdoor tiki hut at the Eagle’s Nest Restaurant.
According to GPICC Board Member Cynthia Welch, 21 local businesses each sponsored a blank template of a mermaid and then local artists were organized to adorn them into various works of art.
She said the GPICC is looking forward to the live auction and family-friendly occasion.
“Every event that we do — we always want to try and add something new — mix it up to make it something a little different, so we decided we would move the location and we would add different twists too,” Welch said.
Among the twists, three artists will be in attendance to do live paintings. Although they will not paint mermaids, they will do their own genre. She said the pieces will be auctioned off at the end of the mermaid auction.
In addition, there will be the Mermaid Coloring Corner, where youths of all ages can color drawings of mermaids. Welch said the idea was created in an effort to encourage attendees to bring their children.
“If you want to bring your children with you, they can be entertained coloring while you’re enjoying the festivities of the auction,” she said.
Starting at 4 p.m., attendees can view and enjoy the 21 mermaids that will be on display. At 5 p.m., island resident and auctioneer Isaac Holveca will take the microphone and start the live auction.
Welch said the GPICC knows Pine Island can count on the generosity of its residents as steadfast, unwavering participants at any event.
The GPICC thanked sponsor Bobby Holloway Memorial fund, along with Madison Morris, who will be present to entertain with his island blend music. She also shared sponsors Thrive by K and The Yucatan Waterfront Restaurant will have a free Mermaid Punch cocktail available to enjoy, as well as free tickets for exciting door prizes that will be given away.
“I suggest everyone come early and bring their checkbook,” Welch said with a chuckle.
The GPICC is still accepting items and gift certificates for the raffle and door prize giveaway; donors will be announced during the raffle. Donations can be dropped off at the chamber’s Welcome Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday or call 239-283-0888 to arrange for a possible pick up.
For a preview of the mermaids or the opportunity to place an opening bid on one, visit https://www.pineislandchamber.org/chamber-events/adopt-a-mermaid-fundraiser/.
For more information, contact 239-283-0888 or Info@PineIslandChamber.org.
The Eagle’s Nest Restaurant is at 10880 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia.
The GPICC’s Welcome Center is at 10530 Stringfellow Road, Suite 3, Bokeelia.
To reach PAULETTE LeBLANC / pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com, please email