Beacon prepping for annual fundraiser
Beacon of Hope Board Member Elsie Stearns is getting ready for the 17th Annual Beacon of Hope Holiday House, which is scheduled for Dec. 4-6 at the historic Tarpon Lodge in Bokeelia.
She said each year somehow the fundraiser seems more special than the previous year’s event.
“Every year there seems to be something unique about it — for example, bringing back a piece of Mel Meo’s original artwork as an auction item,” Stearns said of this year’s fundraiser.
Working with the Wells family at the Tarpon Lodge brings its own special quality, especially at Christmas. She explained the end-of-the-year event brings much generosity from islanders, as Stearns has been in charge of Holiday House each year since its beginning.
“A lot of people have a very giving heart and this is the perfect time to share your support with the Beacon and all that we do and all the lives that we touch. It’s just a special time, no matter what way you look at it. For me, it’s an honor to serve the Beacon and to make things magical at the most magical time of the year,” she said.
This year, there will be some musicians new to the event, some new vendors and the return of featured author Marty Ambrose. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available on the grounds all three days for family photographs. The raffle table will have items from each of the vendors for a chance to win one of their items.
“I have a special Mel Meo piece of original artwork that has been sent to me from a shop in New Jersey, where Mel traveled to paint it for a dear friend and it has made its way back to Pine Island at the owner’s request. This will be available to bid on at the auction table,” Stearns said.
Appetizers will be served as part of the entry fee, and cash bars will be available while attendees shop. Dinner reservations will be available, but early reservations are strongly recommended to get a spot.
Sunday will be family day, and the Matlacha Pine Island Fire Control District (MPIFCD) will be on site cooking hot dogs, with kids crafts and activities also taking place. DJ Frankie will provide music for the children to dance to with Santa, who will arrive via the fire boat at approximately 1:30 p.m.
She said it is such an amazing way to give back to the community by shopping and supporting locals during the holidays. It is Beacon’s largest fundraiser of the year and a great time to support its continuing mission of “Helping Our People Excel.”
For more information, visit https://beaconofhopepineisland.com/.
The Tarpon Lodge is at 13771 Waterfront Drive, Bokeelia.