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Extraordinary Eventz celebrates five years in business

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SPECIAL TO THE EAGLE Lisa Reece promises to fulfill your party wishes with her business, Extraordinary Eventz. This Pine Island based business has been in operation for five years and continues to thrive.

Bringing more than 25 years of experience with her to Pine Island Lisa Reece opened up shop with a new business called Extraordinary Eventz. The event planning business came into being in June of 2004 and even though the island residents faced four hurricanes that season, it didn’t put a damper on celebrations of every kind.

“One of the first parties I did took place between Hurricane Charley and Hurricane Frances, and went off beautifully,” said Reece. “This was a Harley Davidson theme party a woman here on the island was giving for her husband who had just gotten a new motorcycle. Everything was decorated in black and orange and the guests all wore biker gear. We even had a cake with the image of the husband’s motorcycle on it.”

Reece said the party included fake tattoos and casino games as well.

Reece plans parties and weddings throughout Collier and Charlotte Counties as well as Lee County. Among her most unusual weddings was one she performed in Punta Gorda.

“It was supposed to be very simple, just me and the bride and groom on the beach. When I arrived the bride got out of her car with a small dog in her arms and asked me if I had any dogs. I said no, but I like dogs. The the next thing I knew five dogs piled out of the back seat of the car,” said Reece. “So here we were on the beach, the bridge, the groom and their six dogs. The small dog, a terrier, was dressed in a hot pink dress and served as the maid of honor and the rest of wedding party consisted of five standard schnauzers.”

In addition to theme parties and weddings Extraordinary Eventz also arranges social celebrations like anniversary parties, family reunions, social club outings, baby showers, graduations parties, holiday parties, picnics and more. She also handles business events for meetings, training classes, retirement parties, award ceremonies, political functions, client outings and company picnics. Another service provided by Reece is hosting events for motor coach groups.

“Recently we had a motor coach tour group here from Iowa who that spent the day on Pine Island. We took them to Capt’n Con’s in Bokeelia and told them the story about the ghost who is said to inhabit the restaurant and then, after lunch, we traveled around the island sharing information about the island as well as some of its history,” said Reece. “We also stopped at Koucky’s Gallery and Gardens and the group was very interested in the different kinds of plants and trees that are grown here. While traveling the length of Stringfellow Road we even had a contest to see who could count the most painted poles along the way.”

Reece calls Extraordinary Eventz is a “one stop shop” as she provides full event planning services.

“We can take care of budget planning, travel and hotel accommodations, invitations, site selection, concierge services, wedding officiates, selection of caterers, florists, bakers, entertainers, photographers, theme decor, and just about anything the client wants,” said Reece. “I work with some really extraordinary vendors that can make just about anything a possibility.”

Reece also has been called on to organize several children’s parties as well.

“While we can arrange for inflatable bounce houses and sumo wrestler costumes, it seems like the old stand-byes are as popular as they have ever been,” Reece said. “Things like clowns, temporary tattoos, balloon animals and three-legged races are still in high demand.”

Reece also has thrown several theme parties as fund-raising events for seniors.

“Among the most popular theme parties we throw for seniors are the Pirate Parties and the Big Band Parties. For the Pirate Party we have a gentleman who is a retired history teacher who dresses in full pirate costume and is accompanied by his wife who also is dressed in pirate gear and plays the fiddle while he tells tales,” she said. “The Big Band theme is also very popular and for these we hire a 16-piece band that plays music from the big band era and we have a troupe of professional dancers to take the floor and help these folks re-learn the dance steps to their favorite songs. These are always very festive gala events.”

For more information about Extraordinary Eventz, visit ExtraordinaryEventz.com or call Lisa Reece in Matlacha at 282-9526.