December Creative Coast Concert is all about the kids
Christmas Toys for Girls and Boys will be the theme for the December Creative Coast Concert with host Kip Lawrence. While these monthly, seasonal events are usually free to concert goers, for the third consecutive year, Lawrence and The Yard Dogs, will ask that each person attending the December event bring a new unwrapped toy for a needy island child.
“This show is my third Christmas Toys for Girls and Boys and I hope for it to be the best yet,” said Lawrence. “All the toys go to Peg Harmon and her band of merry elves where they are wrapped beautifully and presented to FISH. From there, Santa delivers them to all the good, little girls and boys on Pine Island who need a little extra something. Our goal is to make sure that no child goes without this Christmas.”
Each year, the Pine Island organization, FISH, wages its Christmas Basket Brigade to collect and distribute toys to children on Pine Island and according to organizer, Peg Harmon, the need this year is even greater than ever.
“If our back-to-school clothes drive is any indication, the need here on the island has continued to grow and without the help of the good folks of Pine Island we would not be able to bring Christmas to all of the families in need each year,” said Harmon. “We wish Kip Lawrence and his helpers the best of luck with the Christmas Toys for Girls and Boys benefit and cannot thank them and all of the others who make a great effort to help with the Christmas Basket Brigade each year.”
Lawrence also said that those who are unable to attend the Creative Coast Concert on Friday evening can contribute a new unwrapped toy or make a monetary donation any time before the show at Olde Fish House Marina, 4530 Pine Island Road in Matlacha or at the Florida Gallery, 10954 Stringfellow Road in Bokeelia.
Joining Kip Lawrence and the Yard Dogs during the event will be nationally acclaimed cartoonist and musician, Roy Schneider. According to Lawrence, Schneider first made his mark as a syndicated cartoonist, penning the classic “Humble Stumble” which appeared on the funny pages throughout the country including Southwest Florida. Following his retirement a few years ago, Schneider devoted himself to a launching a new career as as singer/songwriter and is often accompanied by his wife, Kim Mayfield. Often humorous, Schneider’s songs also are of a thought-provoking nature.
The Creative Coast Concert and Christmas Toys for Girls and Boys toy drive will take place at the Olde Fish House Marina in Matlacha on Friday, Dec. 10, beginning at 6 p.m. Lawn chairs and coolers will be permitted and Olde Fish House will offer fresh seafood dishes for purchase throughout the evening.
For more information about contributing to the FISH Christmas Basket Brigade, call Peg Harmon at 283-3874 or Mary Jo Roane at 283-7868.