Islanders Give From Their Hearts at OctoberBreast
The second annual OctoberBreast was held Oct. 9 at Miceli’s Italian Restaurant in Matlacha. The event is sponsored by From Our Hearts to promote awareness of breast cancer and to raise funds to provide mammograms and medical care for those in need.
Vincent and Joseph Miceli didn’t know what to expect last year when From Our Hearts asked them if they could host the first event.
“We had no idea how really big or important it was for this community. We’re honored to be part of this, are happy to donate the food and beverage proceeds, because it is so worthwhile,” Vincent said. “We’ll host it as long as they want.”
Their restaurant’s tiki and patio overflowed with supporters who enjoyed entertainment and meals all day long. Three bands, Burnt Out, Soap Box and Strange Arrangement, who all donated their performances, kept feet tapping and dancers on the dance floor while volunteers sold raffle tickets for a 50/50 and other donated items.
At the retail table, sales of pink ribbon T-shirts, jewelry and gifts were brisk. “I have barely had a chance to sit down all day,” said Val Cleaver, a member of the From Our Hearts board of directors. “Isn’t that great?” she added with a grin.
From Our Hearts president Karen Washburn was pleased with the turnout. “We’re already 30 percent ahead of last year in the number of screenings we have provided. The folks who have come today have been so very generous. They are really giving from their hearts,” she said.
New this year was an auction of “Ta Ta” decorated torso art and auctioneer Melissa Koferl, wearing her Mango Mania Queen tiara, kept bidding brisk and constantly reminded the crowd what their bids would accomplish. “Every $65 buys a mammogram,” she shouted into the microphone. “Come on, do I hear $300?” Although she had about lost her voice by the end of the final auction, she managed to bring in over $2,500 in bids. “Imagine that,” she said. “I’d never been an auctioneer before!”
Karen Washburn noted that the art auction brought in almost as much on its own as last year’s entire event proceeds. “One of our high bidders donated back her Ta Ta so we’ll have one for the silent auction at March’s Breast Fest.”
Wayne DeMeyere, who was the successful high bidder on a art designed by Bonnie Beers entitled “Metamorphosis,” said it was all about the artists.
“People were congratulating and thanking those who bid but, really, it was all these great artists like Bonnie who donated of their time and talent,” he said.
If you missed Sunday’s opportunity to support From Our Hearts, this Saturday, Oct. 15, Barge Party IV will be held at Two Pines in Matlacha Pass from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. to benefit From Our Hearts. Deb and the Dynamic and Ground Zero will perform.