Pine Island cares for Parsons
Christmas and the New Year will be a bit better for the Parsons family, thanks to the benevolence of Jim Frock of Sandbar Productions.
When Frock learned of the accident which took the life of Trey Parsons and seriously injured his father, David, he got on the phone to round up entertainment and food to hold a benefit for the family.
“I wanted to do an all-day event so more folks could attend,” Frock said. “The Junior Olympics is being held at the ball field that day so we look forward to families coming over after that.”
The gates will open at 10:30 a.m.. and at 11 a.m. Pastor Heidi Grueser from Pine Island Community Church will preside over a short prayer service.
“Kerri, from the duo Gary and Kerri will sing Amazing Grace as well as the National Anthem,” Frock said. “The Parsons need prayers as well as financial help.”
Frock says prayers for shrimp will also be needed, as the shrimping has not been good lately.
“Mike Biggler from the Capt. CJ and Steve Phanco from the Miss Ronnie are doing their best to get us enough shrimp,” he said. “But we definitely have plenty of food since we’ve also got stone crab claws and Pine Island clams, seafood chowder, crab cakes, smoked mullet and Mel Meo’s mullet dogs, plus we’re roasting a hog and grilling hamburgers and hot dogs.”
The event also will include a silent auction of an original piece of art donated by Matlacha artist Leoma Lovegrove. “Years ago I painted the Carter boat, which is the shrimper David Parsons ran,” she said. “In fact, First Lady Rosalynn Carter bought a print of it as have hundreds of others who have visited my gallery. This is the first original I have released from my early days painting in Matlacha. I am hoping the original piece of art will benefit this worthy cause.”
Frock has secured permission for a bonfire so the event can go on beyond 5 p.m. “The weather report says it will be about 80 degrees during the day but once the sun goes down, it can get chilly.” he said.
The benefit will be held at 5149 Pine Island Road, about a half mile east of the four corners. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 11 to 16, and kids ten and under are admitted free. For more information or to make a donation if you cannot attend, call Jim Frock at 283-1674.