Gentlemen’s Club to ‘roast’ Commissioner Mann
On Saturday, Oct. 29, The Gentlemen’s Club of Fort Myers will hold a Celebrity Roast of Lee County Commission Chairman Frank Mann.
It will be their 20th Roast, this year benefiting the Nature Park Foundation at the Shell Factory.
The Gentlemen’s Club has been meeting for many years for enjoyable dinners, cigars and stories, and to help benefit local charities, said Pamela J. Cronin of the Shell Factory.
Her husband, Tom Cronin Sr., will be the master of ceremonies.
“This should be our best roast ever, as Commissioner Mann is the wittiest man I know,” he said.
Several tried and proven funny roasters will include Larry Hart, Joe D’Alessandro, Marietta Mudgett, Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott, and State Attorney Stephen Russell, who will give it their best shot to roast Mann.
“During our roast, County Commission Chairman Frank Mann will be subjected to comedic insults, (limited) praise, outlandish true and maybe true stories, and heartwarming tributes. No one is better able to take the jokes in good humor and not as serious criticism and dish it right back,” said Tom Cronin.
Frank will be surrounded by friends, fans, well-wishers, and possibly a few detractors, all of whom can receive some of the same treatment during the course of the evening.
This year’s charity that will benefit from the event is the Shell Factory’s Nature Park. Recently completed renovations have enhanced the attraction which is currently open Tuesday through Sunday and, beginning Oct. 31, open seven days a week.
A beautiful botanical trail winds through the habitats of more than 300 animals, reptiles, fish and birds. The Petting Farm, EcoLab (Ecological Laboratory) and Park are home to camels, lamas, turkeys, bunnies, lemurs, gators, armadillo, skunks and many more creatures available for viewing, petting and educational activities, said Pamela Cronin.
The event will be held in the Dolphin Room at the Shell Factory, with open bar from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served from 6:30 to 7:30, when the nonsense will begin. Information and reservations may be obtained by calling 995-2141, ext. 117 or by email to tomsoffice@shellfac-tory.com.