MEDIA CONTACT
Camille Cline, Chief Advancement Officer
157 South Havana Road; Venice, FL 34292
ccline@LovelandCenter.org
Office: 941.493.0016 x307; Mobile: 941-539-8872

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOVELAND CENTER RAISED $128,000 AT 14TH ANNUAL BBQ

Venice, FL (December 14, 2022)— Loveland Center celebrated its 14th Annual Barbecue Fundraiser on December 14 at Venice Community Center. Presented by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, with matches totaling $30,000 from the Albert A. Arditti Family Foundation and Band, Gates & Dramis Charitable Foundations, the center exceeded its match and overall goals, thanks to the generosity of its sponsors, guests, and silent auction winners.

Guests arrived under balloon arches and were greeted by the entire Loveland Board of Directors, leaders in our community who personify good will and great friendship. After a stop by the Ledbetter Law Group Step-n-Repeat Photo Op, the 400+ guests found their tables decked out with Suncoast Foundation-sponsored miniature Christmas tree centerpieces decorated by Loveland participants. Pinkerton Payroll & Insurance fed the crowd barbecue pork and chicken, applesauce, macaroni and cheese, green beans, cole slaw, and banana pudding, 100% homemade by Brent Pinkerton and his raft of volunteers. Venice Pier Group offered smoked salmon canapes, green chili cornbread with pimento cheese and candied jalapeno, and all-natural Meyers beef meatballs with sweet spicy sauce; British Open Pub provided a complimentary Whiskey Bar, BrewBurgers comped a Coffee Bar; and Gold Coast Eagle Distributors two huge Anheuser-Busch beer kiosks. Cafe Venice supplied a wide selection of wine.

Festivities got underway early as Evan Duke of Classic Creations in Diamonds & Gold took the stage as emcee, keeping the energy lively and momentum moving throughout the evening. Guests logged on to bid and win big in the online Silent Auction, which also allowed donors to give toward the match. After the last bite had been eaten and the Silent Auction closed, the famous Loveland Players presented vignettes from the upcoming “Jig It Up to Safety” program, set for February 24, 25, and 26 at Loveland Center. To learn more, visit https://www.lovelandcenter.org/events.

“The Loveland BBQ was a fantastic representation of our community getting together to support individuals with disabilities and help them get the services needed to live an independent life,” shared new Board Member and BBQ volunteer Toby MacDonald. “My friends and family had a great time supporting this endeavor and the participants’ performance was the highlight of the evening.” MacDonald and his team from Horse & Chaise Rentals and Property Management set up the lobby, including balloons features, photo booth, and the soon-to-be-auctioned Icon Golf Car from Affordable Golf Cars. More to come.

The match continues until 12/31/22 and everyone’s help is needed. Mail donations to Loveland Center, 157 South Havana Road, Venice, FL 34292 to the attention of the Office of Philanthropy or “Donate” at https://www.lovelandcenter.org. Funds raised will support Loveland’s transportation, scholarship, and theatre program needs.

To learn more about Loveland Center or how you can help, visit www.LovelandCenter.org.

ABOUT LOVELAND CENTER

Established in 1962, Loveland Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) live their lives to the fullest. Loveland serves more than 450 individuals across Sarasota, Charlotte, and Manatee Counties through programs that equip individuals with skills that will improve daily lives, build self-confidence, and develop a greater sense of independence. Loveland is committed to supporting all people, regardless of their ability, to be seen as equals at home and in their community.