Shaken, Stirred & Served: LARC to hold fundraiser at Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery
A nonprofit is hosting an event this weekend where patrons can see drinks mixed and have tables catered to by “local celebrity” bartenders and servers.
Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens will host its second annual “Shaken, Stirred & Served” fundraiser at Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery in Cape Coral on April 19 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Since 1954, LARC is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Local celebrity bartenders and servers will step behind the bar and hit the floor, competing to see who can raise the most tips in support of LARC’s mission with 100% of all tips go directly to the nonprofit.
“People typically are going to enjoy a meal out anyway, so why not go when it can benefit a great organization?” said Angela Katz, LARC’s executive director. “LARC has been serving our community for over 72 years. Everything we do is designed to help maximize a person’s independence and employment success. We serve individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring friends, a thirst, and generosity.
“All of the funds that are raised through the event directly impacts the individuals we serve, our programs, and all of the great things that we can do in the future,” Katz said. “That additional funding is critical. It’s wonderful when we see local businesses like Nevermind, and ownership that believe in giving back to the community.”
Celebrity bartenders include:
• Marc Collins, executive director of The Uncommon Friends Foundation, community leader, and philanthropist; and Shavon Chester, Health Services liaison, Cypress Cove, and community-driven leader
• Mel & Scott of Mel & Scott In The Morning Gator Country 101.9, Southwest Florida’s Country Station
• Tommy Bohanon, financial advisor, Baystate Financial/Former NFL Player
Nevermind will offer a limited menu, but the local celebs will be battling it out for bragging rights and to see who can earn the most tips.
“We’ve got some just really wonderful community leaders that also believe in giving back and are willing to come out and have fun with us,” Katz said. “We have our reigning champion, Mark Collins, who won last year with the most tips and Siobhan Chester, who’s just an amazing community advocate and leader. Mel and Scott from Gator Country are super fun, and then Tommy Bohanon is a former NFL player and financial advisor. We’ve got a great group that believe in the cause, believe in and support the cause.”
Katz said last year’s even brought an electric atmosphere, with the hopes this year’s will follow suit and then some.
“Bells will be ringing when the tips are coming in, which creates some competition between the different bars,” she said. “They’re split up into three sections and it’s just a great — a great fun time. If people are going to go out and enjoy a meal anyway this weekend, this is the best place to do it.”
LARC serves more than 300 individuals annually, and participants range in age from 14 to 83.
LARC offers life skills, vocational training, youth programs, community residential and employment services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis. LARC’s main campus is at 2570 Hanson St. in Fort Myers. LARC also operates two Residential Groups in Cape Coral.
Katz said while the main campus is in Fort Myers, a lot of LARC’s work is done in Cape Coral.
“Even though our campus is in Fort Myers, the majority of the individuals we serve actually are residents of Cape Coral. So sometimes that’s a little deceiving,” she said.
A ticket is not needed to attend, though seating will be on a first-come-first-serve basis for those who have not secured a sponsorship seat or table.
Katz credited Nevermind for hosting the event and opening up its doors on a day they are usually closed.
“It speaks volumes to an organization truly is investing in their community and are not just there to make the profit themselves, but are giving back,” she said. “To me, it’s an investment in the community.
“I think what it really sets a precedence also on inclusion. Our population has unique abilities, right? So, I mean, this is also sending a message that they believe in people of all abilities.”
For more information on LARC, the event, or to tip a bartender virtually, visit larcleecounty.org.
Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery is at 927 Cape Coral Parkway E.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com