A nonprofit will host an event this weekend where patrons can see drinks mixed and have tables catered to by \u201clocal celebrity\u201d bartenders and servers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens\u00a0will host its second-annual \u201cShaken, Stirred & Served\u201d fundraiser at Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery in Cape Coral on June 14 from 4 to 7 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u2019s mission with 100% of all tips go directly to the nonprofit.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople typically are going to enjoy a meal out anyway, so why not go when it\u2019s it can benefit a great organization?\u201d Angela Katz, LARC\u2019s executive director, said. \u201cLARC has been serving our community for over 72 years. Everything we do is designed to help maximize a person\u2019s independence and employment success. We serve individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Attendees are encouraged to bring friends, a thirst, and generosity.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAll 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,\u201d Katz said. \u201cThat additional funding is critical. It\u2019s wonderful when we see local businesses like Nevermind, and ownership that believe in giving back to the community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Celebrity bartenders include:<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 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<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Mel & Scott of Mel & Scott In The Morning Gator Country 101.9, Southwest Florida\u2019s Country Station<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Tommy Bohannon, Financial Advisor, Baystate Financial\/Former NFL Player<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got some just really wonderful community leaders that also believe in giving back and are willing to come out and have fun with us,\u201d Katz said. \u201cWe have our reigning champion, Mark Collins, who won last year with the most tips and Siobhan Chester, who\u2019s just an amazing community advocate and leader. Mel and Scott from Gator Country are super fun, and then Tommy Bohannon is a former NFL player in financial advisor. We\u2019ve got a great group that believe in the cause, believe in and support the cause.\u201d<\/p>\n
Katz said last year\u2019s even brought an electric atmosphere, with the hopes this year\u2019s will follow suit and then some.<\/p>\n
\u201cBells will be ringing when the tips are coming in, which creates some competition between the different bars,\u201d she said. \u201cThey\u2019re split up into three sections and it\u2019s just a great \u2014 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Established in 1954, LARC is a training center for success for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. LARC serves more than 300 individuals annually, and participants range from 14 to 83.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s main campus is at 2570 Hanson St. in Fort Myers. LARC also operates two residential groups in Cape Coral.<\/p>\n
Katz said while the main campus is in Fort Myers, a lot of LARC\u2019s work is done in Cape Coral.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven though our campus is in Fort Myers, the majority of the individuals we serve actually are residents of Cape Coral. So sometimes that\u2019s a little deceiving,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Katz credited Nevermind for hosting the event and opening up its doors on a day they are usually closed.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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,\u201d she said. \u201cTo me, it\u2019s an investment in the community.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n