Photo by Huth and Booth Photography
Pictured (left to right): 2012 Honorary Mayor of Riverview Lisa Kennedy, Mary Boyd, Elijah Heath and Molly Blanton.
There is no real political power linked to the office, but Honorary Mayor is a cherished position in the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce. It’s a competitive race, with the winner raising the most money for his or her charity of choice.
In June, a large group of Riverview residents gathered at AmbeJack’s Bar and Grill on Boyette Rd. for the annual tradition of ‘tossing of the hat’. The event marks the beginning of the Honorary Mayor Race. Everyone attending the event was asked to wear a hat, so the mystery would be just who would throw their hat in the ring? Only those wishing to run for the office actually did.
With a drum roll, three members tossed their hats in to announce their candidacy. They are: Molly Blanton, Boy Scouts of America-Gulf Ridge Council; Elijah Heath, FishHawk-Riverview Rotary and Mary Boyd, C1 Bank. Tanya Doran, director of the chamber, said “The candidates will spend the next three months hosting fundraisers to support their charities and the winner will be announced in October.”
Molly Blanton will be supporting the Boy Scouts of America; Elijah Heath will be raising funds for the FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Club Foundation and Mary Boyd will be fundraising to help A Kid’s Place and YMCA Camp Christina.
A portion of all candidates’ efforts will also go to help support the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce.
The Honorary Mayor will actively participate in chamber activities and represent the chamber throughout the county. The Greater Riverview Chamber is very proud of the current Honorary Mayor, Lisa Kennedy, owner of Alley Cat Pest Control, who has worked tirelessly in addition to running her own business and being a key player in the South Shore Young Professionals Association.
Watch for announcements about fun and exciting events coming up and help support your community, the charities and your favorite candidate.
For information, contact the chamber at 234-5944 or visit www.riverviewchamber.com.
