By Sharon Still
It is time for the annual South Shore Honorary Mayor’s Race and this year the South Shore Chamber of Commerce is doing things a little differently. While each candidate still has a charity of choice, money is being raised by selling raffle tickets for prizes donated by local businesses rather than the traditional way it has been run in the past where candidates host a slew of competing events to try to solicit donations. For each ticket sold, 50 percent goes to the candidate’s charity and 50 percent is dedicated to the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $20 each and the purchaser will have the chance to win a basket valued at a minimum of $550.
Heather Barr, C1 Bank
When Ruskin resident Heather Barr is not working as Banking Center Manager at C1 Bank in Apollo Beach, she spends much of her time volunteering and raising awareness for causes that are near and dear to her heart.
In her run for Honorary Mayor, she has chosen the Ruskin VFW Post 6287 as her charity for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, her grandfather Ron Wolfe, her mentor and a veteran himself, is a lifelong member of this post where she has spent time getting to know the patrons as well as the work the post does for teachers, students and others. She even held her wedding reception there.
Nominated by her dear friend, Mandy Cassiano from Wee Boutique, Barr said this is just the kind of thing that makes her tick. She commented, “I never sit still and stay very busy. One of the things I enjoy doing the most is helping others.”
Barr will be spotlighting her candidacy at an event at C1 Bank, located at 6542 U.S. Hwy. 41 in Apollo Beach on Friday, December 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m. This event is open to the public and there will be nearly two dozen vendors displaying their wares.
“It is a great way to get some Christmas shopping done,” Barr said.
Barr can be reached at 658-1200.
Scott Kenny, Ohhh So Nifty
Also vying for the title of South Shore’s Honorary Mayor is Scott Kenny, who owns Ohhh So Nifty, a store that resells upscale trendy furniture and home accessories, located at 229 Apollo Beach Blvd.
“The Honorary Mayor’s Race is a great way to give back to the community, meet new people and have fun doing it,” said Kenny.
A Brandon native, Kenny is raising funds for the American Cancer Society.
“Cancer has touched all of our lives whether it’s a friend, family member or yourself,” he commented, adding that it is his hope to raise support given by the American Cancer Society through its various programs like the Hope Lodge that provides free lodging to patients and their caregivers who are traveling for their treatment at cancer centers such as Moffitt. Visit www.cancer.org to view upcoming events and programs.
People interested in supporting Kenny are encouraged to stop by Ohhh So Nifty or call 645-3537.
Jason Fredricks, Legal Shred, MedXwaste
Jason Fredricks, co-owner of Legal Shred and MedXwaste, a biomedical waste removal company, also has thrown his hat in the ring to become the next South Shore Honorary Mayor. He is raising money for the Good Samaritan Mission, whose vision statement is, “Through knowledge, we inspire the community to find physical, emotional and spiritual healing.” The organization hosts a farmer’s market, events and also offers a unique type of educational opportunity. Classes offer a balance of information, discipleship, prayer and relationship building, and are offered in a variety of areas including cooking, computer skills, parenting, financial literacy and more. After completion of a class, students are awarded a token that they then use to select items such as food, toiletries and diapers.
Community activist Anne Madden, who recently passed away, was passionate about Good Samaritan Mission and Fredricks said that he promised Madden before she passed that he would run for Honorary Mayor and raise money for Good Samaritan Mission.
“I am making her mission my mission for this fundraiser and hope to help Pastor Cruz to continue to help people help themselves,” he added.
Tickets for the raffle to support Fredricks and the Good Samaritan Mission can be purchased at Legal Shred, located at 11806 U.S. Hwy. 41 S. in Gibsonton or at East Coast Pizza, owned by Fredricks brother Aaron. East Coast Pizza is located on Big Bend and Lincoln Roads. Call 445-7301 for further details.
The winner of the South Shore Honorary Mayor’s Race will be announced at the South Shore Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Banquet on January 22, 2016, but the raffle prizes will distributed in December, so the time to buy tickets is now. Visit the South Shore Chamber of Commerce office, located at 137 Harbor Village Dr. in Apollo Beach or call 645-1366 to purchase tickets and find out more.
