Executive chair of the Marco American Cancer Society and Hospice Board Member
Mary Baron knew the Villa Venezia Dream Home Tour would be one of their major
fund-raisers. Baron came up with the idea of partnering the two charities at the
same event as a way to draw the community of Naples and Marco Island together.
"I knew it would reach more people that way," Baron said.
Volunteers
from both organizations supported the fund-raiser. Chairperson for the event was
Elaine Orr from the ACS. Hospice Director of Fund-raising Gretchen Landolt and
ACS volunteer Steve Fox sold chances for the drawing. Items included an original
oil painting by Studio Galleries, a gold beaded necklace from Jewelry by Laura
at the Marriott, a wall hanging donated by Pam Novakovich, and a Whimsical Golfer
by Artist Ned Moulton.
"This was a wonderful opportunity for Hospice of
Naples to partner with the Marco Island American Cancer Society," Landolt
said. "We've never done an event like this, and it's wonderful."
Chef
Kevin Martin from Hideaway Beach Club prepared all the food for the event. Tables
set up by the pool and surrounding patio held assortments of canapés, poached
salmon, fruit and cheese, fancy crackers and lobster dip, chocolate dipped strawberries
and assorted trays of mini-pastries. White wine and soft drink selections were
offered to guests.
Guests were thrilled with George Varga who learned to
play the piano after age 15. Varga was born in Budapest, Hungary, but escaped
in 1956 after the Soviets crushed the Hungarian revolution. After retiring from
General Electric at the end of 25 years, Varga recorded two solo piano CDs and
recently reunited with his old Satin Doll orchestra members to make three more
CDs. Varga donated his time and talents to the ACS/Hospice Villa Venezia fund-raiser,
playing selections for guests on the grand piano as they arrived.
Over 300
guests toured the Villa Venezia inside and outside by the pool and patio areas
on various levels.
"We were pleased that we were able to accommodate so
many people comfortably," Van Hoesen said as he mingled among the guests
with his wife, Alice.
Referring to the enormous building project, Van Hoesen
explained, "Everyone I was involved with on this whole project was part of
my joy."
Sponsors for the event were Hideaway Beach Club, Lynn Orr Capitol
Management Group, First National Bank of Florida, Marco Island Home Inspections,
George Varga, Paradise Shrimp Company, Publix and Winn Dixie.
Hospice of Naples
and American Cancer Society, Greater Marco Island Unit divided donations of over
$25,000.
