FREEPORT, Grand Bahama- Last Saturday night, December 19th, the Coral Reef
Beach Bar (at the Coral Beach Hotel) saw 100 locals turn out for the Beach
Bar’s first annual Christmas party. Steve Davies, the well-known local crooner,
provided non-stop dance music for the evening, where the food and libations
flowed like a warm breeze.
Nothing unusual about any of that really,
is there? Well there is another side to this story.
More than a dozen local businesses and
private individuals generously contributed many and much-valued prizes for the
event, which were then raffled off in aid of the Grand Bahama Children's
Home.
The Coral Beach Hotel Board of Directors
contributed significantly to the event as well, providing additional funding
and facilities. Landscaping was completed just in time and extra Christmas
lighting was installed to add to the merriment.
Mr. Mario Donato donated several gifts for
the raffle from his restaurants including Pier One, Quiznos, and Mario's Pizza.
Other valued contributors were Mr. Menis Vardoulis of Grand Bahama Farms, who
gave dinner at Le Med; Jimmy Sands of Grand Bahama Brewing Company and Sands
beer, who donated three prizes; Sawyers Fresh Market provided a $100 gift
certificate, which goes a long way in their shop; and Mr. Leo Leblanc of Island
Projects added coveted Cuban cigars and a cash donation.
Jeff Butler gave a gift certificate from
his shop Butler’s Specialty, as did the new and delicious Antoni's Specialty Pizza.
The Silveras of Reef Tours gave a gift certificate for their glass bottom boat.
Chiropractor Dr. Brian Blower offered one of his magical adjustments as another
prize, and Desmond deGregory of DAPL Farms provided a beautiful Traveler Palm.
Julia Ryan of the Garden of the Groves gave lunch for two, and Jim and Joan Neill of the Coral Reef Beach
Bar provided dinner for two.
In all, the event raised $1,000 for the
Grand Bahama Children's Home and the Beach Bar is already planning for next
year. The management and staff want to
thank the wonderful community for their support and the Children’s Home was
thrilled by the generous donation just in time for Christmas!
CAPTION: Thanks to the Christmas spirit of
Jim and Joan Neill, the Grand Bahama Children's Home received a timely gift for
the holidays. Last Saturday night the
Coral Reef Beach Bar (at the Coral Beach Hotel) saw 100 locals turn out for
their first annual Christmas party and fundraiser. Thanks to many generous donations from local
businesses a raffle was held and over $1,000 was raised for the home.
Pictured at the donation are (left to
right): Mrs. Carron Smith, Assistant Director of the GB Children's Home and Mr.
and Mrs. Neil.
