FORT
LAUDERDALE, FL - Featuring sensational mega-yachts, a
spectacular fireworks display, and Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts Band
headlining the Saturday Night Gala, the
Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward
County’s 27th Annual ShowBoats International Rendezvous was the biggest and
best event yet. Founded by Rita and Rick Case of Rick Case Automotive Group and
under the direction of Event Chairs Jessica & Mike Busacca and Steven M.
Mariano and Sara Olenechuk, the event took place November 13-15, 2014 at the
beautiful Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas, benefiting the Boys &
Girls Clubs of Broward County. The
weekend included an appearance by Actor John Ratzenberger, who is best known
for his role as Cliff Clavin in
Cheers and his recurring
supporting/minor cast roles in Pixar films.
The
three-day weekend of festivities kicked off with the Thursday night “Dine
Around the Docks” Yacht Hop on November 13. Guests dressed in nautical chic
attire were treated to ‘the good life’ as yacht owners and captains did their
best to out-do one another and impress their newly boarded guests. The weekend
opened with a tremendous fireworks display presented by Sparktacular sponsored
by the Mariano Foundation, while guests toured the yachts and enjoyed fine
wine, gourmet food and Island-inspired entertainment.
Continuing
with the fun, Friday, November 14, the festivities included a Denim &
Diamonds party with dinner, dancing and live entertainment by No Limits,
gourmet food stations and cocktails. Saturday, November 15 featured
various events aboard participating yachts with games and activities. The
action-packed weekend concluded with a black-tie-optional Gala featuring an
exciting live auction, gourmet dinner, and special entertainment by
Jim
Belushi & The Sacred Hearts Band. The evening concluded with The
Mariano Foundation matching four new Admiral Club Members donations.
Additionally
during Saturday’s gala, James E. McDonnell IV was honored by the Boys &
Girls Clubs of Broward County for his service over the past decade and
contributing over 1 Million dollars. Mr. McDonnell was inducted into the
Dream Makers Society which includes Felix Sabates, Rita & Rick Case,
Florence & Larry DeGeorge, Marti & Wayne Huizenga and Linda &
Douglas Von Allmen. Dream Makers inductees are individuals who have established
a long term commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs for at least ten years, have
played a vital role in the development of a program or event that has had a
significant impact on the success of the organization and have personally
contributed funds in excess of one million dollars.
Rita Case with the Bahamas National Children’s Choir
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“This
year was a tremendous success as we returned to Atlantis to celebrate our 27th
year under the unmatched leadership of Event Chairs Jessica & Mike Busacca
and Steven M. Mariano and Sara Olenechuk,” said Brian Quail, President/CEO of
the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. “I am proud to say that this
event, which is produced by volunteers with no paid producers or promoters, has
raised more than $30 million to date for our organization and the 12,500
at-risk youth it serves. Now we are on to finalizing the planning of our next
big event for the children – the ninth annual Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance.”
The
ninth annual Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance presented by Mercedes-Benz and
AutoNation will be held February 20-22, 2015 at the Boca Raton Resort &
Club. All proceeds from the three-day weekend of festivities benefit the Boys
& Girls Clubs of Broward County. Friday, February 20 will feature the
duPont Registry Live! Hangar Party at the Boca Raton Airport; Saturday, February
21 is the black-tie optional gala featuring a live auction like no other and
back by popular demand, a performance by headlining entertainment, renowned TV
star and comedian Howie Mandel; and Sunday, February 22 will feature the famed
Automobile & Motorcycle Exhibition showcasing more than 200 of the finest
collector cars and motorcycles from around the country. All events are open to
the public with tickets sold separately. To purchase tickets or for more
information please call (954) 537-1010 or visit www.bocaCDE.com.
