2005 Benefit Auction and Casino Night the Biggest Yet

Clearwater - Over 700 contributors attended the 2005 Benefit auction and casino night held August 19th at the Harborview Center downtown Clearwater. According to guests attending past year's fundraiser this year's event was the biggest and best ever.

The annual auction is the only public fundraising event held by the non-profit organization. All funds raised during this event go toward fishing tournaments and other marine education and recreation programs for handicapped kids supported by Make A Difference. The 2005 event took on a new dimension by adding the "Casino Night," said Steve Wiegand, Volunteer Chairman of the Board. The board felt we needed something extra this year that would appeal to the public and with the help of all the volunteers we hit a winner, he added. Charles (Charlie) Turner, Volunteer President, said WOW! We were over whelmed!

The night was not only filled with a great array of wonderful auction items but, for some it was a blast from the past with "Elvis" sightings and even a few renditions of his songs complete with "a whole lotta shakin goin on."

Even "Marilyn Monroe" joined the party by singing "Happy Birthday" to a few of our guests. Along with 28 casino tables with lots of action, floor shows included ballroom dancers Alesia and Joe performing the Latin Tango from their dance routines entertained the audience. With DJ David Alman at the controls the audience also participated in several slide dances.

Over 300 auction items filled bid tables with something for everybody. From autographs and toys, jewelry for the ladies to fishing trips and pocket bikes for the guys, there was something for everyone.

Every guest held a chance to win a 3 day - 2 night Key West fishing vacation complete with hotel and private plane. At the end of the evening all the tickets were tumbling in a basket…and the winner was…Tyler Hamlin of St. Petersburg.