Barrier Island Parks Society (BIPS) extends a heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to making our 2009 Green Gala "Denim and Diamonds" party a great success! The Gasparilla Inn Beach Club could not have been a more perfect setting for this year's Green Gala, and the service and dinner couldn't have been better. The waves were gently breaking on the beach with a sunset background providing a wonderful display of color. This event annually supports the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum, our nearby barrier island State Parks, and many programs for both adults and children in our community.
Sincere thanks to many dedicated members and directors who helped with all aspects of this event: Tina Marrelli, Bill Glass, Pete and Ellie Durno, Chad and Penny Lach, Frank Davis, Hugh Moulton, Sharon McKenzie, Trisha Lowe, Doug and Judy Sandbo, Bill and Tina Colehower, Carol and Nathan Forrester, Mike Giobbe, Elsie Bracken, Christian Scott-Hansen, Erika Forstman, Tim Dumas, Nancy Lingeman, Walter and Jean Meanwell, Bruce and Barbara Stirling, Larry and Pam Hannah, Jim and Lynda Grant, Mike and Sue Maine, the Florida Parks Rangers and our photographer, Heidi Marie Burke. Kudos to the generous Fishing Guides: Captains Mark Becton, Frank Davis, Rob Hayes, Nat Italiano, Mark Liberman, Waylon Mills, Tommy Locke, Eddie Potter, Mike Reark, Gary Peeples, and Doug Stewart. A special thank you to those who helped underwrite our band and other expenses: Anne and Bob Fletcher, Bill and Katie Caldwell, Mike Giobbe, and Bill and Vicky Winterer. Thanks also to our fabulous area restaurants and eateries: Boca Grande Baking Company, Daniel's Steak and Seafood, The Eagle Grille and Miller's Dockside, Fishery Restaurant, Loose Caboose, Palmetto Grill, PJ's Seagrille, Prime Time Steak & Spirits, South Beach Bar and Grille, Sisters Restaurant, Temptation Restaurant and Waterside Grill. And we salute our great Silent Auction Donors who do so much for us: Hudson's, Wini Smart, Jenni Rogerson, Jack Horner, Jack Lyons, Judy Ikenberry, John Mitchell, Cecilia Bisset, Jane Carlson, Dave Pearah, Patti Middleton, Esther Jensen, Tara Moorman, Arlene Thompson, Joyce Howe, Bill Heisel, Midge Callahan, Carolann George, Don Stewart, Ruhama's Books in the Sand, The Grapevine, Newlin's, Ariel, The Gasparilla Inn, The Boca Grande Club, The Boca Bay Pass Club, Coral Creek Club, Lemon Bay Golf Club, Palm Island Marina, Special Effects, Thoroughbred Golf Carts, Mark & Kathy Futch, Dick & Ellie Cuda, Dimitri & Stephanie Manthos, Tim Dumas, Eddie Biedenbach, Boca Grande Outfitters, James Griffith Hair Salon, Courtyard Hair, The Barnichol, Clyde Butcher Studio, Suncoast Motor Sports, Hartman's Print Center and Ocean Aesthetics. And finally our gracious thanks to Eva Johnson, Liza Strout, all BIPS volunteers, Lindsey Bender and the Gasparilla Inn staff, The Florida Park Service staff, to anyone we have missed, and to everybody who came and shared in the fun. To all of you, it was a memorable, fun event and without your dedication and assistance these things could not happen. And last but certainly not least, thank you Gasparilla Gazette for your publicity and photos every year!
Sincerely,
Jim & Lynda Grant and Mike & Sue Maine, Green Gala Co-Chairs
