JULY 2017 | SCENE 93 on the town father had to work three jobs to provide for his family, so she knows she can handle any negativity she faces. Her parents instilled in her at a very young age to be sincere and honest, stand up for what she believes in, and that hard work truly does pay off. And then she met Suncoast Charities board member Ron Foxworthy. In 1988, Lucy became involved as a volunteer with the Grand Prix Festival and to this day, she has watched Ron walk into a meeting surrounding a challenging situation and “agree to disagree” with the utmost class. She considers him a wonderful friend, a serious mentor, and has the utmost respect for him and what he has done for this community. Lucy has learned so much from Ron and is thankful for the incredibly positive impact he has had on her life and career. Another mentor and friend she considers lucky to have on her board is Julie Brown. Julie’s late husband, Kevin Brown, was a supportive advocate and taught her how to run the Grand Prix Race as festival director. Even after his death, Julie has been there to show support, especially when the going gets tough. Lucy’s toughest challenge today is making sure the organization’s festivals and events appeal to millennials and hopes she can also somehow encourage them to be future philanthropists. Lucy was conducting a committee meeting for the upcoming Suncoast Charities Festival and all the events, which lead up to the big day of racing. She shared with me that her group pulls the necessary permits and paperwork with the City of Sarasota each year to produce both the Fourth of July Bayfront Fireworks and the New Year’s Eve Bayfront Fireworks. The Suncoast Charities for Children in partnership with Marina Jack raises sponsorship dollars to cover the costs of both �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� public. This began nine years ago with the July 4th Bayfront Fireworks, when the City could no longer produce the event and it was in jeopardy. ������������������������������������������������������������������ we do without her at the helm? She’s such a powerhouse. Her work ethic, professionalism and attitude exemplify her personal motto, “An effort made for the happiness of others lifts us above ourselves.” FREEDOM AND OUR FOURTH! The Fourth of July, our nation’s Independence Day, has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, representatives ���������������������������������������������������������������������� the revolutionary struggle weighted a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ gatherings and barbecues. Happy Birthday America! GALLANT GREAT GATSBY Maria Brady (Choreographed Events) and Beth Bronson-Kampothecras (So Staged Event Design + Rentals) orchestrated a black-tie fundraiser, which was by far the best event I have ever been to. The details astounded and delighted the guests; women wore bejeweled gowns and “roaring” twenties-inspired accessories. Dr. Gary and Beth Kompothecras and their son Alex hosted the event at their �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� help raise funds for autism. Beth and Alex selected the theme and had fun planning this fabulous experience for their lucky guests. As we arrived, the valet opened our doors and sweet sounds of a jazzy saxophonist playing busker style music ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� greeted with Bellinis in champagne coupes. Parked at the entrance was a pristine 1993 Rolls Royce Silver Phantom II and old-fashioned paparazzi wearing long rain coasts captured our ���������������������������������������������������������������������� as we walked the red carpet attached at the end to a female model. A live red carpet! Amazing. She extended her arm guiding us up the winding rising entry to this grand estate. Two more models wearing gold lame evening gowns and tall crystal chandelier headpieces greeted us at the main entrance. Yes, the tone had been carefully set. Once inside, the 1920’s décor simply took our breath away. Exquisite vintage furniture was strategically placed by Maria Brady of Choreographed Events and So Staged, which also built a larger-than-life “ Use your voice for kindness, your ears for compassion, your hands for charity, your mind for truth, and your heart for love. ”
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