Page 1 - Martin Downs Bulletin - February '24

VOL. 26 NO. 2 www.seabreezepublications.com FEBRUARY 2024

Hibiscus Children’s Center Hosted

‘A Night Of Southern Elegance’ To Benefit Children

Hibiscus Children’s Center hosted a fabulous evening, “A donated generously to a special Call to the Heart auction directly
Night of Southern Elegance,” at the beautiful Willoughby benefiting the children and took home a Hibiscus teddy bear!
Golf Club in Stuart. This exciting affair featured a casino, Hibiscus Children’s Center is deeply grateful to our generous
incredible raffle prizes, gourmet dinner, and dancing with D.J. sponsors: Bless Your Heart – Braden & Braden, A.I.A., P.A
Brian Lemen. All proceeds directly benefited children living at Architects & Planners; Joan Damson; Michael and Nancy Del
the Hibiscus Shelter in Jensen Beach where they receive safe Priore; Richard and Deb Kessler; Frank and Patricia Noonan;
haven, educational and literacy services, medical and dental Ted and Pat Tiemeyer; Gimme Some Sugar – Brian and Aimee
and professional counseling to help them heal and overcome Kelly; B.D. & Jane McIntyre Foundation; Charles McIntyre;
the trauma they have endured. Robert Crandall and Ellyn Stevenson; RBC Wealth Management,
A Night of Southern Elegance was the ultimate celebration Nearing & Dallas Wealth Management Group; Aren’t You
of fun and glamour, with some partygoers embracing the Precious – Sally Batz and Henley Sandidge; John and Andi
spirited charm of the South in their most Southern-inspired Brennan; Dr. Al and Pam Gardner; Dick and Molly Hoffman;
outfits. The highlight of the evening was the array of games in Julie-Anne Kress; David and Joyce Powell; Team Parks; Richard
the casino, from rolling the dice to spinning the roulette wheel! and Nancy Zappala; and Well, I Declare – Timothy and Maureen
There were plenty of chances to strike it lucky and win big. Cochairs Carolynn Strom and
After guests enjoyed a delicious southern-style buffet, they Kate Mikkelson Pat and Ted Tiemeyer Hibiscus Children’s Center on page 3
Taste Of Little Italy Celebrates

17th Anniversary At Tradition Square In Port St. Lucie

The Treasure Coast’s Largest Now in its 17th year, the Taste of Little Italy, presented by stage will be something
for everyone to enjoy. The
Galbani Cheese, promises a weekend filled with entertainment,
Italian Festival food, family fun and more, served up Italian-style! Each year, Galbani “kitchen” will be
the Taste of Little Italy draws three generations of families on hot with nationally known
Via Productions Inc., the Treasure Coast with a promise to offer something special chefs like, most notably,
announced the return of the for everyone to enjoy and remember as they create memorable Galbani Celebrity Chef
Taste of Little Italy celebrating moments together that last a lifetime. Marco Sciortino from the hit
its 17th anniversary on Feb. 16 “We are committed to celebrating our Italian cultures, values TV show Come Dine with

to 18. The cultural festival known and traditions that are built on the foundation of family. We are Me, and YouTube favorite Chef Marco Sciortino of
for the Italian ambience, national grateful for all that come out and celebrate and share in the love Anthony Acampa from Fat’s Galbani
Italian American entertainers and of our heritage,” said Jerry Somma, co-founder and producer of Where the Flavor’s At serving
authentic food will be offering the festival. up Italian specialties. From Pastaio Chef Ian with Virginia
free admission to thank the community for all the years of Cheers to the next 17 years, we will offer the Aperol Spritz Sinicki from The KVJ Show on 979WRMF on Saturday at
support. The festival will be in Tradition Square. The Taste of Piazza and the Voga Prosecco and Bellini Lounge, a great place 1 p.m.; from Lasagna Love, Amy Laakman will be cooking
Little Italy is the Treasure Coast’s largest Italian festival. to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Taste of Little Sunday at 5 p.m.; from WPBF, Jossie Carbonare; and from La
Festival hours throughout the weekend are Friday, 4 to 10 Italy. Experience national and local chefs that come out to the Forcetta Chef Francesca DiFede; all will be creating special
p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Taste of Little Italy and demonstrate how to cook specialty
Admission and parking are free. Italian dishes. This year, The La Cucina Galbani cooking Taste Of Little Italy on page 4
®
Junior League Of Martin County’s Reindeer Dash A Success

The Junior League of Martin County’s 15th Annual with Santa. The league also
Rudolph’s Reindeer Dash 5K and 10K was a huge included a Toys for Tots
success, according to organizers. The event at Memorial donation drive that garnered
Park was record-breaking for both race participation and a host of new, unwrapped
fundraising. Nearly 550 runners and walkers participated, toys for boys and girls of
and the league raised more than $40,000 to support its all ages.
charitable mission. The top event sponsors
“Our Junior League members feel incredibly proud to were Echo Fine Properties,
offer such a beloved annual tradition for our community,” Sunburn Cannabis,
said Taylor Gilmour, president of the Junior League Martha Brown, Palm
of Martin County. “We are so grateful for all of our Beach Mortgage, Gehring
participants, sponsors, vendors and volunteers for making Group/Risk Strategies,
the 15th Annual Dash such a success.” Back row, Della Richards, Hannah Nassar, Danielle Napoli Orthodontics,
Gilmour also gave special thanks and recognition to the Johnson, Hallie Burns, Lisa Worley. Front row, Gracie Ally Whalen Design,
event cochairs, Alyssa Regan-Alexander and Heather Frady. Worley, Indira Safaddid Kirchman Construction
Co., The Shannon Andersen Event cochairs Heather
“Their dedication and Group, Trusted Choice Frady and Alyssa Regan-
leadership made this year’s Home Inspections, Nicole Alexander
event so spectacular,” added Armstrong, Team Parks, Inc.
Gilmour. and Coldwell Banker Realty – Julia C. Sansevere.
Spectators and race The tradition will continue in 2024 with the 16th Annual
participants also enjoyed a Rudolph’s Reindeer Dash on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Memorial
free post-race party, complete Park in Stuart.
with food vendors, music,
lawn games and pictures Junior League Of Martin County on page 3