Sunday, February 19, 2012

ISLAMORADA

Hospital gala raises $204,000

Mariners Hospital's Bougainvillea Ball, which took place Jan. 28, raised $204,000 for a new echocardiography system that can produce three-dimensional images of the heart.

The ball's 502 guests vied for live and silent auction items as well as raffle prizes that included a $90,000 trip to London for the world premier of the 3-D version of the movie "Titanic."

Other prizes included a 17-foot flats boat with a Yamaha engine and trailer, and a Rolex watch, all donated by local business owners.

"The hard work of the entire team -- committee members, hospital staff, hospital auxiliary members, community members -- produced one of the most memorable nights in Mariners Hospital's 50-year history," said Betty Anne Schilling, co-chair of the ball committee.

FLORIDA KEYS

Former Keys resident wins vacation

LouAnn Stubbs of Clermont, Fla., won a week's stay in the Florida Keys, after participating in the online Cyber-Train to Sunshine contest. Key West Mayor Craig Cates drew Stubbs' name in a random drawing.

Stubbs is a former teacher who now manages a high school cafeteria. She met her husband in the Keys more than 30 years ago when both families lived on Long Key.

The grand prize package includes three nights at the Postcard Inn at Holiday Isle in Islamorada, three nights in Key West at the Casa Marina, a $1,000 air travel card and a $250 rental car certificate. The package also includes admission to Pigeon Key, the Dolphin Research Center and many Key West attractions.

Contestants entered and became eligible to win by searching the Florida Keys website at www.fla-keys.com for the contest's hidden logo and answers to five simple trivia questions about the islands and the Overseas Railroad.

LOWER KEYS

Bank helps fundraiser

Capital Bank recently donated $300 to the St. Peter Church SeaBee Foundation to support the Blimp Road 4-Mile Run/Walk event hosted by Pirate Wellness Center on Cudjoe Key.

The race took place on Saturday and money raised through registrations and donations will benefit the St. Peter Church SeaBee Foundation.

The organization provides educational scholarships for single-parent families in the Lower Keys. The foundation aims to subsidize daytime or evening child care to allow parents to work or attend school, as well as fund beneficial life skills training.