The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Enjoying a day out, while raising money for hospice care

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Hundreds of people turned out to the Gulfside Hospice Charity Festival of Arts, recently held at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, off Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

Eleven-year-old Brennen Lay, center, of Port Richey, keeps his eye on music teacher Katherine Hintz, of Land O’ Lakes, as she and violinists from Hintz Academy of Music perform. Thirteen-year-old Sasanka Sentail, left, of Land O’ Lakes, follows along. (Fred Bellet)

The event, on April 23, raised more than $20,000 to support hospice patient care and bereavement programs at Gulfside Hospice, according to a news release from the organizers.

The festival opened with the presentation of colors by the Pasco Sheriff’s Mounted Posse and a performance of the national anthem by Miss Pasco County’s Outstanding Teen, Larkin Mainwaring.

Guests enjoyed hands-on art stations, purchased art and grabbed a bite to eat from the food trucks.

A talent showcase highlighted all kinds of performers, including dancers, musicians, singers, a comedy act, and more.

Miss Pasco County Anastasia Valimaki performed her signature speed painting talent for the crowd, and held a meet-and-greet with Mainwaring throughout the day.

“We are here to help hospice patients and their families receive hospice care and bereavement services. Gulfside Hospice does not turn any patient away because of an inability to pay, and that’s only possible because of the support we gather from the community,” Carla Armstrong, director of philanthropy, said in the release.

“It’s a day of fun and a day that celebrates the arts, because there’s nothing that celebrates life more than creativity and art,” Armstrong added.

For more information about upcoming events to support Gulfside Hospice, visit Gulfside.org, or contact Leesa Fryer, fundraising & event planning manager, at 727-845-5707 or .

Published May 04, 2022

Land O’ Lakes’ artist Terry Smith displays some of his paintings featuring nature scenes from the great outdoors.
‘Popcorn,’ a 10-year-old standard poodle and service dog checks out what’s on the menu, as the dog’s owner, Vivian Calabria, visits the vendor and exhibit tents.
Anshita Sahu, 12, who studies at Hintz Academy of Music, provided a soothing sound, during the academy’s performance at the Charity Festival of Arts. The Land O’ Lakes musician was accompanied by violinists.
Five-year-old Hayleigh Perkins, of Land O’ Lakes, holds a coloring book she received at the festival. She and her parents, Rich and Michelle Perkins, checked out the art projects, to vote for their favorite.
Six-year-old twins Blake and Mia Carreras select materials under one of the art project tents at the festival. They were accompanied by their parents, Yasir and Ami Carreras, of Land O’ Lakes.
Lucy Santanello votes for her favorite artwork at the Gulfside Hospice auction and art exhibit tent. Santanello and friend Millie Biggs drove to the event from New Port Richey.
Wherever Michelle Fisler went at the Charity Festival of Arts, onlookers did a double-take. After all, Rascal, a 4-year-old skunk from Florida Skunk Rescue, hitched a ride on her shoulder. Fisler said, as pets, skunks are comparable to cats.
Ileana Scopano, third from right, a volunteer member of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, dances next to the horses as music plays over the public address system at the festival. The posse took part in the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner.
The GFWC Women’s Group performs its version of, ‘I Will Follow You,’ from the movie, ‘Sister Act.’ From left: Dee Knerr of Tampa; Kay Taylor, of New Port Richey; Pam Blumenthal, of Wesley Chapel; and, Elayne Bassinger, of San Antonio.
Vocalist Doug Karl opened the event with lively, foot-stompin’ music.

 

 

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