TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Habitat Event Channels Spirit Of Elvis

ADVERTISEMENT

By SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT

In The Loop

Published: October 18, 2008

DADE CITY - The spirit of Elvis is not dead, and the October Rocks for Habitat fundraiser is ready to prove it.

The event, which will run from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Friday at the Dade City Business Center, 15000 Citrus County Drive, will feature old-style rock 'n' roll by a member of The Platters, an Elvis impersonator and other performers.

This rock 'n' roll good time is a fundraiser for East Pasco Habitat for Humanity.

"Last year, we had the Rock 'n' Roll Review, and this year we will continue with that theme, but we will be including music from the '50s through the '80s," said Karen Streaker, the group's director of development and public relations. "We are going to have Elvis and a few other live music acts as well as a DJ for in between. We also have lots of good food stations set up and a live auction."
Streaker said many people came to the event dressed in '50s- and '60s-themed outfits and that she was hoping to see more of that this year.

Proceeds will go toward new Habitat homes. The nonprofit organization will dedicate its 59th and 60th houses in the next few months - just in time to start building 14 new homes off of Tucker Avenue in Dade City.

"We are planning on completing the 14 new homes by next year," Streaker said. "We are really trying to make a difference in Pasco. The last four years we have really escalated the amount of homes we are building, and this kind of fundraiser really helps to make that happen."

Sponsors are still needed for the event.

"If we get enough sponsors, then the money raised from the event will be able to (go) straight to our programs," Streaker said. "One hundred percent of all of our donations goes to building more homes."

Organizers are hoping for a big crowd at this year's event.

"We had a big turnout last year, and we are expecting about 300 people this year," said Jo Ann Fiorelli. "Our goal is to raise as much as possible. We are getting ready to break ground on five houses, so anything helps. We are still having people come in just about every day to take applications, so there is definitely a need."

Tickets are $100 per person or $1,000 for a table of 10. For information, go to ephabitat .org, or call (352) 567-1444.

Habitat will also have a big fundraiser coming up in April called the Orange Blossom Special Barbecue and Bike Festival in Dade City. The event will feature a barbecue contest, the annual ride for humanity, music, food and vendors.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT