Feature Story & Photos By Larry H. Oskin
The South Lake Business Leaders recently hosted a Boots & Bunny Review fundraiser for The Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation (GCCF). The festive evening was held at Lake Catherine Blueberries (5849 Lake Catherine Rd, in Groveland), and with the help from generous sponsors, donors, volunteers and over 250 guests, they raised more than $43,000 at the tremendously successful event.
The stage show featured many local acts including costumed dancers and entertainers. Clermont Councilman Ebo Entsuah and Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks performed in Buffalo Wild Wings and Texas Road House Armadillo costumes before their big reveals. There were a variety of hilarious performances including the Dirty Dancing Heifers of the Royal Empire Equestrian Center, the Dancing Lemurs of Chase Animal Rescue, and the Fabulous Dancing Flockers representing the South Lake Business Leaders. In keeping with the themed event, a special contest was held for the Best Cowboy Boots.
Gift baskets full of foods, chocolates, wines, restaurant and service gift certificates were raffled, as well as special raffles including a huge Yeti Cooler full of top-shelf liquors, and a private fishing excursions with Josh Reeves. Melvin Davis of Groveland Discount Liquor donated everything for the cash bar donations. Family Jewelry & Pawn donated guns and ammunition which drew thousands of extra donation dollars. The show ended with the performance of the Groveland Police Department while dollar bills were being thrown at them and stuffed into their clothes by dozens of admiring women! Due to COVID-19, the GCCF’s annual Bras for a Cause event was canceled last year.
Kay Simpson noted, “Our Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation board is so grateful for the support of the South Lake Business Leaders and all their hard work. We are so blessed to live in such a giving community. Our local cancer patients will benefit the most, as the funds raised will help us continue to support them as they go through treatment.”
During the GCCF stage performances, it was revealed that South Lake Business Leader’s President Renee Loew was just named ‘Clermont Citizen of the Year!’ by the South Lake Elks Lodge. Plus, the United Way recently gave her the Lake County Hometown Hero 2021 Award.
GCCF helps families in the South Lake community by providing access to professional healthcare support and a more purposeful day-to-day life and family experience for area patients reducing the day-to-day stresses that cancer has on patients, their families and caregivers. GCCF is not affiliated with any other area or national organization. It is a 501-C3 non-profit foundation, completely funded by local business sponsors, organizations, individuals and fundraising community events. It’s 100% volunteer staffed.
GCCF Board Members include Phyllis Hutcheson, Director; Kay Simpson, Treasurer; Susan Taylor, Secretary; Marie Howd, External Director; Laura Henry, President; Kelly Cartier, External Director; Joe Holt, Director, Scholarship Chairperson; Deborah Reagan, External Director; and Ed Emrick, Vice President, Grant Writer.
To learn more about The Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation (GCCF), visit https://www.gccf.us/.
It’s never too late to donate, visit http://www.gccf.us/donate/.
