Published by the News Sun
SEBRING – More than 100 people gathered at the Sun ‘N Lake Golf Club Restaurant for a Wine Tasting fundraiser for the Bo Alvarez Children’s Foundation on Sunday, March 7.
Basil Makris, the owner of Zeno’s, and Michelle Alvarez, founder of the Bo Alvarez Children’s Foundation, organized the event hosted at Sun ‘N Lake Golf Club Restaurant which recently opened in December. Guests enjoyed food created and donated by Cang Tong, Nelli’s Cuban Cafe, Wild Turkey, Yanni’s and Zeno’s. There was an abundant supply of wines to sample as well.
Live entertainment was provided by Marni Frantz.
Approximately $3,500 was raised to go toward the SKY (Specialized Kare for Youngsters) Program offered at Ridge Area Arc in Avon Park. The Bo Alvarez Children’s Foundation funds the SKY Program. SKY is a respite program for parents and caregivers who have children, ages 5-15, who have disabilities.
“There is a lack of support services to help families with special needs children cope,” Alvarez said. “The SKY respite program not only helps the kids, but their families as well.”
SKY is offered from 1-4 p.m. every second Saturday of the month at Ridge Area Arc, 120 West College Drive, Avon Park. There is a $10 fee per child. There are organized activities indoors and outdoors that are supervised by well-trained staff experienced in working with people with disabilities. To enroll or learn more about the program, call 452-1295, ext. 124.
Alvarez recognizes the need for support services since she herself has a child, Bo, who nearly drowned in 2005. He is now disabled from that accident.
“My work through the Bo Alvarez Children’s Foundation allows me to find light in a dark room and give meaning to Bo’s near drowning,” Alvarez said.
Sue Plunk collected numerous door prizes for the event. A total of 30 were donated by Zeno’s, Meridian Wine Company, The Home Depot, Bulb Bin, Turner Furniture, Newsom Eye Rejuvenation Center, Le Lumiere Medi Spa, Arcadia Jewelry, Paul’s Plant Service, Fitness Together, Best Images, Gold’s Gym, Golf Hammock Country Club, Highlands Ridge, Olympic Restaurant, Ruby Tuesdays, Cowboy’s, Olive Garden, Chili’s, Lake Shore Car Wash, Love Bugs, Mussleman’s, Florida Hospital, Ideal Golf, Allstate, Highlands Independent Bank, Heartland National Bank and Belk.
Nurses on Call supported the event as well.
The Bo Alvarez Children’s Foundation also supports water safety events. Chili’s will be hosting a Water Safety Night from 4-9 p.m. March 31 and April 21. Everyone can bring this article into the Sebring restaurant when they dine and 10 percent of their meal costs will be donated to the foundation. The foundation will use these funds to subsidize swim lessons for local children at the Highlands County Family YMCA in Sebring. Summer classes start June 7.
For more information about Bo Alvarez Children’s Foundation, visit the Web site at www.boalvarezfoundation.org or email www.boalvarezfoundation@gmail.com.