Community Activities

Promotion for The Tampa Bay Sports Commission

Payton Wright Golf Outing/David Nail Performance

What a terrific evening I had at the Lake Club in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.  The Payton Wright Foundation hosted a golf outing on Friday, May 14th to benefit cancer research in memory of five year old Payton Wright who lost her battle with brain cancer.  

Since losing their daughter, Patrick and Holly Wright, have worked passionately and tirelessly to raise awareness and funds to battle this dreaded disease.  Friday night culminated with a party at the Lake Club with an incredible silent auction featuring terrific signed sports memorabilia.  But the highlight of the evening was when rising country music star, David Nail performed.  David sat with his guitar and played over an hour poolside.  

David heard me speak about Payton Wright on ESPN during the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden.  He was moved by her struggle and her story.  He reached out to me and the Wright family to see how he could possible help their cause.  

He has since flown to Lakewood Ranch multiple times and performed free of charge.  He is an incredible guy and certainly a rising superstar in the country music world.

Florida Scholastic Rowing Regatta - April 24, 2010

Payton's Song

I had the privilege to see the documentary movie titled "Payton's Song" today at the Sarasota Film Festival.  The movie is the story of Payton Wright, a four year old girl from Lakewood Ranch, Florida who passed away after a year long battle with brain cancer.  

Her parents, Holly and Patrick Wright, share their pain and suffering of first learning their beautiful, healthy daughter has untreatable brain cancer to her passing twelve short months later.  It is a powerful, tragic, and emotionally moving documentary.  

I have gotten to know the Wright family very well over the past few years and my heart aches for what they have endured. They are a wonderful, beautiful family who had to go through something no parent should ever have to.  

I will continue to work tirelessly to help raise dollars so that we can find a cure for this dreaded disease.  Last year, my V Gala event for the V Foundation raised over $1,000,000 for pediatric cancer.  We are on target to raise that amount and more at this year's event on May 21st.  It is my mission in life to do whatever I can to help raise awareness and dollars for cancer research.  

The Wright's are extremely brave and strong individuals to share their painful story with others so that hopefully no other parent has to suffer the way in which they did.

Baltimore Orioles Welcome Party March 2010

I was thrilled to welcome the Baltimore Orioles to Sarasota for spring training with a party at my home.  My wife and I opened our home to the Orioles executives, coaches, players, and leading members of the community to officially welcome the Orioles to our area. Spring training is a great part of living in the Sarasota/Bradenton area and we are proud to have the Orioles train right here in our backyard.  Coach Trembley and players such as Jeremy Guthrie, Garrett Atkins, Ty Wiggington, Adam Jones and Luke Scott all had a terrific time.  A great way to kick off the start of baseball season! 

View more photos of the event.

Superbowl Party 2010

My wife and I had a great time hosting a Superbowl 2010 party at our home with some of our friends.  

It was a great match-up between the Colts and the Saints. 

Drew Brees was outstanding and what a terrific story for the Saints and the city of New Orleans.  

Banyan Ball Kick-Off for ODA

It was a pleasure to host a kick off party for The Out of Door Academy's annual fundraiser, The Banyan Ball.

The Banyan Ball is a huge gala put on by the school in March. David Mahler, headmaster of ODA, asked if my wife and I would open our home to have sponsors and committee members over for a "kick-off" celebration of the event coming in March. We were glad to do so, as ODA is a special place to us as our grandkids attend the school.

Kim Gitler, chair of the event, is such a generous person and our community is so blessed to have people like her and her husband, Charles, who give back so much of their time and energy.

My daughter,Terri, is also on the committe and did a tremedous job speaking to the crowd informing them of the importance of contributing to the Banyan Ball and why ODA is such a wonderful place for our youngsters.

Florida/Kentucky Game

I had a great time in Gainesville for the Florida/Kentucky match-up. Joining me on the trip was my daughter and son-in-law, Lee Wetherington (Sarasota home builder) and Diane McFarlin (Publisher of the Sarasota Herald newspaper) and Denise and John Saputo (owner of Gold Coast Eagle Budweiser Distributorship in Sarasota).

It was a terrific game, with the Gators keeping it close till the last two minutes.

Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota Christmas Party at Our Home

It was that time of year again - time for our annual Christmas party at our home. For the past several years, my wife and I have opened our home to a handful of youngsters from the Sarasota Boys and Girls Club.

They come for an afternoon of food, fun and presents! This year we had a surprise visit from Santa at the house. The kids had a blast ripping open their gifts and enjoying time with Santa.

There is nothing better than being able to bring a smile to youngsters during the holiday. I have been so blessed in my life and I feel fortunate to be able to give a little somethng back.

Read more: Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota Christmas Party at Our Home

The Out-of-Door Academy Boys Varsity Basketball Team

I had the pleasure of spending some time with the boys varisty basketball team at The Out of Door Academy in Lakewood Ranch, FL.

My four grandkids attend the school and I stopped by the gym to observe a team practice. The coach asked me to share a few words with team on work ethic and decision making. I always enjoy this time with the youngsters.