Mark Wandall Foundation kicks off fundraiser weekend
The nonprofit hosted a celebration Friday.
By
Jessica Salmond
| 11:31 a.m. November 7, 2015
East County
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The Mark Wandall Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing support for children in grief, kicked off its annual fundraiser weekend Friday, Nov. 7, at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
Attendees signed up for silent auction baskets and sampled hors d'oeuvres from local restaurants, including Bonefish Grill, which was a sponsor of the event.
Funds from the evening, and from the golf tournament held Saturday at Legacy Golf Club, go toward the creation of a three-day camp for children experiencing grief after the loss of a parent, sibling or caregiver. The organization held a one-day camp in October.
Melissa Wandall, the founder of the organization, started the nonprofit after experiencing her own trials of grief when her husband, Mark, died from a red light runner in 2003.
"She is extraordinary," said her mother-in-law, Gwen, who attended the kickoff. "She turned something to be beautiful. She's the most compassionate woman I ever met."
"This isn't a sad foundation, this is an awesome foundation," Founder Melissa Wandall said. "I was a kid in grief. I get the sense that it's too sad, people don't want to hear about (the foundation)."
Angie Garland of Lakewood Ranch and Toni and Bill Booth of Bradenton check out the silent auction baskets.
Guests could purchase Bonefish Grill's signature seasonal apple martini, the proceeds of which were given to the Wandall Foundation.
Diana Rutland, Angela Salvatori and Jennifer Wilson of Bradenton
Gwen Wandall, mother-in-law of Foundation founder Melissa, attended the kick-off with her friend Betsy Whalen of Sarasota.
Jason Lamarca, Penny Tabolt, Cheryl Coombs Farfan and Will Perez of Bonefish Grill with Melissa Wandall, founder. Bonefish Grill has supported the foundation for several years and donated the food for the kickoff.
Jeules Gibson of Sarasota and board member Kim Miele of Bradenton
Guests milling outside examine the silent auction items.
Joe Garland and Christina and Jesse Goldberg, all of Lakewood Ranch
Keith and Michelle Miller of Bradenton
Ken Decker, Kati and Scott Sands, Michelle Odau and Gary Mort of NADCO Taples & Labels in Sarasota, a foundation supporter
Lauren and Justin Fornataro of Sarasota
Robin Rothenbach, a volunteer from Sarasota, talks with Nena Alsaker of North Carolina about the wine selection.
Nena and Roger Alsaker are long-time friends of Melissa Wandall. The couple travels every year from Boone, North Carolina, to participate in the fundraiser weekend.
Scott Lewis of Tampa talked about his experiences as a buddy volunteer at the Comfort Zone Camp held Oct. 24. "These kids shared with one another. I felt humbled they would share their experiences with me," he said.
Tamara Vaughn of Punta Gorda, Kim Miele of Bradenton and Nancy Ng of Palmer Ranch
Tara and James Cocco of Sarasota sign in with volunteer Gina Babcock.
