Community Haven hosts Around the World in 80 Days event
To raise funds for its new Haven Industries Vocational Center, Community Haven hosted a multi-cultural event.
By
Amanda Sebastiano
| 11:45 a.m. October 15, 2015
East County
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Belly dancers and music from French, Turkish, Spanish and other cultures entertained attendees of the Around the World in 80 Days event, held Oct. 14 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. Miniature Eiffel Towers, Asian-style fans and other international icons decorated tables at the event. Community Haven for Adults & Children with Disabilities hosted the event to generate dollars for its $1.1 million Haven Industries Vocational Center, which will provide a warehouse, cafeteria, gym and classrooms for special needs individuals who work at the Haven. The organization has already raised more than 70% of the cost. A silent auction of cruises, gift cards and other items at the invite-only event helped raise proceeds for the project.
Suzanne and Don Gangnagel review the 10-year master plan for Community Haven.
Tables showcase symbols of different cultures.
Hilary Dombroski poses with Rick and Kelly Askerud.
Edward Chung, a native of Hawaii, played music from a range of cultures, such as Turkish, Spanish, French and Syrian.
Mary and Brian Smith admire a painting by a resident of Community Haven.
Community Haven residents decorated crafts, which were available for purchase at the event.
Jack Meredith and Reed Giasson make new friends at the event.
Photos of Community Haven stakeholders and culture icons showcase the event's theme.
Sharon Leftwich, a parent of a Community Haven participant, looks through the silent auction items.
Sammy Markens and her daughter, Sarah, find their way to the snack table.
Tahja Harrison sings a range of songs from varying cultures for attendees.
John Maerz creates his own beat.
The Young family — Charles, Barbara and Michael — enjoy a night out.
Handcrafted artwork line the venue.
Maria and Gord Sutton spend the night with their friends, Luz Marina and Harrison Blacker.
Communty Haven's Vice President of Operations Brad Jones and CEO Marla Doss show off props aligned with the multi-cultural theme.
Dan and Laura Tellor, of the Miracle League of Manasota, wait for the music and dancers to perform.
Mark Jordan (back center) enjoys a night out with his daughters, Rachel, Rebecca and Leah.
Local dance instructor Michelle Mercier performs a belly dance routine.
Dick and Joyce Gross show their support for Community Haven.
