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The Paradise Center celebrates members and board

Members came to the building to celebrate their support and whack a pinata.


  • By Nat Kaemmerer
  • | 11:49 a.m. May 6, 2022
  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • Share

The Paradise Center attracted more than "cinco" attendees to its fiesta on May 5. More than two dozen members and board members turned up to celebrate as a thank-you from The Paradise Center to its members for their support. The date happened to be May 5, so they ran with the timely theme. 

The rec room was turned into a taco and margarita bar, and attendees danced to festive music. Some dressed in themed prints and patterns to fit the fiesta. 

The grand finale of the party was a piñata that had been dangling in the room, tempting attendees to pick up the frilly green stick and give it a whack.

Executive Director Suzy Brenner passed out face masks with googly eyes on them instead of blindfolds for those who wanted to take a crack at it. After several swings and misses, frustratingly resilient dents and several powerful whacks, the piñata burst. 

Margaritas and iced tea were the available drinks.
Margaritas and iced tea were the available drinks.
John Brill, board president Dick Pelton and board member Barbara Koetsier pose for the fiesta.
John Brill, board president Dick Pelton and board member Barbara Koetsier pose for the fiesta.
Doug White with Rick and Mary Jo Stauffer.
Doug White with Rick and Mary Jo Stauffer.
Barbara Pappas, Judy Lomax and Sandi Love caught up at the party.
Barbara Pappas, Judy Lomax and Sandi Love caught up at the party.
Mary Ann Brady snaps a photo of Barbara Koetsier, Dick Pelton, Lenny Landau and Suzy Brenner.
Mary Ann Brady snaps a photo of Barbara Koetsier, Dick Pelton, Lenny Landau and Suzy Brenner.
Deborah Duffey, Robert Ferrara and Tory Newman bonded over their Boston roots.
Deborah Duffey, Robert Ferrara and Tory Newman bonded over their Boston roots.
Fran Van Zandt and Reuben Fernandez feasted on Mexican appetizers.
Fran Van Zandt and Reuben Fernandez feasted on Mexican appetizers.
Suzy Brenner and Mary Ann Brady join the party.
Suzy Brenner and Mary Ann Brady join the party.
Suzy Brenner arms Angela Bennink for the piñata.
Suzy Brenner arms Angela Bennink for the piñata.
Dick Pelton takes a swing at the piñata.
Dick Pelton takes a swing at the piñata.

 

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