Florida Keys News

Calling All Heroes

September 30, 2011

A group of people standing around a fire - Wedding reception — At the end of the dinner, the attendees light sparklers! “It represents remembering those who have gone before and celebrates more birthdays for our survivors. I am hooked on these damn sparklers!” Quinn said. Deidre Robbins is pictured foreground. She was presented with the Courage Award for work on the Strides Committee. “She has just been a gem raising a lot of money through her activism,” Quinn added.

Robbinsweb — At the end of the dinner, the attendees light sparklers! “It represents remembering those who have gone before and celebrates more birthdays for our survivors. I am hooked on these damn sparklers!” Quinn said. Deidre Robbins is pictured foreground. She was presented with the Courage Award for work on the Strides Committee. “She has just been a gem raising a lot of money through her activism,” Quinn added.

Cancer Society Honors Volunteers

Surprises, strawberry desserts, and serenades enlivened the American Cancer Society’s Annual Volunteer Dinner this past Saturday evening at La Trattoria Oceanside.

Hosted by outgoing American Cancer Society Chair and cancer survivor Charlotte Quinn, the evening honored the cornermen for those battling cancer.

“I am not kidding when I say that I have met some wonderful people during this process,” said Quinn. “All I had to do was pick the right people and sit back and watch them succeed.”

Doing his part was ‘Trat owner Bill Lay, who closed his new oceanfront location to serve mitsa salad, parmesan-garlic soup, shrimp scampi, chicken marsala, and penne pasta to Cancer Society award winners and their loved ones.

The evening included music by Tony Roberts, Vickie Rausche, and a performance by Dr. Jerome Covington and concluded with the installation of new board members.

Rothweb — Lindy Roth accepted the traveling cup for her part in organizing the Annual Gala at the Double Tree in Key West. Over $100,000 was raised in a single night.

Awards were presented to numerous volunteers including Josie Koler, May Ann Causley, Edith Losley, and Peggy Hamilton. Young volunteers like Konnor, Pauly and Grayden Ross received plaques for their contributions along with Elliot Krelzeman who has “attended every Relay event since birth.”

The shower of appreciation concluded with Armedia Arvarette assuming the reigns of the Florida Keys Unit for a two year term.

“Her public profile will serve her well,” said Quinn. “And her organizational and leadership skills will ensure the Florida Keys Unit continues to exceed expectations and forward our mission to find a cure.”