Scene on Site
DREAM BIG: Everblades Statue Dedication & Teddy Bear Toss
On Dec. 4, 2021, the Florida Everblades honored General Manager Craig Brush during a dedication ceremony for the new hockey player statue outside of Hertz Arena before the game against the Trois-Rivieres Lions. The night also featured the DASH Skunk Ape jersey auction and the Everblades’ annual Teddy Bear Toss, where patrons are asked to bring a stuffed animal to throw onto the ice after the Blades make their first goal.
Fans donated a total of 9,206 stuffed animals, which will be distributed through local charities in Southwest Florida. The Skunk Ape jersey auction raised $16,732 for Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The next special jersey auction will take place for First Responders Night on January 22 vs. the Atlanta Gladiators.
Along with managing the Everblades, Brush is CEO of Hertz Arena, which he co-founded in 1998. Brush oversees all aspects of both the hockey club and the sports complex.
Photos by Vito Palmisano-Florida Everblades
Light Up Estero
The Estero community gathered to celebrate the holidays during Light Up Estero on Saturday, Dec. 4, at Estero Park. The festive night included children’s games, a seasonal sing-along and a visit from Santa—who traditionally arrives by firetruck! The event was sponsored by Rotary Club of Estero, and emcee was Kevin Morris, pastor of Estero’s newest church. New Horizon’s Children’s Choir and the Estero High School Jazz Band provided live holiday music. Proceeds from raffle ticket sales and donations will go toward college scholarships for Estero High School students.
Photos by Katie Roberts
Sigma Chi Derby Days
The Sigma Chi chapter at Florida Gulf Coast University, along with FGCU sororities, held a smashingly successful Derby Days event recently, raising $28,000 for the fraternity’s signature charity, the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. The event set a record for the most money raised in a single year by a Greek organization in FGCU history. The weeklong event included T-shirt sales, a field day, Donation Day and a superhero skit night presented by the sororities. Sigma Chi also recently initiated the “Walk Her Home” program, offering a safe escort home for female students at FGCU.
