Suzanne McGauley’s cart featured a bikini clad skeleton who didn’t have the body for it.
Members from every village in The Landings turned out for the Inaugural Witches Ride and Enchanted Ball that was held on Monday, October 27. After all, adults also enjoy donning fun costumes even if they’re not trick or treating so that they can gorge on free candy!
The event began at 3 p.m. in the parking lot at the Helm Club, where witches and warlocks gathered to participate in the Witches Ride parade throughout The Landings community. Modes of transportation included golf carts and bicycles, with some opting to walk, with or without their brooms.
A total of 27 decorated golf carts joined bike riders and walkers who were led by a Lee County Sheriff’s Department vehicle. The Iona McGregor Fire Department brought up the rear in a shiny red fire truck.
Participants were invited to decorate their golf carts but had just one hour to get them ready. Mark Wehrman, Director of Golf at The Landings, and The Landings Board, graciously donated the carts and as evidenced by the photos, artistic talents abound here. Many groups decided to dress alike and there were clever costumes everywhere.
The Helm Club dining rooms were beautifully decorated for Halloween thanks to the hard work of Teasha Green, owner of Something BlueTG. She contributed her incredible balloon decorations that gave the facility a festive air from the moment people came through the front doors. Complete Weddings & Events owner Martin Dunn contributed a photo booth so that participants could have a keepsake of their costumes for the evening. Landings residents Jen and John Bavender also contributed their musical talents throughout the Enchanted Ball.
best decorated golf cart.
At the sold-out Enchanted Ball held at the Helm Club that evening, attendees were treated to such delicacies as Cauldron of Blood with Goblin Fingers (tomato soup and grilled cheese), Baked Brains (roasted cauliflower with white cheddar cheese sauce and shaved prosciutto), Guts and Eyeballs (spaghetti and meatballs), and Casket of Bones (barbecue ribs). The food tasted much better than the names for the dishes sounded!
All this festivity served a purpose too. Thanks to the incredibly hard work of Lighthouse Village owner Sandy DeMarco, who put together this outstanding event, cash and in-kind donations totaling $11,024 was raised. Premier Mobile Health Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic that provides health care to underserved and underinsured residents in Southwest Florida, was the beneficiary. They have a walk-in clinic on Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers as well as two mobile vans that visit underserved communities not only in Lee County, but in numerous surrounding counties as well.
Sandy DeMarco, June Dennison and Tina White
by the Premier Mobile Van at the Helm Club.
Premier Mobile Health Services offer primary care, preventive screenings, chronic disease management, and health education directly within the community. The service was founded by Dr. Nadine (Deanie) Singh Brown, who told her compelling life story during the event. She explained that individuals are treated on a sliding scale depending on their income and whether they have insurance coverage, with most paying either very modest fees or receiving treatment free of charge.
In their van Premier Mobile employees are able to perform numerous laboratory tests so that accurate diagnosis and treatment can begin right away. This service removes barriers to care and improves outcomes for the most vulnerable population. Many of the patients served have chronic health issues, including high blood pressure and diabetes. These diseases can be effectively managed provided they are diagnosed and properly treated. The services provided by Premier Mobile have prolonged and saved lives.
