Barbara Van Eycken says she toured area food pantries while serving on the Community Foundation Board, and it was a real eye-opener. “I was shocked to see how many people depend on the food pantries — and how many of them are our own SCC residents. They are living on Social Security and, after paying for drugs, can’t buy the food they need.”
The organizers and sponsors of an open-to-the-public benefit for local food pantries are passionate about helping the less fortunate in our community, particularly the food pantries. Joanne Sudman and Paula Lickfeldt, who are at the forefront in planning an upcoming benefit, said they are excited about how the area congregations have come together to form the Faith Community of Sun City Center and make a positive impact.
“The faith and artistic communities are contributing their talents to make this a successful event. In my almost 11 years here, I have never seen this kind of combined effort,” Sudman said.
They have indeed assembled an impressive line-up for the Day of Cabaret on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2:30 to 4 p.m., at Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd. in Sun City Center. It promises to be an afternoon filled with fun and an appreciation of the abundant talent we have among us.
Tom Lippert, musical director at United Community Church, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. He will also be performing, along with other vocalists Barbara Van Eycken, Troy Coman, Gary Garbleman, Bob and Jo-Anne Winslow and Bob Praire. Three local choreographed dance groups — Time Steppers, Jazzmatazz and Sensations — will be showcasing their talents, as will the Front Porch Pickers’ whose toe-tapping tunes are popular with area residents. Sunny Side Up, a barbershop quartet (part of the Florida Suncoast Chorus) is sure to lift spirits with their sunny view of life presented through funny, classical songs. Adding variety are comedian Page Fulgham and magicians Jerome & Oscar (Jerome Levy/Oscar Kramer).
Area clubs and businesses have donated raffle items, and Jackie Hanson, an award-winning photographer, has donated some of her work. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.
The Faith Community of Sun City Center, sponsors of the show, are recognizing that this southern area of Hillsborough County has a high poverty rate — said to be the highest in the county. They see this event as an opportunity to work together to help replenish the stores of area food pantries that typically run low after the holiday rush of donations. Food pantries designated to benefit are: Angel’s Attic, Lord’s Lighthouse, Beth-El Food Pantry and Our Lady’s Pantry.
The eight local congregations who form the Faith Community are Beth Israel Congregation, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Redeemer Lutheran Church, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, St. John the Divine Church, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, United Community Church and United Methodist Church.
Advance tickets for $10 are still available at the SCC Community Association Atrium kiosk, Central Campus, on Friday, Feb. 19, from 9 to noon. The at-door price is $12. Each attendee is being asked to bring one nonperishable food item as part of their admission.
