The search is on for Senior Bachelors
of South Shore calendar
By PHYLLIS HODGES
Eleven years ago, the South Shore Chapter of Aqua Viva Divas created a calendar featuring Sun City Center bachelors. It was a fundraiser for the emergency squad — and quite a successful one; they raised $10,000. They are now planning a Senior Bachelors of South Shore 2020 calendar, featuring 55+ bachelors from a wider area (basically anyone south of the Alafia River).
First, who are the Aqua Viva Divas? They describe themselves as modern, confident, professional and philanthropic women who are ready for their “next rally,” a time to have fun while giving back to their communities. The 33-member-strong group is the local chapter of The Blue Thong Society whose motto is “Good Fun, Good Food, Good Works.” You can learn more about them on the web at bluethongsociety.com.
Dana Schroeder, the “head diva” who founded the South Shore chapter in 2007, said that they have fun but are serious about supporting worthwhile causes. Among their past projects are renovation of two bedrooms at a Mary & Martha House shelter; the 2009 calendar fundraiser; and participating in events such as Relay for Life, Alzheimer’s Walk and veterans’ parades.
The 12 senior bachelors featured in a 2009 calendar produced by the South Shore Aqua Viva Divas were all Sun City Center residents. The Divas are seeking bachelors from a wider area for their 2020 calendar, e.g., Sun City Center, Riverview, Wimauma, Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Balm and Gibsonton.
“The 2009 Sun City Center Bachelors calendar was an ambitious undertaking, but it was fun. This one will benefit the Mary Petro Fund,” said Schroeder. Mary Petro was a Sun City Center resident who established a program that assists residents of SCC and Kings Point with food and medical costs when they are in dire need.
The group’s goal is to raise $10,000 through calendar sales and sponsorships of each month at $200 each. Sponsors can be businesses or individuals. They will also welcome a dual sponsorship, i.e., $100 each from two sponsors to share a month.
They are now seeking bachelors to be featured. The deadline for bachelor applications is June 1. A committee will review applications and finalize the selections in June so that photos can be taken over the summer. The photo settings will be chosen by the 12 featured individuals. In 2009, the models were shown enjoying sports, hobbies and volunteer activities (golf, cards, billiards, piano, reading, bartending, motorcycle, sports car, swimming, etc.).
King Slater (Mr. April in the 2009 calendar) is encouraging potential bachelors to throw their hats into the ring. He says the 2009 calendar was professionally done, and it was fun to participate. “I met some interesting people and have a lot of nice memories.”
Schroeder says they designed the application to be part of the fun with questions like: If you could have a superpower, what would you want it to be?
Bachelors wishing to be considered should contact Schroeder by email before June 1 at aquavivadiva@aol.com. Prospective sponsors should also contact Schroeder.
