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Bikes & BBQ fund raiser to benefit veterans organizations

By Staff | May 26, 2012

Anthony’s on the BLVD will host an all- day fund raiser to benefit various veterans groups, today, May 26, from noon to midnight.

Look for cool bikes, play in a Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament, or just come for the great food.

Dubbed “Bikes & BBQ,” the event will feature a $10 all-you-can-eat pig roast (until it runs out) and specials all day, including $1 draft beers and 50 cent Jello shots, as well as a continuos raffle with an incredible amount of prizes, 65 at press time with more still coming in.

Four veterans organizations will benefit: Pride and Patriotism for Lee County Schools, Cajun Classic, Missing in America Project and Paws for Patriots.

“I’ve been doing fund raisers at the restaurant since I’ve been there, five years in August,” said Anthony Serrago, owner of Anthony’s.

He’s excited about this project, as it benefits veterans groups over the Memorial Day holiday.

“This is just to be part of the community, to help people in need, especially in the economic times we are in now.”

Admission is $10 – with a bonus.

“The entire $10 goes to the organizations, and you get a $7.99 coupon for a breakfast here, and it makes you eligible for some of those 65 door prizes.”

The amount of door prizes has one of the organizers, Jim Scollen, excited.

“It is incredible,” he said, of the outpouring from the community.

There will be everything from gift cards to wine, jewelry and collectibles, and more, at the all day raffles.

“We are one of the organizations to share in the proceeds,” said Scollen, of the Missing in America Project. “Our mission is very simple – to locate, identify and inter veterans whose remains have been not claimed.”

He said he read a story in a newspaper in June of 2010, about 12 unclaimed veterans at one single funeral home, and could not get over it.

“They seemed to have no next of kin,” he said, adding he knew he needed to be involved.

“The truth is, this happens all across the country. I called the funeral home and asked how this could happen.”

Next thing he knew, he was on the phone with the director of the Missing in America Project, and now is the Florida state coordinator for the organization.

He noted that not many know that the Sarasota National Cemetery gives free burials to veterans and, in some cases, to their spouses and children.

“I cannot say enough nice things about that place,” he said.

They also furnish a container for final placement of remains at the cemetery.

Cape Coral Mayor John Sullivan will preside over the opening ceremonies, scheduled for 1 p.m. Live music will then start for the day on the patio bar.

The food, drink specials and chance drawings for prizes will be all day long. The Military Order of the Purple Heart will present wounded veteran Michael Araujo with a lifetime membership at 3 p.m.

Sponsored by Pirate Coast Cycles, the Bike Show will take place in the back parking lot and registration will start at 11 a.m. for those who want to enter.

The fee is $20 per bike and that will also gain you one entry into the raffle for various prizes.

The judging will start at 1 p.m. and trophies will be awarded at 2:30 p.m.

“We will be doing four trophies, including best of show,” said Serrago.

“Live music will include Jukebox Hero, a Cape Coral band, and Hype, Mike King, Joe Johnson, Colton James, all local musicians.”

The party will continue when the Calendar Girls “kick” into gear at 5 p.m. with a performance.

For information, call 772-5900 or go to anthonysontheblvd.com. The address is 1303 Del Prado Blvd.