From The Publisher June 2010
From the Publisher Ed Bertha
Months of event planning and construction activities seamlessly came together in early May to host Westwater Construction’s “In The Doghouse” show home. From May 16th to 23rd homeowners Chris and Lynn McNamee opened the doors of their new Tuscan inspired Lake Club home to benefit Southeastern Guide Dogs. Chris, who is vision impaired, is a beneficiary of Southeastern Guide Dogs with his guide dog Max. “We wanted to do something to show our appreciation for all that Southeastern does” reveals Chris. Over the week the home was open nearly $4,000 was raised for Southeastern Guide Dogs.
Beyond daily visitors there were two wonderful evening gala events. Both soirees featured on-site chefs with a dazzling display of edibles. Chef Jeremy Hammond-Chambers, Chef/Owner of Innovative Dining, wowed guests at the first event while Chef Will Ratley, Corporate Chef for Wolf/Sub-Zero, mesmerized the frolicking crowd at the second.
Each visitor to the show home received a raffle ticket giving them a chance to name a guide dog puppy. Eva Heakin was that lucky winner. Irony sets in here as Eva also uses the services of a service dog named Gracie. Eva, being of polish descent, named the dog “Oko” which means ‘eye’ in Polish.
Numerous firms and individuals contributed to the show home and event. Westwater Construction, Kohler, Fusion Energy, Manatee County Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Freestyle Pools & Spas enabled REAL Magazine to provide our readers insight into Southeastern Guide Dogs contribution to society.
A sincere thank you to everyone involved!
Ed Bertha
June 2010
Photo Left to Right: Chris McNamee, guide dog Max, Kevin Heakin, Eva Heakin, service dog Gracie & Lynn McNamee.
Copyright © 2010 REAL Magazine
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Tags: Chris McNamee, Ed Bertha, Lynn McNamee, REAL Magazine, Southeastern Guide Dogs, Westwater Construction, Will Ratley
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