One of Fiddler’s Creek honored residents, Jack Toole, begins planning the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration 364 days before the actual event. Mr. Toole has been elected as the Mayor of St. Patrick’s Day at Fiddler’s Creek. St. Patrick’s Day celebrated on March 17th is a very special event to Fiddler’s Creek homeowners both for the Irish and the not so Irish, filled with traditional Irish sing-a-longs, river dance performance, Irish flare and authentic Irish cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Eric Long and his team. With beef barley soup, braised corn beef and cabbage and Ballymaloe lamb stew, this special celebration is sure to please every pallet imaginable. This event attracts over 250 people each year and is definitely on the “must attend” list of the year. Fiddler’s Creek homeowners take this opportunity to dress in their customary kilts, as well as other green garments and wild accessories. To top off a truly exceptional night, Fiddler’s Creek homeowners sang along to Irish favorites, such as “My Wild Irish Rose,” “Danny Boy” and “You Are My Sunshine” just to name a few.

Collier County has the largest concentration of migrant farm workers east of the Mississippi River. During the height of the growing and picking season, the population of school-aged migrant children can be upwards of 7,000. Migrant farm workers live in camps with multiple families in tiny trailers, many with holes in the floors, broken windows and no furniture, bare floors with little or no bedding. Many workers are undocumented and are not entitled to any assistance whatsoever. The children are innocent victims of circumstance and spend their young lives crisscrossing the country with their families, traveling from crop to crop. They must leave behind whatever personal belongings they have, keeping them in a constant state of need.

The goal of Bedtime Bundles is to provide every migrant child ages 3 -12 with a “Bundle” and their family with basic first aid supplies, toiletries, new or gently used clothing, pajamas, blankets, books, toys and food. Bedtime Bundles is a not-for-profit program that helps address the most basic needs of these migrant children by giving them an easy to transport pillowcase filled with these essentials.

Bedtime Bundles was started by Karen Saeks in her home with items being stored and bundles assembled in her garage. Through the efforts and generosity of friends and neighbors, local religious congregations, clubs, and corporations, Bedtime Bundles has grown in leaps and bounds. A donated office facility is now headquarters which allows us to expand and increase the number of children who are served. This past school year we have been able to exceed our goal of 1500 bundles!

As part of the partnership of the local religious congregations and local corporations, a second outreach for Bedtime Bundles is a “bread run”. In the early morning hours, seven days a week, volunteers from several churches and the synagogue drive to the two Publix stores on Marco and the Starbucks at the Esplanade to collect the left over breads and pastries. Delivery is made to the Manatee School and to the farm workers at 6L Ranch on Route 41. The need is great and this program is a benefit to all parties.

On Wednesday, March 23, 2011 from 5-7 pm, the 3rd annual Mutts and Martinis Yappy Hour benefiting the migrant farm workers will be held at CJ’s on the Bay at the Esplanade on Marco Island. The presenting sponsor is Seminole Casino Immokalee and 100% of all proceeds are to benefit children of migrant farm workers. There is a $5 donation which includes a free glass of wine, domestic beer or soft drink. Bring your four legged friends dressed to the nines so they can strut their stuff on the red carpet. If you are “fur – less” not to worry -please just come and have a great time for a worthy cause.

There are wonderful silent auction items to bid on. Again this year, The Golf Club at Fiddler’s Creek has generously and graciously offered four rounds of golf at the fantastic Creek Course.

Living in this beautiful area of southwest Florida we have so often heard the saying, “just another day in paradise”. It is easy sometimes to take this beautiful lifestyle for granted. For some of our neighbors who live in this paradise, everyday life is a struggle and it is hardest on the little ones.

If you would like to lend a helping hand or make a donation, please contact Fiddler’s Creek homeowner, Sandra Carinci at 239-207-0978.

Sandra Carinci is the Co-Chair Business/Civic/Congregational Liaison for Bedtime Bundles.

“From your heart to their homes – thanks a bundle”!

Fiddler’s Creek homeowners anxiously look forward to this all time favorite event – Fabulous 50s Party on March 11th! Walking through the Caxambas doors, you are transported back in time to a very special era. Walls are decorated with records and antique cars, soda and milk shake stations and buffets filled with all your favorite foods from the 50’s. Fiddler’s Creek staff enjoy recreating the atmosphere and ambiance wearing poodle skirts and bowling shirts. All the Fiddler’s Creek homeowners and their guests were welcomed with complimentary Jack Daniels and Coke to get the night started right. Fiddler’s Creek favorite singing DJ, Jason DeSimone, kept the dance floor busy performing all the most popular 50’s music. Everyone loved reliving one of their favorite pastimes and look forward to the festivities every year.

Billy Dean and Dawn have been making music together for almost two decades performing at hotels, cruise ships and country clubs throughout the world. On Monday, March 7th, about 100 Fiddler’s Creek homeowners came to this special event held on the tennis lawn. Attendees caught an intimate glimpse of this husband and wife duo and their personal journey through an array of songs. Dawn Birch, lead vocalist, captivated the audience with an eclectic mix of Broadway tunes, Opera, old time favorites like “Pretty Woman,” as well as songs written by her mother. Her voice, beauty, charm and notable height fascinated the audience. It was a delightful evening filled with great food, beautiful weather, glamorous costumes and remarkable entertainment, as Bill Dean and Dawn shared their story with Fiddler’s Creek homeowners.

On Friday, February 18th, Fiddler’s Creek Club & Spa hosted the nationally known show by “The British Invasion” with the sights, sounds and magic of the greatest group of all time, the Beatles.

Fiddler’s Creek homeowners and their guests had the opportunity to relive the excitement of Beatlemania as the Fab Four – John, Paul, George and Ringo – took the stage and recreated the thrill of a live Beatles concert within their own community.

The British Invasion came to Fiddler’s Creek directly from The Disney Epcot Center, performing there for 14 years. They have performed to millions of guests throughout Florida and the United States.

The evening began with a fabulous buffet style dinner prepared by Chef Eric at Caxambas prior to the show. To tease the pallet, Jumbo Gulf Shrimp and Chilled Oysters was the perfect appetizer. Followed by a Garden or Caesar Salad presented beautifully as members would expect, came the main entree, Mahi Mahi, Roasted Beef and Roasted Organic Chicken Breast as well as several sides to choose from. Now for the sweet tooth in everyone, a selection of mouth-watering pastries and cakes were enjoyed with coffee.

By the end of the evening, the groups received a standing ovation by everyone. This event is one of several dinner shows, concerts, gala events, themed parties and specialty dinners scheduled every season at Fiddler’s Creek.

Resort style living has reached all time heights at Fiddler’s Creek, a community like no other.