Santa departs from his standard mode of transportation for his traditional arrival to Lester-Islander Holiday Fun Day at the Anna Maria Island Community Center. The white-bearded guy arrives aboard a red fire truck rather than a red sleigh.
So it was sirens rather than the clatter of reindeer that signaled Santa’s arrival to the annual fun day Dec. 3 at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
The day, supported by center benefactors Chuck and Joey Lester of Holmes Beach, offered four hours of entertainment by such groups as the Manatee High School drum line and the Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet, feasting on Duffy burgers and hot dogs, pony rides and visits with Santa Claus, children’s games and crafts and the raffle of 75 turkeys.
The Lesters, in partnership with The Islander, also have issued their traditional challenge, offering to match as much as $50,000 in donations to the center by Dec. 31.
The challenge raises money for the center’s scholarship program, which helps families who need some financial assistance with enrollment in youth programs, as well as counseling services.
“Many of our Island neighbors continue to struggle in this economy and your help to these families provides care and programs that will make a positive difference in their lives,” said center executive director Pierrette Kelly.
Lester Challenge donations also can be dedicated to the campaign to burn the center mortgage or to benefit the endowment fund.
To support the Lester Challenge, drop off a donation at the center or mail a donation check to the P.O. Box 253, Anna Maria FL 34216.
Students of the Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet perform during the Lester-Islander Family Fun Day Dec. 3 at the Anna Maria Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
Duffy burgers and hot dogs nourish the fun day participants.
Frankie Coleman, 3, of Anna Maria, has a twinkle in his eye and a toothy, sharky grin thanks to a face painter at the Lester-Islander Fun Day at the Anna Maria Island Community Center Dec. 3. Islander Photo: Amy Talucci
Hosts Joey and Chuck Lester check out the pony rides on the baseball field at fun day at the center.
The Manatee High School Drum Line rocks the house, er gym, at the Dec. 2 Lester-Islander Holiday Fun Day at the annual center event.
The Manatee High School Drum Line provides a musical gateway to escort Santa and helper Kelly Joseph Dec. 3 into the gym at the annual Holiday Fun Day at the AMI Community Center. Santa visited with hundreds of children at the event.
Holiday Fun Day hosts Chuck and Joey Lester look over a poster prepared by Anna Maria Island Community Center children to say thank you for all that they do at the center. The Lester’s underwrite the event, including turkey giveaways, pony rides, entertainment, food and old-fashioned fun for families. The event was Dec. 3 at the center. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy