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Fundraiser's Flavor Is Country, Rock

Photo from PENNY SMITH

Ruskin honorary mayor candidate John Smith and his wife/ campaign manager, Penny, invite South Shore families to enjoy country and classic rock music for a cause Oct. 11 at the South Shore Community Events Center, Apollo Beach. Proceeds will be split between the Mary and Martha House shelter and Ruskin Chamber of Commerce.

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By LOIS KINDLE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 24, 2008

RUSKIN - Honorary mayor candidate John Smith's fundraiser Oct. 11 will be a little bit country and rock 'n' roll.

As the Ruskin Big Draw winds down about 5 p.m. that day, Smith's music festival will ramp up at the South Shore Community Events Center in Apollo Beach.

The event will feature country music singer Bill Floyd, classic rock band Off the Cuff and Elvis Presley impersonator Bill Lindsay. Between sets, disc jockey Gary Stebbins will spin his tunes to keep the revelry going.

Bring the kids, Smith said, because there will be lots for them to do. He's bringing in two bouncy houses, a musician and face painters.

Guests should bring their own seating.

Sponsorship packages are available for the event, starting at $100.

For a $25 donation, businesses and nonprofit organizations may participate by displaying their goods or services.

"We are also looking for a few food vendors for the event", Smith said. "This is an opportunity to showcase your business and help out a great South Shore charity.

Vendors and businesses needing additional information or applications - which must be in by Friday - should call Smith's wife, Penny, at (813) 454-5406 or e-mail psmith@hrblock.com. Business licenses and proof of insurance are required.

The campaign for honorary mayor is an annual fundraiser for the Ruskin chamber and the candidates' favorite charities. Smith, who co-owns three H&R Block franchises, has picked Mary and Martha House, a support shelter for women and their children who are victims of domestic violence, as his charity of choice.

"That's what my campaign is all about, the charity," Smith said. "I saw running for honorary mayor as a good opportunity to have fun and raise money for the Mary and Martha House. It's one of a kind in this area."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Music festival for Ruskin honorary mayor candidate John Smith

WHEN: 5-9 p.m. Oct. 11

WHERE: South Shore Community Events Center, 302 Noonan Branch Road, Apollo Beach

COST: $5 for ages 12 and older; kids, free

PERFORMERS: Country singer Bill Floyd; classic rock band Off the Cuff; Elvis impersonator Bill Lindsay.

PURPOSE: To raise money for the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce and the Mary and Martha House.

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.

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