Longboat Key Garden Club hosts 9th Dinner and a Movie fundraiser

By Dana Kampa
| 5:40 a.m. March 25, 2025

Linda Ulrich, Carlyn Vigil, Cathy Bishop, Cyndi Seamon and Melanie Dale socialize before a screening of "Top Gun: Maverick" at Bayfront Park for the Longboat Key Garden Club.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

A slight chill in the air had patrons cozied up with the blankets as they took in "Top Gun: Maverick" on Friday night at the Longboat Key Garden Club's latest fundraiser.

The club has set its sights on doing everything in its power to facilitate post-hurricane restoration and beautification projects, specifically focusing on parks and public places, including the town hall.

With that goal in mind, club members invited the public to its ninth installment of "Dinner and a Movie" at Bayfront Park.

Supporters partook in a meal catered by Chef Caldwell's and a live auction, all while being serenaded by guitarist Akiem Esdaile.

Auctioner Jim Smith gets the bids rolling at the Longboat Key Garden Club fundraiser.

Auctioneer Jim Smith, who has conducted the bidding for several years at the movie nights, noted that fundraising for the club is always important, but especially so to support the storm recovery.

"Everyone has been affected by it," he added.

Jean Caldwell dishes up a plate for Longboat Key Garden Club president Melanie Dale.

Stephanie McKee and John Newman welcomed visitors, and McKee said the movie night is always a great opportunity for community members to get together and have a good time.

"We've done it for several years in a row," she said. "Last year it was canceled because of rain, even on the backup day the next night. Tonight, it looks pretty nice."

Ken Bennett, Bob Carlisle and Mike Seamon share a laugh at the Dinner and a Movie fundraiser.

The club has several exciting events coming up, including a trip to Mindful Blooms Farm in Myakka City on April 10.

Visit LBKGardenClub.org/Events to learn more.

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.