BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Privateers invaded the Drift In to raise money for their scholarship fund on Saturday.
“I didn’t know what was going on, I just assumed people here dress as pirates,” said Christopher Davies, visiting from England. “It looks like they’re having a great time.”
The Privateers work year-round to raise money for youth in the community, and can be found at just about any event involving children on the Island. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization’s motto is “For Kids and Community” and it shows in their efforts to bring not only financial assistance, but also joy to local kids.
Santa and his sleigh were on hand to take pictures with kids of all ages, and there were plenty of pirate photo ops as well. Money was raised through a lotto board raffle, a huge raffle basket worth more than $1,200, donations to dine at the potluck buffet and cash donations.
There’s no slowing down for the Privateers. They’ll be hosting their Christmas Parade and Gifts With Santa this Saturday, Dec. 11. The parade begins at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and ends on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. If you would like to participate, there is still time; all the details are at amiprivateers.org.
