The Barrier Island Parks Society is resurrecting the Rat Pack one year after raising Elvis Presley.
The iconic former celebs juice the already exciting casino format BIPS unveiled to great success a year ago. The Green Gala will use once again deal a Caesar's Palace theme for its Las Vegas-style fundraiser March 9 at the Boca Pass Club.
BIPS Executive Director Sharon McKenzie and company last year placed a number of laminated images of Elvis Presley around Gasparilla Island businesses with prizes ranging from free drinks to free admittance to the $100 event listed on back for the lucky finders. This year's images to look for will be of Rat Packers Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammie Davis Jr.
Article Photos
Sharon McKenzie
In addition to the Green Gala, another growing revenue source is Boca Grande's popularity as a shooting location for magazines and catalogs. After getting a permit to shoot in a state park, a fee is secured by paying BIPS for permission to shoot on Gasparilla Island.
The beauty and accessibility of Gasparilla Island coupled with its affordable rates has attracted more interest from professional shutterbugs.
"It is great income," McKenzie said.
Fact Box
To Go
What: Green Gale
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 9
Where: Boca Bay Pass Club
Tickets: $100
Contact: Call 964-0060
To Go
What: BIPS Board meeting
When: 9:30 a.m. March 13
Where: Amory Chapel
Contact: Call 964-0060
BIPS is studying what its rates should be to allow the photo shoots as it has been assessing fees on a case-by-case basis.
BIPS is in its third quarter. Its fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.
In other action:
The BIPS Barbecue will be held April 1 with the theme "Cookout in Paradise."
BIPS has resumed meeting at 9:30 a.m. the second Monday of the month.
Ranger Chad Lach of Gasparilla Island State Park reported the Legislature is so far not threatening to close any state parks as it considering doing last year. Two unfilled ranger posts were eliminated, he said.
