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Highlands Today

Tanglewood Passes The Big Bucks

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By JOE SEELIG

Highlands Today

Published: March 10, 2009

SEBRING - The bucks were passed in a formal ceremony at the Tanglewood Community Center Monday morning when Denise Benavides, American Cancer Society unit executive director, took possession of a $55,500 check from the Tanglewood Resident Cancer Benefit.

More than 500 residents watched proudly as vice chairmen Tom DiGrazia and Tom McKeever handed over the funds collected through a series of fundraising events that began in early January and culminated in mid-February.

"We've got some money to give away," said DiGrazia, to a loud round of applause.

"I told Tom I would never take a job that makes me cry," said Benavides, holding back her tears of appreciation. "If everyone does just one dime, or quarter, that's what it takes to get it done and the people of Tanglewood know how to do that."

Benavides' son Jason, now 27, is an 18-year cancer survivor, having first been diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma at age 9. He was in stage four, at risk of organ failure.

But thanks to chemotherapy and the hope that it would work, it did, she said.

"People are going to spend their money on what they think is important and the people of Tanglewood think cancer research is important," said McKeever.

The Tanglewood American Cancer Society Benefit for Research was all held within the confines of the manufactured home and RV park.
Tanglewood has about 1,200 home sites and is part-time and full-time home to about 2,200.

It's basically a residents' benefit, said DiGrazia, and runs for about two months. It kicked off with an Italian dinner in January, and 700 people participated, raising $5,200 with the dinner alone.

Heartland National Bank sponsors the Italian dinner.

Representing Heartland National Bank at the ceremony were Executive Vice President Jim Belflower; Janice Walker, vice president office manager of the south branch; and Wini Quesenberry, vice president office manager of the north branch.

Also on stage were Tanglewood owner John Greytak and Cathie Davis, manager of Publix, who supplied the ingredients for the meatball sub fundraiser.

Also in January, Tanglewood put on a show, said DiGrazia. About 800 people attended and they raised another $3,300.

Other monies were raised by smaller groups within the park. Some raised $100 and others raised $5,000, he said.

Another event is the luminary program.

Residents bought 1,350 bags, which were placed around the clubhouse circle at the center of the community in remembrance of those who have died of cancer, those who survived cancer and for those who are currently fighting cancer and their caregivers.

February's events included a disc jockey, Toby's Clowns, raffles, door prizes and meatball sub sales that generated $17,000 alone, in three hours.

The Tanglewood American Cancer Society Benefit for Research event is recognized in Florida as one of the American Cancer Society's big fundraisers.

Highlands Today reporter Joe Seelig can be reached at (863) 386-5834 or jseelig@highlandstoday.com .

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