From a child's touch, Winterfest creates a legacy

Young Cancer Warrior, 15 year old Amanda Blake fought valiantly against osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer she was diagnosed with one year ago. She lost her battle on November 1, 2009. This amazing young lady with an old soul touched more hearts in her lifetime than many three times her age.
Introduced to Winterfest by the Wasie Foundation and the Jessica June Children's Cancer Foundation, Amanda was the angelic face of hope in the battle against all odds. She was the daughter of David, a single father who had to quit his job as he struggled with the balance of taking his daughter to cancer treatments while keeping a sense of normalcy for her two brothers. "Amanda was one of those special stories that touch your soul," Wasie Foundation representative Jen Klaassens said in a recent interview with Winterfest.

"Our first involvement was to help the family financially. The loss of income was becoming overwhelming for Amber's father. Later, it became a battle for hope. I was honored to accompany her when she met with specialists in Houston. She was such an inspiration."

Lisa Scott-Founds, President & CEO of Winterfest along with Event Director, Dawn Read and Jen Klaassens met with Amanda to express how her life touched parade representatives and will change this waterway tradition forever.
Amanda Blake was given the rank of 2009 Parade Captain. She lives on in the hearts of those she touched but never knew and her legacy will continue as Winterfest will honor a child fighting a difficult battle annually as the Captain of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade.

Winterfest dedicates this year's parade in her memory.

CLICK HERE for details on the November 21 fundraiser for Michael Brewer at Galuppi's in Pompano Beach and meet the Winterfest mascot - Skip Ahoy.

Winterfest Volunteer Honored with Spirit Award at Appreciation Party

When a beloved volunteer lost her life January 2004, the staff and board of Winterfest felt more than sorrow – it was grief for the passing of a family member.

Carolyn McLaughlin was the “Voice of Winterfest” – one of many volunteers, who spent over a decade serving this community event. Her enthusiasm over the years was evident to the thousands she spoke with and personally greeted during the Winterfest Celebration. She was a smiling face at the Black Tie Ball, Grand Marshal Reception and other events leading to the parade. “Carolyn, like so many volunteers, signified the heart of this event. We are saddened with a heavy heart over this beloved lady,” Lisa Scott-Founds, President & CEO.

Like the phoenix which inspires endless vision and grace, the family and friends of Mrs. McLaughlin along with Winterfest decided to honor her life as she lived it with the Carolyn McLaughlin Volunteer Spirit Award. “Carolyn started her volunteer life with Winterfest in 1991 as a Continental Airlines Ambassador,” stated Dawn Read, event director - who works directly with the event’s approximate 300 volunteers. “She was the essence of volunteer spirit; therefore, it only seemed fitting to create this special fund in her honor.” Lisa Scott-Founds continued, “Her family wishes to share the love Carolyn had for Winterfest and we are pleased to always have an award to remember her by. Her enduring spirit is an inspiration to us all.”
Her family saw the passion for Winterfest in Carolyn for over a decade. Days before the automobile accident which tragically took both the lives of Carolyn and, her dearly loved husband, Charlie - Mrs. McLaughlin had returned from volunteering at one of Winterfest’s sanctioned events aboard the Queen Mary 2. “The Inaugural Gala aboard the Queen Mary 2 - in which she spent the night aboard the luxury ocean liner was all she spoke about for months,” commented her daughter Ellen Kirkman. “She was so happy and just enjoyed the experience.”

Because of Carolyn’s commitment to Winterfest; family and friends created the fund to encourage others who live by the spirit of volunteerism. Every year a select volunteer will receive a plaque along with dinner for two.

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