Registration Still Open For Suncoast Summer Fest Fun Run

Launched in 2020 by Suncoast Charities For Children in Sarasota, Fla., with primary backing and tireless support from Simon Williams of Shore Thing Storage, the Sarasota Blast On The Bay Fun attracted 120 boats and raised $50,000 for the nonprofit organization. A more-intimate version of the event dubbed the Suncoast Summer Fest Fun Run is on tap this weekend, and registration is still open.

At present, 35 of the 50 available slots have been taken.

Thanks to event backer Billy Glueck, Twisted Metal will be among the boats in this weekend’s Suncoast Summer Fest Fun Run. Photo by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

“We’re very pleased with sign-ups so far and sponsorship has been strong,” said Lucy Nicandri, the executive director of Suncoast Charities for Children. “As of right now, we’re expecting to net $25,000.”

Presenting sponsors this year include Shore Thing Storage, World Cat and Sara Bay Marina. Additional significant sponsors include Glueck’s Auto Parts 2—owned by local offshore racing notable Billy Glueck of Twisted Metal team fame—Suncoast Powerboats, Black Jack Air, FCCI Insurance and Marina Jack Yacht Basin.

“Billy Glueck has really helped me out during the entire Suncoast Summer Fest,” said Nicandri. “He brought his raceboat to just about every event we had. Not only is he a fun run sponsor, he’s sponsoring our kick-off party.”

A longtime friend of Nicandri and member of the Southwest Florida community, Glueck explained why he’s always there to support her efforts.

“Lucy puts out a tremendous amount of effort for not a lot of reward sometimes, all to help the community around us as well as Suncoast Charities for Children,” he said. “Sometimes she has difficulty getting what she needs.

“I have expended a lot of effort through the years on many different things, and most of them don’t mean that much to me anymore,” he continued. “Putting effort toward things that matter means a lot to me and actually makes me feel good.”

Related stories
Highs And Lows Dominate Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix
Suncoast Summer Fest Fun Run Lights The Fuse On Registration Deal