Riverview Honorary Mayor Candidates Plan Fundraisers

Sure, the race to see who will be elected the area's next state senator is interesting.

But it's not nearly as fun as the race to become Riverview's next honorary mayor.

Candidates for the title have been organizing a variety of events to raise funds for their designated charities. The candidate who raises the most money for charity will be declared the 2013 honorary mayor in October.

Vying for the title are Elijah Heath of the Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview, Molly Blanton of the Gulf Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America and Mary Boyd of in Riverview.

Heath, a financial adviser with in Lithia, will be raising funds for the FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Foundation.

Blanton, district executive of the Gulf Ridge Council, plans to raise money for the Scouts, noting that there are 3,000 Boy Scouts in East Hillsborough County.

Boyd, the branch manager of C1 Bank in Riverview, said she will raise funds for YMCA Camp Cristina in Riverview and A Kid's Place in Brandon.

Among Blanton's fundraisers is a murder-mystery dinner theater Saturday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Preserve at Alafia clubhouse, 10110 Gibsonton Dr., Riverview. “Murder At The Four Deuces” is set in a 1920s speakeasy with audience members urged to bribe and extort characters to unmask the killer. The event will take place at the Winthrop Barn Theatre, 11349 Bloomingdale Ave. Riverview. Tickets are $27 for a single, $47 for a couple.

Other plans in the works for Blanton's campaign include a day canoe trip, a “Be A Scout Day” where residents will try their hands at archery, hiking and campfire s’mores and a Riverview Restaurant Crawl.

For more information, contact Blanton at mblanton@boyscouting.com.

Heath also has an amibitious schedule of events lined up.

He kicks off his fundraisers with a Rotary Party Aug. 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Barnacles Seafood, 926 Providence Rd., Brandon. Health also is planning a Hogs for a Cause event Aug. 25 and a wine-tasting event Aug. 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Park Square Cellar, 16132 Churchview Dr., Riverview. Heath also is planning a pub crawl Sept. 1, a Yappy Hour Sept. 20, a Wet Willie Day at Camp Cristina (date to be announced) and a Casino Night at the Winthrop Barn Theatre Sept. 21.

Details will be posted on the FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Club's website.

Boyd will kick off her campaign Tuesday, Aug. 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a Girls Nite Out at C1 Bank, 10109 U.S. 301 S., Riverview. Ladies will enjoy food, drinks and raffle prizes for $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

Call Boyd at 813-672-0999.

Funds from all of the candidates' fundraisers will be turned in Sept. 28 at 4 p.m. Every dollar raised represents one vote.

The winner will be announced at the Oct. 23 chamber membership meeting and will assume the honorary post following the chamber's annual dinner in January.

For more information on the race, contact the Riverview chamber at 813-234-5944 or visit the chamber's website.

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