Swan Derby is more than racing

Fund-raising teams exceeded their goal of reaching $50,000 in donations. The winning fund-raising Leaders of Lakeland team was Reid and Tony Reynolds of the Like Father, Like Swan team with $8,200 collected.

Ten local charities competed in the Maiden Handicap race including Roar Florida, the Children’s Home Society, Achievement Academy, the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida, Engage Bartow, Options for Women, Pace Center For Girls, Academy Prep, One More Child and the Junior Service League of Bartow. All are challenged to sell Super Tickets for the event, splitting the profit.

“We can’t do this work by ourselves,” said LVIM President and CEO Alice Koehler. “The folks we serve rely on a lot of different services in the community. We like to share the success in our event and the mission we all believe in.”

ROAR Florida was one of many charities enjoying the atmosphere at Lake Mirror on Friday evening.

ROAR resident Michael Sarva and board member Hunter Harildstad competed in the Maiden Handicap race on Lake Mirror. The pair were thrilled to sit and race in a fiberglass peddle boat shaped like a swan, in a nod to Lakeland’s popular birds.   

“They are excited to come out in the community,” said Cauney Bamberg of the group of ROAR residents who were hanging out at the event. “They are excited to come here and cheer their friend on.”

Sarra’s parents, Maryann and Bob Sarva, from Seminole County were on hand for the race.

“I’m so proud of you,” Maryann told Michael. “It’s a nice day for it. ROAR is great. It’s allowing him to be independent. It’s exactly what he needs. This way he has his own place and we love it.”

“This is fun,” said Maryann. “Michael was here last year, but just watched.”

ROAR is a residential community for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It’s funded completely through fundraising.

Founder Margaret McNutt was watching the derby along with ROAR CEO Bamberg and Cindy Haer, the ROAR Director of Advancement of Philanthropy.

“We are so blessed that LVIM allows us to partner with them at their charity event,” said Haer. “They allow other non-profits to participate in a really special collaboration which allows for exposure. Lakeland is the best community-minded, community-spirited city. A lot of these people are coming and learning about ROAR.

McNutt founded ROAR with five other families to give her son, Jared, a place to live and take away the worry when she is no longer alive to take care of him.

McNutt reached out to the community and was able to start housing on Lake Morton many years ago. The state and city gave 56 acres to the project.  Sixteen acres were developed into The Villages at Noah’s Landing where 126 individuals live. Another 17 residents live with a support system in the Noah’s Nest off-site apartments.

“It’s a beautiful thing,” said Bamberg.

ROAR was originally Noah’s Ark of Central Florida.

The non-profit is currently working on a community garden, a Taste Buds program and a capital campaign.

Haer is a former teacher who worked with ESE students.

“For me, teaching will always be a passion,” said Haer. “These residents leave a huge imprint on our hearts. Knowing they have the quality of life they deserve. Our residents are capable of so much.”

In the Maiden Handicap non-profit race, the Engage Brigade team of Kristin Kreis and Carly Reifenrath placed first. Second went to 10 Swanzillas with Monica Fernandez and Ashley Daughtry.

Taking third were the Star Scholars with Jazz Bennett and Anna Thoms.

Taking first in the main event Swan Derby were Swantrepreneur peddled by Adam Hamid and Sophia Alfiky. Second place went to Morty with Dominique Spikes and Kevin Stevens.

Mr. George came in third with John Hickman and Justin Calabrese.

The Leaders of Polk Derby Dash title went to the Swanna Buy A House with Lindsey Thibodeau and Steve Strickland. Second went to Top Swan with Adrianna Darr and Ryan Larson. Placing third were Two Pens A Ped’ling with Kaleigh Avian and Audrey Lopez.