UNSUNG HEROES
Under a wide January sky, where the palms leaned in like they wanted a better look, the Spring Run Charitable Foundation saddled up for one rip-roarin’ night to remember. The Boot Scootin’ Bash rode into town on January 24 at the Spring Run Golf Club pool, and by sundown it was clear this weren’t just a party—it was a purpose.
Two hundred twenty-four neighbors dusted off their boots and gathered ‘round for a country-western throwdown powered by the toe-tappin’ sounds of the Joe Yeoman Band. There was dancing, laughing, and a whole lotta heart, all in support of local charities serving Lee and Collier counties. Silent and live auctions stirred up friendly rivalry, Terry Crandall’s “Lasso-the-Bull” game separated the cowpokes from the tenderfoots, and by night’s end more than expected had been raised—puttin’ SRCF squarely on the trail toward its $250,000 goal for the year.
But every good roundup has heroes you don’t always see, and this here story is about them. The folks who rolled up their sleeves long before the music started and stayed long after the last boot scooted off the dance floor.
Shayne Hanley spent the better part of two long days with Nickel Lepchitz, sawing wood, painting signs, and turnin’ the Spring Run pool area into a bona fide western outpost. Trevor Hill rode shotgun, helping Shayne haul props for promotion, while Paul Staritz volunteered his time and muscle to hang—and later wrangle down—six full-sized banners. No glory, no spotlight… just grit and good will.
Back at headquarters, the office
crew kept the wheels from wobblin’. Iva Sokolik wrangled the program from start to finish and made sure the digital advertising was humming along. Alongside Mark Oroyan and Roman Carrillo, she ensured the AV system was tuned up and trail-ready. Andrea Reyes and Cade Mullens handled the printing and promotion, spreadin’ the word far and wide so no member missed the call to ride.
And before the dust settles, it’s only right we tip our hats a little lower to Kat, Roman and the Food and Beverage crew—the backbone of any good shindig west of the Mississippi. Chef Jon and Chef Matt cooked up chuck-wagon-style fare so good it’d make any city slicker tip their hat and come back for seconds. A thunderin’ cowboy thank-you to every soul who help cooked the vittles, slung the hash, delivered the goods, busted tables, and kept the bar runnin’ smooth at the saloon. When the crowd was hungry and the glasses ran dry, they were ready—no complaints, just grit and get-it-done spirit.
A special nod goes to Jonathan, who made sure everyone was
accommodated, no matter how tall the order or how late the hour. That kind of calm in the chaos? That’s seasoned trail boss material. And over
by the WANTED banner, Chloe was quick on the draw, snapping photos and capturing memories that’ll live on long after the boots are put away.
These are the unsung heroes—the ones who don’t ask for applause but sure do deserve it. Because thanks to their hard work, grit, and big hearts, the Boot Scootin’ Bash wasn’t just a night of fun… it was a shining example of what happens when a community rides together for a good cause.