Tampa Tribune Article

Honorary Mayor Candidate Plans Fundraisers

ONLY 1 CANDIDATE

By CAROLE DICKEY

cdickey@mediageneral.com

From hand to foot, honorary mayor of Land O’ Lakes candidate Faith Jordan-Masella has it covered. Fundraisers planned in October include a clay shoot and a masquerade ball.

As the only mayoral candidate running this year, Jordan-Masella has the responsibility of raising all the money generated by the mayor’s race.

The way the race works is several chamber-minded business people volunteer to run for honorary mayor. During the campaign, each candidate hosts fundraisers, and each dollar they take in counts as one vote, so the one who makes the most money becomes the next honorary mayor.

Since the money raised goes to support Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce programs and expenses, the ultimate goal of all candidates is to raise as much money as possible.

When none of the chamber members felt inspired to step up to the plate, Jordan-Masella finally agreed to throw her hat in the ring. “A moment of insanity,” she called it.

Jordan-Masella also anticipated the exposure will help her build her business, www.LandOLakesFLA.com, www.WesleyChapelFLA.com, www.NewTampaFLA.com and www.CarrollwoodFLA.com. As a professional photographer, Jordan-Masella covered many local events, taking pictures which she sold over her Web sites and submitted to local publications.

To date, she has hosted several fundraisers, including a golf tournament and a mother-daughter tea/fashion show.

“The community has been pitching in to help her out,” said Kathy Dunkley, executive director of the chamber. “We have very supportive chamber members and the community. Even though they don’t have the time to run, they are doing things to help her toward her goal.”

The Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club created a necklace made of dollar bills and valued at $50, which it donated to the cause. Jordan-Masella will host a drawing for the necklace during the clay shoot. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5.

The masquerade ball will be Oct. 22 from 6 p.m. to midnight at The Groves Golf & Country Club. Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door for individuals and $50 in advance or $60 at the door for couples.

The clay shoot will be Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon at Deer Creek Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff. The entry fee is $99 and includes breakfast, lunch, a 50-target clay course, goodie bag, prizes and awards. The deadline to enter is Oct. 26.

For more information about the fundraising events, visit www.LandOLakesFLA.com or call 299-8866.