Broker Associate Hannah Martin of The Premier Property Group is once again celebrating her special day by inspiring others to make a difference.
Martin’s annual birthday bash, La Lumière: A Masquerade Affair, benefits Special Olympics of Florida Walton County and will take place on Friday, February 10, 2017, from 6 – 10 p.m. at St. Joe Club & Resort’s LakeHouse on Western Lake in Watercolor, Florida. The event is co-presented by Destin Plastic Surgery and Duckies Shop of Fun. This year’s ‘La Lumière: A Masquerade Affair’ will be Hannah’s third annual event benefiting Special Olympics.
Since its inception, Hannah’s birthday celebration has raised $65,000 for the Special Olympics Florida — Walton County.
Tickets are $100 in advance and $125 at the door. Click here to purchase yours.
Hannah’s connection with the Special Olympics started long before this fundraising party came to fruition. She moved to the area 10 years ago when she began selling real estate. Soon after, she connected with a successful realtor in the area, Jimbo Holloway, and went to work for Jimbo as an assistant. Jimbo grew into a mentor and confidant for Hannah, helping shape her career and guide her to success, as she became a realtor. Hannah and Jimbo are now partners and are currently with The Premier Property Group in Watercolor.
Listen to this 30A Radio interview with Hannah:
Jimbo and his wife Pam have three beautiful children. William, their son, has Down syndrome, a condition in which extra genetic material causes delays in the way a child develops, both mentally and physically. Three years ago, Jimbo approached Hannah to ask if she could help raise seed money for Special Olympics of Florida — Walton County.
Hannah immediately saw this as the perfect opportunity to give back to a family and the community that had been so gracious to her for years.
Since this happened to be around Hannah’s birthday, she decided to throw a birthday bash in honor of Special Olympics – Walton County. Hannah, along with her friends and Special Olympic volunteers, planned a party in less than two weeks with the goal of raising $5,000. By the end of the night, they had raised over $10,000. Hannah instantly realized the potential of even larger achievements provided more time to plan and additional community involvement.
Because of this inspiring insight, Hannah became more involved with the Special Olympics during the following months. She took part in their annual Field Day and got to know and appreciate the athletes she was raising money for.
The following year, Hannah and key benefactors launched a memorably themed Great Gatsby Party. Friends, loved ones, co-workers and community came out in awe-inspiring support to help her raise $55,000 in one night.
Hannah’s birthday parties have now become the largest single-event fundraisers each year for Special Olympics of Walton County, according to Mike Schumacher, fundraising chair for Special Olympics — Walton County.
The organization provides children over the age of 8 and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate and compete in 16 different sports and athletic activities. The service is provided at no cost, including for equipment, facility rentals and travel expenses for competitions.
The value for the athletes is incredible, Shumacher said.
“They get to learn a lot of important life lessons,” he said. “In addition to physical fitness, healthy eating, keeping up with their uniforms and showing up to practices and social interaction, they also get all the life lessons that come from sports.”
Check out this video from a recent Special Olympics — Walton County event:
“As an area business owner and community partner I like to broaden my horizons,” said Dr. Bill Burden of Destin Plastic Surgery. “When I see someone pushing their limits and working towards improving themselves, I take notice. I try to support them. I try to emulate them. Special Olympics exemplifies the human spirit pushing limits to achieve excellence and to show a special love. Hannah’s event has consecutively been successful and I’m excited to see it build.”
For a $100 donation to attend, the masquerade themed event will include dinner, drinks, and entertainment for all, including gambling tables with roulette, blackjack and craps.
Those looking to try their luck can do so by purchasing raffle tickets in exchange for chips. Mr. Big and The Rhythm Sisters will be back on stage along with live Cirque du Soleil-style performers. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, oysters on the half shell by 30A Oyster, wine, cocktails, spirits and local brews from Idyll Hounds Brewing Company will be available for guests to enjoy. Epic Photo Co.’s interactive photo booths will commemorate the masked affair.
The night of giving will also include a live auction, raffles and an impressive silent auction including local art, private catered dinners and luxurious getaways including a week-long stay at Tucker’s Point in Bermuda. The all-inclusive getaway boasts all access to resort amenities including private Clubhouse and Owner’s Lounge, Honor Bar with infinity edge pool, Complimentary Membership Fee to Tucker’s Point Golf, Beach & Tennis Club for duration of stay, complimentary resort-wide shuttle service, discount at all resort restaurants and bars and 20% discount at Sense Spa. The package, donated by Royal Destinations and Elite Alliance is valued at over $28,000.
“I started giving to Special Olympics because it was an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of great people,” said Bryan Pritchett, owner of Duckies and Presenting Sponsor.
“I did some volunteer work for the organization when I was younger and working with the kids is supremely rewarding. These kids show their happiness and appreciation without holding back. They can help remind us who we should be. I am continually amazed by the efforts of people like Hannah that live to make others’ lives better through events such as this,” said Pritchett.
Guests are highly encouraged to dress in the masquerade theme. Personal Stylist Amy Giles of Wardrobe Made Simple is available prior to the event to style guests. 20% of proceeds from styling sessions with Wardrobe Made Simple will also benefit Special Olympics of Florida — Walton County. Merry Beth Myrick Designs will craft hand-forged pieces and custom-made bowties, special to the event, with 25% of proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Florida – Walton County.
“Walton County’s Special Olympics program gives people with disabilities opportunities to experience the joy that competition brings in developing physical fitness, skills and friendships with other Special Olympics athletes, coaches, volunteers and the community,” said Michael Schumacher, Special Olympics Florida – Walton County Fundraising Chair. “Thanks to the funds raised from events such as Hannah’s, our athletes are able to participate in Athlete Leadership Programs and Healthy Athletes initiatives.”
