City beats out County in tips collected for Ark of Nassau

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter – News Analyst

 

Florida State Senator Aaron Bean decided to use his appearance at the January 17, 2017 Regular Meeting of the Fernandina Beach City Commission for an unscripted presentation to the commissioners on behalf of Ark of Nassau, formerly known as ARC Nassau.

Accompanied by Jane Bloom, the new executive director of Ark of Nassau, Bean presented the city with a trophy in recognition of their successful fundraising for Ark during the fall Celebrity Waiter competition between the city and Nassau County commissioners.

Bean said that he has teamed with the city for several years in this competition between the commissions to see which group can raise the most money via tips earned while waiting tables to benefit Ark of Nassau. “Fernandina Beach pride has been on the line for many years,” Bean said, “as we have come up short compared to the county team led by Judge Foster. This year, finally, Fernandina Beach has topped Nassau County in total funds raised for Ark of Nassau.”

The Winning Team: Fernandina Beach City beat Nassau County Commission Team in raising tips during 2016 Celebrity Waiter Competition

Bean and Fernandina Beach Mayor Robin Lentz gathered the commissioners, City Manager Dale Martin and City Attorney Tammi Bach together for a Team Photo. Bean said, “Let’s get a photo of the entire commission holding the trophy—and hope it gets back to Nassau County. We want them to know that we savor this trophy.”

The audience applauded their appreciation for the city effort—and Bean’s showmanship.