Great Time, Great Cause: Martin Memorial LifeSavers Prepare for Goombay Bash

Summer is upon us, which means the Martin Memorial LifeSavers’ annual Goombay Bash is right around the corner.

This year’s event takes place July 18 from 7-11 p.m. The tropical-themed event will feature live reggae music from “Sweet Justice,” raffles, food and libations. And the 2009 Goombay Bash will also feature a new, bigger location to accommodate the growing number of guests: Four Fish Marina, located at 2225 N.E. Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach.

“The Goombay Bash really has distinguished itself as one of the most dynamic events of the year,” LifeSavers co-chair Missy DuBois said. “It is extremely fulfilling to see so many members of the community come together and make a difference.”

Since its inception in 2002, the Goombay Bash has brought in $364,530 for the Martin Memorial Foundation. Those funds are used to purchase technology, equipment and renovations at the Martin Memorial Maternal-Child Department. Last year’s event attracted 348 people and raised $78,000, which was used to purchase a variety of equipment ranging from a fetal monitoring system for a delivery room, to cribs and sleeper chairs.

This year the LifeSavers are looking to raise $90,000 – enough to fund the committee’s entire “wish list” for the maternal-child department. So far the LifeSavers are well on their way, thanks to the generosity of its sponsors. That includes: Big Kahuna sponsors, Balfour Beatty Construction, Metcare-Humana and the Pedersen Family Foundation; Junkanoo sponsor, Wellmed Medical Services; We Be Jammin’ sponsor, Eddie Huggins Land Grading Company; venue sponsors, Eventmakers International and Four Fish Marina; patio sponsor, Paradise Home and Patio; design sponsor, Tara Biek Creative; in-kind sponsors, New England Fish Market, Mrs. Peters Smokehouse and Triangle Bar/Grill, Liquors.

“This is such a worthwhile cause that affects so many people on the Treasure Coast,” co-chair Katie McCarthy said. “The bar has been raised over the years to create an exciting, successful event and we look forward to continuing that legacy.”

Tickets are $75 if purchased by June 30, $100 after that date. To purchase tickets for the Goombay Bash or for information on sponsorship opportunities, visit Martin Memorial’s Web site at mmhs.com, or call the Martin Memorial Foundation at (772) 223-5634.