Cameron recognized as campaigns biggest pirate

Judy Dembowski, Executive Director of St. Francis House, updated Historic City News in St Augustine with details on their recent fundraising event, Get Ye’ Pirate On. According to Dembowski, over $18,000 was raised to benefit the only fulltime homeless shelter between Jacksonville and Daytona.

During the past six-week period, eight local Corsair pirates have been gathering treasure for St. Francis House. Prizes were awarded to the pirate who raised the most donations — the pirate with the least treasure agreed to walk the plank.

“We awarded our grand prize to Assistant St Johns County Administrator Jerry Cameron; a donated one-week vacation stay at a cabin in Lake Lure, North Carolina,” Dembowski told local reporters. “Jerry was responsible for raising $11,610 of over $18,000 in total contributions during the campaign.”

We are told that a courageous 15-year-old, Sandra Hooper, attending the St Augustine Pirate Gathering on November 8, stood in at the last minute for the losing pirate; offering to go into the dunk tank in their place.

Dembowski extended special thanks to all the pirates who participated and to Gunnar Hedqwist for sponsoring a special cruise aboard the Black Raven Pirate Ship, Lee Pallas, President of Ancient City Privateers, and Sunshine Events and Promotions who organized the St Augustine Pirate Gathering.

Since 1984, St Francis House has been assisting the homeless and those in need within our community. St. Francis House provides daily services including meals, shelter, laundry, showers and individual assessment for each resident. Visit stfrancisshelter.org for more information.