The beneficiary of our first year’s fundraising efforts was Christopher Rhoades.  In September of 2005 we held the first, “Fall into Margaritaville“ at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida. Sponsored in large part by generous donors and restaurants, it was an evening of dining, dancing and bidding at our silent auction. With the proceeds from that event, we were able to assist Christopher and his family by providing funds for a ceiling-track lift system for their home and a manual lift for their swimming pool. The system provides Christopher with independence that most other young people take for granted.  He can transport himself from bed to bath with some assistance and can safely enjoy the family pool, one of the most effective forms of exercise for his condition.  The lift also relieves Tracie, Christopher’s primary caregiver, from the possibility of injury when trying to lift and carry him to these destinations.  The success of our first year had a very positive impact on Christopher and his family — and on us.  We see firsthand the effect our efforts can have for one family, and we want to do much more for others.