Porsche Parade raises $500k for Lee Health Foundation

FORT MYERS

What’s better than Santa riding on his sleigh? How about a parade of luxury cars full of presents leading Santa to the children at Golisano Children’s Hospital.

More than 150 drivers met at Glory Days along Daniels Parkway and US-41 Saturday morning. All are part of the fifth annual Porsche Darade.

Greg Guber of Naples was one of those who drove in the parade. “This is our first year participating. Our friends had been here before, so they convinced us we were going to have a good time and would come this year. ”

Children at Golisano Children’s Hospital, who didn’t always leave their rooms, had to look outside as Santa and his helpers spread holiday cheer and sent a pile of presents.

For Bill O’Connor, this is the second year he’s brought cheers to the hospital. “Last year it was 155 cars, this year it was 168 cars, last year it was even less. It started with about 50 cars 5 years ago. Therefore, this event is constantly growing and growing every year. ”

O’Connor said, “it’s all about the kids, the kids in the hospital and the people trying to bring in presents and make donations.”

One of those kids was Seth Barch, “I have a magic game set.”

The event gives the kids gifts and also acts as a fundraiser to buy medical equipment.

The device is intended to keep families and their children in the hospital instead of having to go elsewhere for care.

“This is an annual event of the year for me. I don’t think I’ll miss it – as long as I can keep driving, I’ll be here every year,” O’Connor said.

Saturday’s event raised $500,000. All will go directly to the Lee Health Foundation.

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