Parrots of the Caribbean ‘move nest’ to Insanity Complex
Numerous members of Rotary Club of Madison work to present Parrots of the Caribbean. The event is the only fundraiser for the club’s local, regional and global outreach projects. (Photo by Jen Fouts-Detulleo, JFD Photography & Design)
MADISON – As revelers party their cares away, each guest will be helping people locally, regionally and globally when Rotary Club of Madison presents “Parrots of the Caribbean.”
In its 13th year, the Parrots event will be held on Aug. 22 from 6 to 11 p.m. at a new venue, Insanity Complex, 100 Skate Park Drive at the intersection of Mill and Hughes roads.
Insanity Complex “will offer greater space and more amenities. Our intent is to pick up Parrots and move it intact to the new site,” Parrots chairman Marc Jacobson said. “Parrots is an outdoor event, rain or shine, but we’ll have inside space” for inclement weather.
Parrots of the Caribbean is Rotary Club’s only fundraiser. Locally, Madison Rotarians prepare Thanksgiving baskets for individuals in need, donate children’s backpacks and school supplies, work with Triana Boys & Girls Club, staff a booth at Madison Street Festival and give a scholarship to a senior at Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools.
In addition, the club supports Madison Public Library, Madison Senior Center, Madison Hospital and Hogan Family YMCA activities; sponsors “Madison Veteran of the Year” and “Madison City Employees of the Year” awards for fire, police and City Hall workers; and assists Wounded Warriors and Triana Career Development Center and GED program.
Parrots’ proceeds “will support work we do in the community and around the world. Madison Rotary is a responsible organization that uses about 95 percent of our funding for program expenses,” Jacobson said.
Support of Rotary International’s Polio Plus since 1979 “has helped eradicate polio now in all but three countries,” Jacobson said.
In other global outreach, Madison Rotarians have worked in Honduras for nine years to install EcoStoves, which vent smoke outside for cleaner air, thus improving children’s health. In 2014, Rotarians launched a dental clinic near Choluteca, Honduras and treated 422 children, placed 1870 dental sealants, completed 95 fillings and performed 22 extractions.
Rotarians now are helping improve Hondurans’ vision with clinics to diagnose farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. They delivered approximately 1,000 pairs of glasses for better reading and sunglasses for UV protection.
Parrots has “a loyal core group of attendees. Then, we draw new people every year who have heard about us, mostly from friends and associates,” Jacobson said.
The island/Jimmy Buffet theme draws the crowd “with classic songs from the baby-boomer generation. Raffles are first-class” with baskets packed with gift cards, jewelry, Alabama/Auburn/Mississippi State memorabilia and the “Instant Wine Cellar” with 60 bottles of bubbly. “People bring lawn chairs and set up for the evening to enjoy food, drink and entertainment,” he said.
For concessions, Summer Fun will offer cheeseburgers (in paradise, of course), grilled chicken or shrimp fajitas, fried oysters, popcorn shrimp and cheesecake. Beverages range from water and soft drinks to margaritas, wine, beer and a new mystery punch.
Starting as 5:30 p.m., The Zooks will spark the fun with their brand of classic rock ‘n roll, Motown and rhythm & blues. Audience members often join them on stage for a vamp on “Ride, Sally, Ride” from “Mustang Sally.” Then, Four on the Floor promises to have the crowd on the dance floor with grooving soul to disco classics.
Rotarians in key roles for Parrots are co-chairman Larry Smith and chairpersons Debbie Overcash, sponsorship; Karen Morris, publicity; and Carol Rives, raffle.
Advance tickets are $20 or pay $25 at the event. Tickets are available from any Rotarian; Iberia Bank, 53 Hughes Road, Madison; and Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 500 Church Street, Huntsville. For ticket details, visit madisonalrotary.org/parrots/parrots-tickets.
For more information, call 256-564-2075 or 256-337-3337, email to jacobson@knology.net or visit madisonalrotary.org/parrots.
