Cars and Cocktails 2025

A peaceful blend of sunshine and shade gave the patrons prime weather as they perused the variety of cars at Jim and Allyson Richard’s private residence on Sunday, October 19th.

Cars and Cocktails is a fundraiser benefiting Our Daily Bread Food Pantry (ODBFP). Now in its third year, this was the largest to date in attendance and participation.

An estimated 160 people came in support, “I think there is a renewed interest in the pantry along with the visibility of the new building and it having a permanent home on the Island,” said Jim Richards when asked what spurred the event’s growth. Like a kid in a candy store, he smiled while adding, “We also have more cars this year from other car enthusiasts. Over 20 others came besides my own collection.”

Allyson Richards shared how special it is for her and Jim to have founded and hosted this event at their home. “We are very fortunate to be able to do this. To have cars, to have the land, and to have the desire,” said Allyson. “Jim and I both feel strongly about this community because it is our community. And now we can help feed more people – that is the goal!”

Over 30 unique cars aligned the property, offering patrons a look into a time past, a modern luxury, or a blend of both.

Bill Young was one among the many car enthusiasts. “I've always been a significant supporter of this cause, and Allyson has been a wonderful friend for many years,” said Young, who brought six of his 18 cars to the event. “I think that they're doing such important things in this society.”

One of his cars, a beautiful 2010 Spyker Spyder, is among only 30 in the United States and is #219 out of 270 cars made.

Harold and Maureen Schafke coordinated their outfits to match their yellow and black Corvette with a fitting license plate: Bumblebee. “This is our first time at the event. We know the family and thought this would be very nice,” Maureen said.

Scot and Pat Kaufman displayed their new powder blue Bentley, which Scot jokingly says is a lot more than he knows what to do with. “I was impressed by the cars and event as a whole last year and wanted to bring a car this year,” said Scot. “The pantry means a lot. My wife and I are close friends with Jim and Allyson - that is how we got introduced to it. We volunteered a few times. It has a special place in our hearts, to the point that we donated for the new building.” The new building and permanent home for ODBFP is named in Pat and Scot Kaufman’s honor.

Island Automotive was proud to return for three years in a row, bringing a ’49 Pontiac, a Mercury, and a Volkswagen Thing. “Someone says cars and Keith, and I am here!” joked Pershing.

District One Collier County Commissioner Rick Locastro was quick to compliment Pershing and his business, stating that he owns a fully restored 1971 Cutlas, given to him by his dad in high school, “I have taken this car all over the country, and it has never been ‘fully perfect’. But Keith and his team make my car purr like a kitten! I don’t know how they do it. It’s magic!”

Lance Shearer kept the lively party going with his music. Bartenders kept everyone hydrated and libated with the open bar. Tasty hors d’oeuvres from Prestige Catering ensured no one went hungry.

Jim shared his personal sentiments, thanking everyone who played a part in making this special day and event happen, and for those who showed up to support the pantry.

“Thanks to your help, we are feeding about 1,150 families per week on our Saturdays,” Allyson said while addressing the crowd. She added that approximately 200 families are fed each week at their two mobile food pantries and that backpacks are being provided so children do not go home without food on the weekend.

“We just finished a capital campaign of $8 million to move into a new building. In less than a year and a half, we did that! Thanks to some incredible sponsors who are here today. We couldn't have done it without them and many of you,” said Allyson.

“I sincerely believe that we're better when we do come together because together, we are a whole lot stronger,” said ODBFP Executive Director Evelyn Rossetti-Ryan. She acknowledged the founding members of the pantry and their mission to address childhood hunger on Marco Island all those years ago that led to what they have become today. “We have grown as the need continues to grow,” said Rossetti-Ryan. Sharing a chart of their Saturday numbers, she showed the staggering increase in households served.

“I like to say we're an eight-day-a-week pantry because I feel like we never rest!” Rossetti-Ryan said. “If somebody calls us and they need our help, we're gonna be there to help them!”

Peter Karl, TV personality, author, and MC for the evening, praised the organization. “Ninety-four cents of every dollar that is donated goes to the mission,” he said, letting that fact sink in before kicking off a lightning round of fundraising.

Continuing with their pattern of generosity, the patrons, comprised of ODBFP volunteers, local dignitaries, Marco Island businessmen and women, police and firefighting personnel, and more, raised their paddles to the cause.

As people continued to enjoy themselves, one of the founding members of ODBFP could be found with a grateful heart.

Taking a deep breath, Liz Pecora held back the tears of joy as she was asked what it meant to her to see this event, the turnout, and what the food pantry has become. “Grateful. Thankful. I cannot even say beyond that,” Pecora said. “I am just so grateful that so many people have come together to support this charity that is so dear to my heart.”

Retired fire chief Mike Murphy squeezed her arm, echoing the sentiment. “The beauty of the cars here and the beauty of the hearts here are a reflection of the beauty of the island and their giving to Our Daily Bread,” Murphy said.

And a reflection of the beauty in the hearts of the residents of Marco Island indeed it was, as this year’s event surpassed previous year’s fundraising totals, making it the most successful Cars and Cocktails to date.