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Backup Documents 06/14/2016 Item # 4B 4 6 PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, on behalf of the residents of Collier County, the Collier County Board of County Commissioners would like to recognize Mr. Vin DePasquale, founder of the Great Dock Canoe Race; and, WHEREAS, Mr. DePasquale's dedication to our community became apparent shortly after he created the first Great Dock Canoe Race in 1977, helping Collier County residents celebrate the end of season with a canoe race at The Dock at Crayton Cove; and, WHEREAS, the event was more than end of season fun, it a/so awarded a $5,000 grant to a children's charity in Collier County, including this year's awardee the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Health Under Guided Systems (H.U.G.S.)program; and, WHEREAS, the theme for the Great Dock Canoe Race changed each year, encouraging participants to decorate their canoes and dress in costumes. The theme tradition has become a part of the day just as much as the paddling and partying; and, WHEREAS, the festivities traditionally began with The Theme Parade where the "Best Dressed Canoe" showcases their creative skills to spectators and judges alike before the three mile race through Naples Bay begins; and, WHEREAS, the race format allowed contestants to compete in either the "Ambitious Amateurs"race, the "Practically Professionals"race or the "Truly Tenacious"race, which was designed for teams where both canoeists were 65 years or older; and, WHEREAS, On Saturday, May 14, 2016, Mr. DePasquale, canoers, fans and supporters from all over Southwest Florida and beyond celebrated the "Last Dance, "the theme for the last Great Dock Canoe Race; and, WHEREAS, for 40 years, the Great Dock Canoe Race has been Naples'most popular event and a true community event; and, WHEREAS, each year contestants and spectators travel from all over the country to race and watch, and thousands of people, from young children to grandparents, celebrate the Great Dock Canoe Race on land, dock and bay; and, WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners would like to officially recognize Mr. DePasquale and the Great Dock Canoe Race for 40 years of fun and dedication to a long-time tradition that will never be forgotten. NOW THEREFORE, it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, that June 14, 2016, be designated as VIN DEPASQUALE AND GREAT DOCK CANOE RACE DAY DONE AND ORDERED THIS 14th Day of June 2016. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COLLIER LINTY, FLORID n DONNA FIALA, CHAIRMAN