Nauti Parrot to host fundraiser for Harry Chapin
When the owners of the Nauti Parrot were approached by a man who offered to hold a charity event at their place, they jumped at the chance.
On Saturday from noon to 7 p.m., the Nauti Parrot, at 3448 Marinatown Lane off Hancock Bridge Parkway, will host an event to support the Harry Chapin Food Bank. The fundraiser will feature giveaways, live entertainment, food and drink specials and more.
Nauti Parrot is expected to donate 10 percent of the proceeds from this event toward feeding the hungriest people in North Fort Myers, which has some of the poorest neighborhoods in Lee County.
Ken Geid, co-owner of the Nauti Parrot, said he was approached by Barry Grosso, who has done similar events at Perico’s, where he worked previously, and asked if they could host the event.
“We have become pretty popular and are the No. 1 restaurant on Trip Advisor. We’ve come along in the last few months,” Geid said. “It’s real cool. All the money goes back to the residents in North Fort Myers.”
“It’s a big venue and a great atmosphere for the charity event I’m doing. There’s more room for more people. Last year it was standing room only with some having to stand outside,” Grosso said. “The owners are some of the best people ever.”
Among the bands will be doo-wop performers Chicago Heat, Ralph Demarco and the Diamondaires, featuring two members who performed with Tony Bennett and Double Barrel, with two DJs filling in the middle spots, which should be minimal since the plan is to use two stages, one inside and one outside.
Grosso said that growing up on the south side of Boston gave him first-hand knowledge of what it was like to be hungry, and that this event is a win-win for the Nauti Parrot and those who are hungry.
“It’s my passion to give back to the neighborhood. This food will go back to North Fort Myers,” Grosso said. “I lived in the projects, so I know what it’s like to be lucky to have spaghetti one night.”
Numerous businesses have also donated gift certificates to be raffled off, with proceeds going to the food bank.
Harry Chapin Food Bank’s mission is to fight hunger in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties through education and by working with affiliated agencies in the procurement and distribution of food.
One dollar can put three meals on the tables of hungry residents.