When community, creativity and compassion come together, inspiring things happen — and that’s exactly what played out recently as Realty Executives Oceanside hosted its third annual “Boo-ling for Wishes” fundraiser. The event, held at Palm Coast Lanes in Palm Coast, Florida, brought together teams of bowlers, silent-auction participants, volunteers, sponsors, and local partners in a festive, costume-filled evening—and together they succeeded in raising $30,000 for Make-A-Wish of Central & Northern Florida.
A Night of Fun with a Purpose
From the moment guests arrived, the “Boo-ling for Wishes” atmosphere was vibrant. Participants donned Halloween costumes (from Minions to Star Wars characters and Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Machine), cosmic bowling lights glowed across the lanes, and a lively spirit of giving filled the air.
All 24 lanes at Palm Coast Lanes sold out—proof that the community embraced the event. Between team registration fees, the silent auction, raffle prizes, and generous sponsorships, the fundraising total reached an impressive $30,000.
Local Leadership & Meaningful Impact
The success of the event was driven by a team of local leaders and a strong network of partners. Broker/Owner Bruce Vinnick of Realty Executives Oceanside, who began the Boo-ling for Wishes event with his wife, Shannon, captured the spirit when he said, “Seeing our community come together to support such an incredible cause is truly inspiring. It gets bigger and more meaningful every year, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it happen.”
The Executive Council Team, comprised of Iwona Baj, Monique DiFusco, Diana Donaldson, Kathy McEnaney, Jeanne Nix, Janet Zinkhan, Candy Doyle, and Professional Closing’s Marketing Manager Chris Freda worked tirelessly alongside Event Chair Shannon Vinnick and Event Coordinator Josephine L’Heureux to bring this year’s vision to life. Their behind-the-scenes efforts made the event fun, smooth, and impactful.
Also lending their presence: Palm Coast Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri kicked off the evening, and Chief Deputy Joe Barile of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office served as costume-contest judge. Jillian Wilson, Development & Community Engagement Coordinator for Make-a-Wish Northeast, was also in attendance.
Wishes Granted
One of the most meaningful parts of the night was meeting a wish recipient whose life was touched by the generosity of supporters. 13-year-old Anna Smith—whose wish for a family trip to Hawaii was granted last year—attended with her mom, dad, brother, and grandfather.
Anna’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact behind the dollars raised. She has battled severe refractory epilepsy, undergone multiple surgeries, and the family has endured more than its share of tough days. Her wish, more than the tropical destination, was a chance to reconnect and relax with her family after all the medical struggles. Anna’s mother, Rebecca, shared, “For her, she just wanted to get away from it all … and she just wanted to relax and spend time with the whole family.”
The presence of Anna and her family was a powerful reminder for the evening: each donation helps turn hope into reality for children facing critical illnesses.
Why Fundraising Matters
As part of the Realty Executives network- a brand known for putting people first- Realty Executives Oceanside embodies the spirit of service and collaboration. By investing time, resources, and heart into initiatives such as Boo-ling for Wishes, the brokerage is working to build a stronger, more connected community through its leadership and stewardship.
This event demonstrates a powerful model: when a group of community-minded real estate professionals leverages its local network, brand strength, and event-execution capability, it can create significant community impact and goodwill.
Thanking the Community & Sponsors
Such a successful fundraiser doesn’t happen in isolation. Realty Executives Oceanside extended heartfelt thanks to sponsors, including Stellar MLS, who returned as event sponsor for the third consecutive year. Other major support came from local businesses like EXO-PRO Pressure Wash, Jennifer Morrison – REALTOR®, Sunshine State Heating & Air, and more than 50 additional local businesses and individuals.
A special note of thanks extends to Palm Coast Lanes, who once again opened their doors for Boo-ling for Wishes, making it a highly anticipated yearly event.
What’s Next: Building on the Momentum
With three years now under their belt, the Boo-ling for Wishes event has established itself as a community tradition- the perfect blend of fun and philanthropy.
Looking ahead, the team is already dreaming of raising even more funds for wishes, involving more sponsors, and making an even greater impact on the lives of children served by Make-A-Wish. For Executives, sponsors, and the community, the invitation is clear: join the movement. Whether one rolls a strike, bids on a silent-auction item, buys a raffle ticket, or simply donates, participation helps make wishes come true.
Final Thoughts
At its heart, “Boo-ling for Wishes” is so much more than a themed bowling night. It’s a celebration of community, generosity, and hope. The funds raised are gateways to transformative moments for children and families confronted by serious health challenges. For Realty Executives Oceanside, the event reflects the power of what a brokerage can achieve when it mobilizes its people, resources, and local goodwill.
Special Recognition: The team at Realty Executives International would like to take a moment to applaud Bruce and Shannon Vinnick for all they have done with Boo-ling for Wishes. As an event that originated in Illinois over two decades ago, it has been a pleasure to see them extend their efforts into Florida. Their hard work and dedication to the real estate profession and to Make-a-Wish has positively impacted the lives of numerous families. We are incredibly proud to call them Executives.
