Inaugural Manatee Football Foundation Legacy Event Celebrates History, Community, and a Bright Future

The Manatee Football Foundation’s inaugural Legacy Event was more than a successful fundraiser—it was an unforgettable celebration of Hurricane history, community pride, and the generations of people who have helped make Manatee Football one of Florida’s most respected traditions.

Held on July 23, 2026, at The Venue at Hidden Acres in Palmetto, the evening brought together approximately 173 former players, coaches, alumni, community leaders, sponsors, families, and loyal supporters. From the moment guests arrived, the venue was filled with energy, laughter, familiar faces, and stories from across the decades.

The evening perfectly reflected the mission of the Manatee Football Foundation: to preserve the proud history of Manatee Football, support today’s student-athletes, strengthen the connection between the program and the community, and help create opportunities for future generations.

A Night Built Around Community

Guests were welcomed with a lively meet-and-greet reception that allowed former teammates, coaches, alumni, and supporters to reconnect. The atmosphere was casual, inviting, and filled with Hurricane pride.

The hospitality throughout the evening was exceptional. Every detail—from guest check-in and table arrangements to the displays, entertainment, food service, and event programming—was carefully organized to create a welcoming and professional experience.

Guests were treated to a delicious buffet prepared and served by Sonny’s BBQ. The Sonny’s team provided outstanding service from beginning to end, handling setup, serving nearly 200 guests, assisting throughout dinner, and completing cleanup with professionalism and enthusiasm. Their food and hospitality were among the many highlights of the evening.

Stories That Connected Generations

The formal program began on a powerful and patriotic note as special guest Henry Lawrence performed the National Anthem. Lawrence, a three-time Super Bowl champion and two-time NFL Pro Bowl selection with the Raiders, captivated the audience and provided a memorable opening to an already extraordinary evening. His presence and performance were especially meaningful, bringing together football excellence, community pride, and the rich tradition celebrated throughout the Legacy Event.

The evening’s program featured an impressive group of speakers, coaches, former players, school representatives, and community leaders who shared stories about Manatee Football’s history, influence, and continued importance.

The program included remarks and appearances from Robby Stevenson, Bowen Summer, Head Coach Jacquez Green, Andy Villamarzo, John Booth, Farrakhan Shannon, Todd Sellitto, & Manatee High School Principal Shannon Fleming.

Each speaker brought a unique perspective, but the message throughout the evening remained consistent: Manatee Football is about far more than wins and championships. It is about discipline, relationships, mentorship, opportunity, family, and pride in representing an entire community.

The event also recognized the historic Lincoln Memorial High School football program and the remarkable athletes whose talents, character, and determination became an important part of the Manatee High School tradition. Their story represents a powerful chapter in local history and demonstrates how athletics helped bring individuals and communities together.

Another deeply meaningful moment was the introduction of the Coach Eddie Shannon Legacy Scholarship, presented by the Manatee Football Foundation in partnership with the Manatee High Alumni Association. The scholarship honors Coach Shannon’s lasting influence, beginning with his time at Lincoln Memorial High School and continuing through his contributions to Manatee High School.

The tribute concluded with a moment of silence, allowing those in attendance to reflect on Coach Shannon’s life, leadership, and the countless young people he inspired.

The Legends Memorabilia Auction

One of the evening’s most popular attractions was the Legends Memorabilia Silent Auction, presented with the support of Progressive Cabinetry, the Foundation’s Premium Legacy Partner.

The auction featured an outstanding collection of autographed jerseys, helmets, photographs, sports displays, and other unique memorabilia. Guests enthusiastically moved throughout the auction area, placing bids and keeping a close eye on their favorite items as the closing time approached.

The excitement surrounding the auction added another entertaining element to the evening while generating meaningful financial support for the Foundation’s mission. The success of the auction would not have been possible without the businesses, collectors, community members, former athletes, and supporters who generously donated items or helped secure memorabilia.

Every donated item contributed to the evening’s success. Whether it was a signed jersey, helmet, framed display, gift package, service, or experience, each contribution represented an investment in the future of Manatee Football and the young athletes served by the Foundation.

Gratitude to Our Sponsors and Supporters

The Manatee Football Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to the table sponsors who stepped forward to support the inaugural event:

• Carl Reynolds Law

• Callahan Tire

• Cox Chevrolet

  
  

Their sponsorships helped bring people together, support the event’s expenses, and strengthen the Foundation’s ability to continue serving the football program and its student-athletes.

Special recognition is also extended to Progressive Cabinetry, the Premium Legacy Partner and presenting supporter of the Legends Memorabilia Auction. Their commitment played a major role in creating one of the evening’s signature attractions.

The Foundation also thanks Gold Coast Eagle Distributing for its generous beverage partnership and support of the evening’s hospitality experience.

Most importantly, the Foundation thanks every business, family, alumnus, former player, coach, volunteer, committee member, and community supporter who donated an auction item, purchased a ticket, sponsored a table, placed a bid, bought a raffle ticket, registered for a membership, volunteered their time, or simply attended the event.

Events of this size do not happen because of one person or one organization. They happen because many people believe in a shared mission and are willing to contribute their time, talent, resources, and relationships.

A Foundation for the Future

The success of the inaugural Legacy Event demonstrated just how meaningful Manatee Football remains to this community.

The evening celebrated the people who built the program, recognized those carrying the tradition forward, and created new opportunities to support the student-athletes who will represent Manatee in the years ahead.

It was an evening filled with history, fellowship, great food, memorable stories, friendly competition, and genuine appreciation for everyone who has worn the Manatee uniform, coached from the sideline, cheered from the stands, volunteered behind the scenes, or supported the program from within the community.

The Manatee Football Foundation is proud of what was accomplished during this inaugural event, but this is only the beginning.

With continued community support, the Foundation will work to preserve Manatee Football’s history, strengthen alumni involvement, support current players and coaches, provide scholarships and resources, and ensure that the legacy of Hurricane Football continues for generations.

To everyone who helped make the inaugural Legacy Event an overwhelming success: thank you for believing in the mission, celebrating the history, and helping build the future.