2024 Chasco Coronation Ball Queen Chasco & King Pithla, Becky Bennett and J. David Wright
2023 King and Queen Steve Luikart and Julie Rogers with nominees Stefanie Pontlitz and James Mallo. Stefanie is also LVIB’s CEO.
Mom Ana Rubio and family look on as Luna tells the audience how much she loves her instructor.
Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind is pleased to introduce our 2024 King Pithla J. David Wright and Queen Chasco Becky Bennett who were crowned on March 15th at the 2024 Chasco Coronation Ball. This year, our new royals were chosen from 40 individuals nominated by 29 not-for-profit agencies. All nominees were recognized for their significant efforts to lift up those in need. Jamie Mick, 2015 Queen and 2024 Ball Chair, said “It warms my heart to see the good being done in our community, and everyone coming together to celebrate it.”
In addition to the coronation, we had 24 sponsors, a fantastic silent auction, a wonderful turnout including several dignitaries and former Kings and Queens, and an award ceremony. Everyone shared in a special moment as our 2023 King Pithla, Steve Luikart, was presented with a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Award from his Queen Julie Rogers.
However, the most moving part of the evening was a testimonial from our guest speakers. Ana Rubio told us what it was like to be the mom of a child who is visually impaired and how happy she was to find Lighthouse’s Early Intervention Program. Ana said she was grateful that her child was in a place where she feels normal and has instructors like Megan Harding.
Thank you to all our sponsors, donors, guests, nominees, nominating agencies, and other supporters, for making the Ball an exciting and memorable event. Special thanks go to The Musunuru Family for being the Presenting sponsor once again.
Please read on to learn about our new King and Queen and to see the list of nominees and supporters. You can also read “Bennett, Wright crowned king and queen of the Chasco Fiesta” by The Suncoast News.
Visit 2024 Ball Photos for lots of photos, courtesy of Photos by J. David and Wayne Selk.
Hail to the New King & Queen
The new King & Queen have their first dance.
The new King and Queen are now part of our royal family.
J. DAVID WRIGHT, also known as the Pasco Paparazzi, was nominated by the Junior Service League of Greater New Port Richey. Day after day, year after year, David has helped countless local nonprofits tell their stories through skillful photography which has increased awareness, donations, and their ability to serve more people in need. His photos and his presence have also brought joy to all his subjects—he brings smiles and encouragement as he captures and shares their most important memories. David has received several awards which include Volunteer of the Year (2019, Wheelchairs 4 Kids), the Bright Light Award (2018, Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind), and the Paul Harris Fellow Award +3. He also received Congressional Recognition in 2016 by Congressman Gus Bilirakis for his service to his community. Since 2009, David has been on the Wheelchairs 4 Kids Board of Directors.
BECKY BENNETT was nominated by the Community Service Council of West Pasco and Rotary District 6950. Becky has earned her nomination through her tireless efforts to raise awareness about the amazing projects and programs in our community and by contributing countless volunteer hours to many nonprofit organizations. In particular, she has a passion for Rotary projects, prevention projects, and making a difference in the lives of children and their families. Becky has received countless awards which include a Citation of Meritorious Service (2021, the Rotary International Foundation), Volunteer of the Year (2021, Community Service Council), Rotarian of the Year (2008–2009, 2020-2021, Trinity Rotary), and the Paul Harris Fellow +7. She currently volunteers for several projects and programs which include Josh the Otter Water Safety Program, Rap House Cook 4 Kids, Rap River Run, and Thanksgiving Dinner Delivery.
40 nominees gathered to wish each other luck before the selection.
Click here for the PDF version of the Ball Flyer. For the accessible version, click here.
Learn about the Chasco Fiesta™.
In the spirit of giving, we are asking for Prom donations for the Cinderella & Prince Charming Project.
The Annual Chasco Coronation Ball is an elegant fundraising event that includes dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, and dancing. It celebrates the outstanding contributions made by many in our community with nominations from not-for-profit and for-profit organizations, and it also recognizes two of the nominees with a Coronation of King Pithla and Queen Chasco. Proceeds from the Ball benefit Lighthouse programs for people who are visually impaired and blind.
A COPY OF THE LIGHTHOUSE’S OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE FLORIDA DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 OR BY VISITING Check-a-Charity ON THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES’ WEBSITE. LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND, INC. IS REGISTERED UNDER CH662. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
