Bradenton Marauders to model at bridal show

BRADENTON — For one night at least, they’ll be the Bradenton Models.

Five members of the Bradenton Marauders, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Single-A affiliate that will com- pete in the Florida State League starting in April, will model in a fashion show during tonight’s bridal open house at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.

The open house runs from 6 to 8 p.m., with the fashion show scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Admission is $2, with all the proceeds going to the Payton Wright Foundation.

A Lakewood Ranch resident, Payton passed away from a rare form of brain cancer in 2007, weeks after her fifth birthday.

“We have formed a great partnership with the Lakewood Ranch team. We look forward to working together to help promote the community in fun and different ways on a regular basis,” said Marauders general manager Dan Wolfert, “and could not be happier about helping out a community charity.”

Candice McElyea, public relations and promotions manager for Lakewood Ranch/SMR, approached the Marauders about the event.

“We have a good relationship with the Marauders, and the players have to do a certain number of community service hours,” she said. “The guys were all for it.”

The bridal show allows wedding vendors to showcase their items.

This year’s lot includes businesses such as Lakewood Ranch Florist, Affairs in the Air, Breezin’ Entertainment and Sarasota Trolley, among others.

This is the first time the event, which has been free to the public, will benefit a charity.

“This year, we wanted to use this event to give back to the community that supports us,” said Wayne Piazza, the country club’s general manager.

“We are fortunate to be expanding and growing, and have experienced so much support from old and new members. We felt that giving back to a local charity with our popular bridal show was the right thing to do.”

To RSVP for the event, contact the country club’s catering sales offices at (941) 757-1836.