Hail to the 2024 Chasco Ball King & Queen
March 21, 2024
NEW PORT RICHEY, FL – March 19, 2023— Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind is pleased to announce our 2024 King Pithla J. David Wright and Queen Chasco Becky Bennett who were crowned on March 15th at the 2024 Chasco Coronation Ball. The Ball celebrates the outstanding contributions made by many in our community with nominations from not-for-profit organizations, and it recognizes two of the nominees with the Coronation of King Pithla and Queen Chasco. This year, 40 Superheroes from our community were honored, including our newest King and Queen, and 29 Not-for-Profit agencies were highlighted—all for their incredible contributions of time and talent that lift up those in need.
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.
The 2024 Chasco Ball had a wonderful turnout, with the largest attendance in 11 years. The attendees were delighted to celebrate with the nominees, witness the coronation of the new Royalty, and partake in all the Royal festivities. We were fortunate to have guest speakers, Ana Rubio and her young daughter Luna, who told us about coming to the Lighthouse and about participating in the Early Intervention Program. Ana is so grateful that her child can feel normal when she’s with instructors like Megan Harding and Lighthouse clients who are visually impaired. In addition, we 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. 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. Happy Chasco to All!!!”
The Presenting Sponsor for the 37th Annual Chasco Coronation Ball was The Musunuru Family. To learn more about the Ball, the Lighthouse and to view a list of nominees, visit lvib.org.
#ChascoCoronationBall
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.
The 2024 Chasco Ball had a wonderful turnout, with the largest attendance in 11 years. The attendees were delighted to celebrate with the nominees, witness the coronation of the new Royalty, and partake in all the Royal festivities. We were fortunate to have guest speakers, Ana Rubio and her young daughter Luna, who told us about coming to the Lighthouse and about participating in the Early Intervention Program. Ana is so grateful that her child can feel normal when she’s with instructors like Megan Harding and Lighthouse clients who are visually impaired. In addition, we 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. 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. Happy Chasco to All!!!”
The Presenting Sponsor for the 37th Annual Chasco Coronation Ball was The Musunuru Family. To learn more about the Ball, the Lighthouse and to view a list of nominees, visit lvib.org.
#ChascoCoronationBall
