Paradise Found Presents 2024 ACS Imagination Ball, A Night of Illusions

The Marco Island unit of the American Cancer Society cordially invites you to a Night of Illusions, the 2024 ACS Imagination Ball to be held February 2 at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. This black-tie optional gala fundraiser, presented by Paradise Found Restaurant for the second consecutive year, and chaired by Debra Shanahan for the twelfth consecutive year, will be a magical evening of elegance with the mission to eliminate cancer, as we know it, from our world. Featuring fine food, music by the Stacey Allison Band, both live and silent auctions, and revenue enhancers, including a chance to own a diamond necklace or Louis Vuitton handbag, this will be an event you will not want to miss.

Cancer is a monster that has roamed the earth for too many years. Like a thief in the night, this deadly disease has stolen our loved ones and ended precious lives far too early. Our goal is to debilitate cancer’s power, shattering its beastly image into a mere illusion. Paradise Found Restaurant and Bar, located at 401 Papaya St., Goodland, has made a vow to join us in this mission.

Jim Paradise, owner of Paradise Found Restaurant and Bar, is dedicated to supporting the American Cancer Society in the quest to find a cure. The restaurant is a celebration of life itself, offering good food and libations in a laid-back atmosphere enhanced by the very best in Southwest Florida entertainment. For decades, the Paradise family has also run a string of Renaissance Festivals from the Midwest to Colorado. They look forward to bringing that spirit and joy of giving to the ACS Imagination Ball.

Jim Paradise knows the devastation and sorrow that cancer has thrust upon the world. When Jim was just eight years old, he tragically lost his mother to breast cancer. It was a loss that penetrated his soul…the soul of a child. As that child grew, perhaps it was that indelible scar that fueled his mission to be successful and use that success to comfort those in need. Through association with several hospitals, Jim has generously offered and provided financial assistance to many cancer patients in need. Jim has said that his greatest joy in life has been found through helping others.

As I spoke with Jim about his dedication to fighting cancer, I could actually feel his exuberance in celebrating life itself. At lunchtime that day at the restaurant, there were patrons from Minnesota, where Jim had once lived. They had a family member with them that was ninety years old. Jim was so excited about this family’s presence at his restaurant. Their comfort and enjoyment were his top priority. Jim spoke with an energy and appreciation of life that we all seem to forget at times. He spoke with pride about his own family, including his six granddaughters, one who is now a doctor. He exudes a genuine love of humanity with an optimism that is contagious. His animation and spirit gave me a charge of vitality that I hope to hold in my heart each day. 

“Life is so precious,” says Jim Paradise. The words are simple, but the message is so profound. This is what fuels the American Cancer Society - Life. More birthdays. More gatherings of family and friends to celebrate all that is precious. This is how and why we strive to find a cure. 

Please join us to experience the magic of A Night of Illusions. Imagine a world without cancer! For more information, please visit www.acsimaginationball.com or contact your American Cancer Society at Sue.Olszak@cancer.org or 239-610-3032.