“You’ll be searching for more than your last shaker of salt,” promises a promo for Murder in Margaritaville, an entertaining fund-raiser for the Junior Service League of Brooksville set to take place 7-10 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the Hernando County Shrine Club, 13400 Montour St., Brooksville. This marks the 11th Annual Murder Mystery Dinner, which for more than a decade has brought good times, great humor, yummy food and far more to the community that JSL serves on a daily basis.
Murder in Margaritaville promises an evening of fun and frivolity, according to information that the Junior Service League specifically prepared for the Hernando Sun Newspaper. “Guests can expect an unforgettable night filled with laughter, suspense, and perhaps a dash of tequila-fueled detective work,” it read. “Guests will have the opportunity to catch the culprit before the last margarita is poured. We’ll have games, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and dinner and the show start at 7:00 p.m. Don’t be fashionably late; the mystery kicks off with the first sunset toast.”
And as guests enjoy a good mystery, they’ll be feasting on some delicious food as well. “Our menu is a fusion of island eats and Key West flavor,” the information read. “Starting with a cheeseburger in paradise sliders and charcuterie cups, then Caribbean jerk chicken and shrimp skewers with coconut rice and mango salsa, with a dessert of key lime and coconut cream pie shooters.”
Guests will also be able to pick up some primo luxury items at an event auction. “We will have a multitude of experiences and luxury items available for guests to bid on during the silent auction,” read the information. “We are accepting new items and partnerships daily. Our raffle this year is a 50/50 raffle, so be sure to bring your cash and enter for a chance to win that cash prize.”
This year’s Murder Mystery Dinner stands as an appropriately festive tribute to a recently departed music superstar who, throughout his career, brought joy and frivolity to the lives of so many fans.
The information stated that the late, great Jimmy Buffet served as inspiration for Murder in Margaritaville. “Jimmy Buffet’s love for the Sunshine State is shown through his music and highlights what makes Florida living so great. We wanted to pay tribute as well as highlight some of the best of Florida’s culture with a Key West beach bumming theme this year.”
And it’s all for a good cause. “All proceeds from this event benefit the Junior Service League’s numerous community projects in Hernando County,” the information read. “Junior Service League of Brooksville is a non-profit volunteer organization that has served Hernando County for over 80 years.
We have several committees geared towards specific needs such as women’s services, children’s services, families experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, and providing scholarships to Hernando County students. We also partner with other non-profits and social service organizations, assisting them through service hours and financial means.”
JSL projects, while many and varied, share the common goal of serving the underserved and supporting the community. “Some of our projects include Food for Families: We purchase and pack food for Hernando County School District’s Students & Families in Transition program so that they have meals during holidays and spring breaks,” the information read. “Belle of the Ball: We provide an all-inclusive prom experience to a senior from each high school who may not otherwise be able to afford to attend her senior prom. We take each student shopping for their dress, provide hair and makeup, and purchase their prom ticket. Scholarship Programs: We provide several scholarships to students in the Hernando County School District as well as a scholarship in partnership with PHSC.”
According to Ady Isaac, JSL Secretary and F4F Chair, the club expects to pack at least 200 Food for Families bags for students in need and their families to enjoy during the upcoming spring break this year. “The need is greater than ever, and this is our biggest fund-raiser of the year that makes this and all of our projects possible,” said Isaac.
To purchase tickets for Murder in Margaritaville, which cost $50 each, visit https://tinyurl.com/mppndvvdb to inquire about sponsorships, auction item donations, or for answers to any other questions, write [email protected] or visit the Junior Service League Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JSLBrooksville.
