Crab races help United Way

COURTESY PHOTO Tim Jardis gets ready to start another NASCRAB race at the 'Tween Waters Inn on Captiva. The event runs each Monday and Thursday at 6 and 9 p.m. Half the proceeds from the races support the United Way. NASCRAB, a fun event held every Monday and Thursday at the 'Tween Waters Inn on Captiva, benefits the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties. The crab races held at the Crows Nest at the 'Tween Waters, has been conducted by Tim Jardis for several years.

The races, which have been called "the wackiest thing you've ever seen," begin at 6 p.m. for the family and at 9 p.m. for adults. Each person at the event buys a hermit crab for $2. The crabs are placed under a basket in the center of a table, and when the basket is raised, the first crab outside the circle at the edge of the table is the winner. The races are run in heats with five or six crabs qualifying each heat for the final race. Half of the proceeds goes to the winners and half to the United Way.

"The NASCRAB races are not only fun for the participants, but have tremendously benefited our community. We deeply appreciate 'Tween Waters and Tim's ongoing support," said Cliff Smith, president of United Way.

The NASCRAB races have been held for 20 years, and last year over $10,000 was raised for the United Way. Overall, NASCRAB has contributed $100,000 to the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties.

For more information call the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties at 433-2000 or visit www.unitedwaylee.org. ¦