There’s a new king and queen in town. Adam Shoemaker and Brenda Glass were crowned King Pithla and Queen Chasco on March 20 at the 2026 Chasco Coronation Ball.
Held each year during the Chasco Fiesta celebration, the ball celebrates the outstanding contributions made by community members. More than 50 were nominated this year for the royal titles by not-for-profit organizations, with Shoemaker and Glass taking the crowns.
The event is a major fundraiser for Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, which supports people who are blind or visually impaired at every stage of life by providing education, job training and independent living programs that help residents build skills and find employment.
“The impact that we made for the Lighthouse was larger than any year in the last 15 that I can recall,” Ball chair Jamie Mick said. “The funding of these services is possible through the generosity of the sponsors and those who attended the event.”
Nominated by the Community Service Council of West Pasco, Shoemaker is the marketing director and clinical liaison for Life Care Center, where he advocates and serves as a voice for the senior population of Pasco County. Following Hurricane Helene, he assisted residents of Gardens of Beacon Square, helping them navigate FEMA applications, secure food and transportation, and find safe housing solutions, according to the event’s news release.
Shoemaker has been a member of the Community Service Council for 14 years, where he has served in several leadership roles, including president. His volunteer efforts have included organizations like CARES, AAPP, PAN, United Way, and Angels for Seniors.
As this year’s King Pithla, Shoemaker says he represents all of the community and charities in Pasco County that work to make a difference.
“There are so many service organizations, charities and nonprofits to be involved in,” he said. “I encourage everyone who wants to volunteer to find their niche and try getting involved in our close-knit community.”
He said he looks forward to working with Glass, who has “been a pillar of this community for many years and a servant volunteer to countless charities and organizations.”
Nominated by Rotary District 6950, Glass is the owner of Superior Planning/Site Selection and has worked to attract and develop future leaders to help strengthen Pasco County, according to the news release. Through the Florida Association of Community Corrections, Glass fostered collaboration among probation programs and founded Probationer’s Educational Growth — securing a grant that redirected first-time youthful felony offenders into adult, technical and vocational education. Although the program began in Pasco County, it expanded to all 67 Florida counties and 17 other states.
Glass has also helped charitable organizations save money and produce successful events, while balancing Rotary activities and volunteering with other organizations. She said there are countless organizations that depend heavily on the time and dedication of volunteers and board members.
“I encourage new residents to find their place in one of our community organizations,” Glass said. “You will not only be of benefit to others; you will make dear friends and lasting relationships.”
The 2026 Chasco Ball — supported by 25 volunteers — welcomed nearly 360 guests at Spartan Manor.
