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Sanibel Community Church to hold FISH fundraiser

By Staff | Jan 30, 2009

Many people of the Christian faith believe fish to be symbolic of Jesus Christ and his miracles and spiritual message.

It is said that in Bible stories he taught people how to fish for nourishment for both life and the soul.

It is in this vein that one soft-spoken pastor is hoping to help an island non-profit agency whose mission is to help others.

The Sanibel Community Church is holding Fish Fry Fun Night, a fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 31 to benefit FISH, a human care agency on Sanibel.

The event is being held at 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. It’s free but a donation is requested to help FISH.

The clergy is hoping to raise $5,000 to give to the strapped agency.

FISH, which stands for Friends in Service Here, serve people with financial, medical and other personal hardships. The church refers people for help at FISH, said Maggi Feiner, director of the FISH Walk-In Center on Sanibel.

The fundraiser, which is open to everyone and features events for all ages, including a fish fry with Tilapia, English country line dancing, a jousting game for teens and fishing games with prizes for the children, said senior church Pastor Daryl Donovan.

There will also be expert fishermen at the benefit to give fishing tips. The church’s band, Raise, will be playing contemporary gospel music as well.

And for dessert lovers, Ice Cream Boat will be on hand to serve its frozen confections.

Donovan said he expects the event to be a lot of fun for all who come. But aside from the fun and games he hopes to be of service to an agency that helps many island residents.

“We see them doing a lot of good,” he said. “With the economy what it is, I know the needs are huge.”

FISH is grateful for the help.

“It shows that the community pulls together when needed,” Feiner said. “It’s terrific that they (the Sanibel Community Church) recognize there’s a tremendous need at this point.”

Feiner said that since last summer, they have four homeless people and a family obtain shelter and assistance.

Last year FISH gave more than 5,000 pounds of food over an eight-month period. And this year, so far, the agency has had 10 requests for financial assistance.