The inaugural Community Fair and Non-Profit Expo will be held at Christa McAuliffe Charter Elementary School on Saturday, Dec 10, bringing together a host of organizations in one setting to educate and entertain the public.

It’s an effort by organizer Scott Bologna to highlight many of the non-profits in Cape Coral, as well as the many services both the city and county provide, all at no cost.

The event started as a rummage sale to raise money for Christa McAuliffe, but quickly ballooned into something on a far larger scale.

As he began making the phone calls, reaching out to the 30 or so agencies which are taking part, Bologna said they were all eager to get on board.

“Everyone kept saying yes. They were so appreciative,” Bologna said.

Some of the non-profits scheduled to attend include Cape Coral Caring Center, BIKE-WALK LEE, Cape Coral Art League, Cultural Park Theater, Northwest Homeowners Association, Animal Refuge Center, Invest in America Veterans Foundation, Cape Coral Neighborhood Watch and The Friends of Wildlife to name a few.

There also will be a number of Cape Coral city organizations, including the Police Citizens Academy, the K-9 Unit, Do The Right Thing and the city’s Code Enforcement Department.

The city’s charter schools also will be represented, giving them the chance to raise funds for programs at their particular schools.

“All the money raised goes back directly to these schools,” Bologna said.

Local officials will take the opportunity to meet with the public and discuss issues.

Rep. Gary Aubuchon, who recently announced his run for Congressman Connie Mack’s seat, will be speaking from 11a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on the importance of volunteerism and staying engaged in your local community, as well as giving updates on the political happenings in Tallahassee.

Cape Coral Councilmember Kevin McGrail will be speaking from 10 – 11 a.m. during a live, open air townhall meeting.

McGrail said Thursday that the townhall will be an opportunity for him to speak about some of the positives in Cape Coral, including the eventual widening of Burnt Store Road, The Veterans Investment Zone and future land use.

McGrail said the Community Fair and Expo also will be a great opportunity to showcase the city’s charter school system, letting parents and their children learn about one of the city’s true assets.

“It’s an opportunity for some of these new families to learn about our Charter School system, and to let them know what the future holds for our great city,” McGrail said.

Bologna said the public will walk away with a true sense of all the opportunities available to them in the community, along with the desire to give back and volunteer, when needed.

Bologna has served on a number of local boards, including the Charter School Foundation and the Citizen Advisory Committee of the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

“It’s an opportunity to learn about the organizations they didn’t know were here that can help them personally,” Bologna said.

This event is free and open to the public.