THE COMMUNITY HOUSE The Community House on Sanibel will hold its 97th Anniversary Gala on Jan. 23.

An upcoming celebration will mark the anniversary of The Community House on Sanibel.

TCH will hold its 97th Anniversary Gala on Jan. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the facility.

“Originally built in 1927, long before the founding of the city of Sanibel, The Community House has been in continuous operation, serving as the central gathering place for the island’s civic, social and cultural activities,” officials shared, adding that the gathering will celebrate the community and those who paved the way.

The evening will begin with a social hour. Dinner will follow, featuring four courses of fine dining created by local island chefs. The celebration will also entail music, dancing and a live auction.

“2022 was a monumental year for Southwest Florida, specifically Sanibel and Captiva, as Hurricane Ian made its mark. The devastation it brought tested even the strongest of character,” officials said. “The Community House survived that test — islander hearts remained strong, we persevered and we are overcoming what has been, for some, the challenge of a lifetime.”

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE The newly constructed Community House on Sanibel in 1927.

TCH has been considered “The Heart of the Island” for the last 97 years.

“In 1926, the Great Miami hurricane would forever change the lives of the existing Sanibel and Captiva residents, destroying homes, farms and the livelihood of the islanders. As the community began to rebuild, several island residents thought that we needed a place for islanders to meet and to be together as a community,” officials shared. “The Community House became the home-away-from-home for early residents, the scene of community socials, pot luck dinners, dances, parties, weddings and town meetings.”

“Over the years, The Community House has been expanded and renovated several times, with our most recent post-hurricane renovation completed just this year,” officials added. “Through the decades, it has continued to serve as a centerpiece for island community activities.”

Gala tickets are $175 per person, with tables also available.

Attendees are encouraged to wear casual attire that is white and/or black.

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE Following Hurricane Ian in September of 2022, The Community House on Sanibel celebrated its reopening with a SanCap Chamber ribbon-cutting on Oct. 26.

Throughout its 97 years, TCH has operated without tax-payer support as a nonprofit. Managed by the Sanibel Community Association, it operates with funds raised through membership fees, rental fees and business sponsorships, along with generous donations from residents and friends.

“We invite you to join us to celebrate this milestone,” officials said. “Help us by being a part of the next 97 years of community.”

For more information or tickets, visit sanibelcommunityhouse.net or call 237-472-2155.

Sponsorship opportunities for the event are available. For more information, contact TCH Executive Director Teresa Riska-Hall at 239-472-2155 or teresa@sanibelcommunityhouse.net.

The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

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IF YOU GO

What

97th Anniversary Gala

When

Jan. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Where

The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Details

Tickets are $175 per person