CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF THE ISLANDS Community leaders heard from Minneapolis Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer R.T. Rybak on Feb. 26 at The Community House on Sanibel. From left, front row, Maria Espinoza, Ann-Marie Wildman, Nicole Decker-McHale, Sam Boren King, Lisa Riordan, John Lai and James Evans; back row, Doug Congress, Dolly Farrell, John Morse, Bill Harkey, Rybak and Dana Souza.

Led by its Economic Revitalization Committee, the Charitable Foundation of the Islands hosted Minneapolis Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer R.T. Rybak for in-depth conversations with island leaders on Feb. 26 on Sanibel.

The visit was the culmination of meetings that began last year, arranged by Minneapolis Foundation and CFI Board Member Susan “Sam” Boren King. The CFI reported that the discussions centered around what comes next as recovery work continues to restore the islands to their pre-storm splendor.

At the events, Rybak pledged the foundation’s expertise to serve in an advisory capacity to the CFI. Similar to the CFI, it is a community foundation and public grant-making charity that collaborates with other nonprofits to help drive civic, social and economic action that improves communities.

“Returning Sanibel and Captiva to pre-Ian days requires grappling with complex issues, and we welcome advice and expertise from those that have lived through similar situations,” committee Chair Eric Pfeifer said. “We heard R.T. quote the Hopi proverb several times, ‘You are the people you have been waiting for.’ I think we can all agree that each of us has to take an active role if we wish to rebuild this community.”

The conversations focused on workforce development, affordable housing, aging in place and impact investing. Held at The Community House, the first session involved city, nonprofit and SanCap Chamber of Commerce leaders. The second one brought together philanthropists at King’s residence.

The CFI reported that at both events, Rybak walked the groups through several ideas by which they might rebuild stronger and better. Current initiatives underway by the CFI to help spur economic revitalization were also discussed, including grants to the chamber and a business climate survey for the islands.

“I fell in love with Sanibel-Captiva when on my first visit in the ’70s and continue to be charmed by it today,” Rybak said. “The island community’s post-hurricane resilience has been extraordinary, and the commitment I witnessed shows me the best is yet to come.”