F.I.S.H. celebrates 10 years for 10K Race 4 F.I.S.H.
In 2009, F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva held its first 10K Race 4 F.I.S.H. fundraiser for the non-profit organization, which was founded 36 years ago based on “neighbors helping neighbors.”
The idea was introduced in 2008 by then Board Member Joel Soobitsky. However, a severe thunderstorm forced a cancellation as runners stood by hoping that the storm would pass. Since the inaugural year, the subsequent races have been a success. Each year, details are fine-tuned, a special “Hortoons” logo is designed and the race has become an annual major fundraiser for F.I.S.H.
The event utilizes the help of the city of Sanibel, Fort Myers Track Club, many volunteers and the financial support of multiple sponsors. Runners are local or regional, come from around the state, other parts of the country and even from other countries. Celebrating his 100th race, Tom Kelly will run the 10K this year.
“I’ve done the F.I.S.H. 10K several times, and I’m always impressed with how well F.I.S.H. and the Fort Myers Track Club organize all the details and how enthusiastically the volunteers cheer for all the runners,” he said. “To a runner, this is so appreciated because it makes the race so much more fun. Of course, the main reason I enjoy it so much is because of the cause it supports. F.I.S.H. is a major help to so many people in need, and it’s a satisfying feeling knowing I’m helping in a small way by participating in the 10K.”
Each year, the number of attendees and the support from sponsors has grown. The 10K has brought island visitors to hotels, restaurants and shops at a time of year when Sanibel is usually very quiet.
This year’s 10K Race Committee includes Ed Ridlehoover, chair; Pete Bender, co-chair; Diane Cortese, sponsor co-chair; John Pryor, finance chair; Paul Gulbrandsen, volunteer chair; George Campean, goodie bag chair; JeAnne Hertel, of the Fort Myers Track Club; and Shannen Hayes, PR.
There are many individuals living and/or working on the islands who need assistance. F.I.S.H. is a “neighbors helping neighbors” non-profit supported by donations and volunteers. The organization has grown to the extent that many families working in the service industry, children and seniors comprise its 3,959 clients in 1,863 households.
F.I.S.H. offers food from its pantry, counseling, community resource referrals, emergency financial assistance for unexpected medical, rent, utility and other expenses, and more. It provides scholarships for children to attend summer, specialty and after-school programs and fills over 1,000 backpacks yearly with weekend food for qualified households living and/or working on the islands with school-age children from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
The F.I.S.H. Food Pantry is open from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, with appointments available at other times.
For more information, visit fishofsancap.org or call 239-472-4775.