Boating club recognized for civic service
On April 10, America’s Boating Club of Sanibel-Captiva Commander Joanne Heroy-Giller accepted a national award on behalf of the club for its commitment to civic service in the island community.
Presented by the Boat Owners Association of The United States, the award is given to three squadrons nationwide that have exemplified an abiding commitment to their community through civic service.
“Of all the awards our organization has received, none gives us greater pride than this, particularly since it is a total team effort,” she said.
In the award application, Heroy-Giller related the projects the club developed not only during the past pandemic year, but also during the decade. Three specific projects are hallmarks of its civic work:
– For 28 years, the club has collected toys and financial donations for the children of the Harlem Heights area in Fort Myers. It represents a lot of bicycles, dolls and dollars over the years.
– The Sanibel Emergency Response Assistance Team (SERAT) program provides aid to local emergency response units during marine emergencies. Sanibel-Captiva’s SERAT Team was asked to be the marine vessel instructors for the Captiva Island Fire Control District.
– For over 15 years, the club has taught its America’s Boating Course (ABC) course to all the sixth-graders at The Sanibel School. It has become an traditional component of the school’s curriculum.