Expo to focus on volunteer opportunities for aiding islands
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands will host the inaugural “Get Inspired! SanCap Volunteer Expo” on March 30 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.
The event is designed for Southwest Florida residents who want information on how they can assist Sanibel and Captiva recover and rebuild from Hurricane Ian. It was the idea of CFI’s Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Class of 2022 after it was forced to cancel the 2023 program because of the storm.
“The 2022 Class wanted to help our community reimagine our future,” class member and Chair Jane Majeski said. “Come see how you can help shape the islands as we rebuild from Hurricane Ian. There has not been a time in many decades that has a greater need for its people to be involved, nor a time when those people can have a bigger impact on the future of the islands.”
Over 15 nonprofit organizations from Sanibel and Captiva, serving those who live and work on the islands and nearby, will participate in the event. Attendees will receive a directory with an overview of the participating nonprofits and will learn about volunteer opportunities available. Organization representatives will answer questions and sign up volunteers from 4 to 5 p.m. and 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.
The event will include an inspirational discussion at 5 p.m. led by Sanibel residents Porter Goss and son Chauncey Goss. Porter Goss was the first mayor of Sanibel in 1975, represented Southwest Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives for 16 years and served as director of the CIA under former President George W. Bush in 2004. Chauncey Goss grew up on Sanibel, served on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., was a candidate for the House of Representatives, sits on many area boards and has been highly involved with water quality issues and the South Florida Water Management District.
They will be joined by Captiva Community Panel Vice President David Mintz.
“The evening will surely leave you inspired and prepared to get engaged,” CFI Executive Director Dolly Farrell said. “Join us on March 30 to see how you can make a difference.”
The event is being underwritten by The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company.
“It is an honor sponsoring an event like this,” founder and Chairman S. Albert D. Hanser said. “There has never been a more important time for our community to come together to ensure the future sanctity of our islands.”
Advance registration is required as space is limited.
To register, visit www.mycfi.org.
For more information, contact Farrell at 239-355-8614 or dfarrell@sancapcfi.org.