Refuge hires Refuge Nature Store manager
To manage the Refuge Nature Store that supports the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge recently hired Rose Belfiore, previous manager of McLaughlin and Eileen Fisher boutiques on Sanibel.
“We are so pleased to have Rose, with all her retail savvy and impeccable taste, at the helm of our shop inside the ‘Ding’ Darling Visitor & Education Center,” DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman said. “She competently has stepped into the position vacated last year by Chris Galloway and has already become an essential member of Team ‘Ding.'”
Originally from Malaga, New Jersey, Belfiore moved to Southwest Florida in 1997 and shortly thereafter began working in retail on the island. She previously owned a pizzeria in New Jersey.
“I fell in love with the island and the people,” she said. “Now I’ve fallen in love with ‘Ding’ Darling. I am amazed with the volunteers and staff and how knowledgeable they are and helpful with visitors and myself. I really enjoy when someone comes in from Wildlife Drive or one of the trails and has captured an amazing shot of an up-close and personal glimpse of nature and is so excited to share.”
All profits from the sales at the store directly benefit conservation and educational programming at the refuge. The store specializes in nature-inspired clothing, books, jewelry, art, eco-friendly items and other gifts. Most items are also available online at ShopDingDarling.com.
“I love all the beautiful merchandise in the store that visitors are intrigued with,” Belfiore said. “They can’t wait to bring something special back home to remind them of this beautiful refuge and their experience.”