Island fundraisers to support osprey habitat and nonprofits, organizations
Three island events will raise funds for local conservation-minded organizations, for area nonprofits focused on improving the lives of women and girls, and for the restoration of local osprey habitat.
The Sanibel FlyFishers’ Annual Fundraising Auction and Raffle is taking place online from now through March 13 at 7 p.m. The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva will hold its Annual Peek at the Unique on March 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Community House on Sanibel. The International Osprey Foundation (TIOF) will present its Wines for Wings on March 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. at The Community House.
FUNDRAISING AUCTION AND RAFFLE
The club’s Fundraising Auction and Raffle features an array of offerings, including artwork, fishing equipment and experiences. The items were donated by club members, artists and fishing guides.
“This year we’ve got a group of wonderful raffle and auction items that will appeal to both fly fishers and art lovers,” the Sanibel FlyFishers shared.
The proceeds will allow the club to provide grants to local conservation organizations.
The fundraiser leads up to the Sanibel FlyFishers’ annual Fly Fishing Film Tour — F3T on March 13 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at The Community House, where the auction and raffle winners will be announced.
“For those that haven’t attended, F3T is a collection of fly fishing films, both salt and fresh water, typically featuring adventurous characters in beautiful settings, captured with outstanding cinematography,” the club shared.
It added that the short films will provide glimpses of fishing in remarkable domestic and exotic places.
Admission is $20 for members and $30 for non-members.
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit https://www.sanibelff.org/.
To view and bid on the auction items, visit https://sanibelff.eventgroovefundraising.com/f3t-auction25.
To view and bid on the raffle items, visit https://sanibelff.eventgroovefundraising.com/f3t-raffle25.
The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
PEEK AT THE UNIQUE
Zonta’s Peek at the Unique is a one-of-a-kind home tour on Sanibel. Departing from The Community House, buses will transport attendees to four distinctive homes — each with unique features and a focus on resilience as the island continues its recovery.
The tour will highlight: an elevated home with resilience features; a 36-year-old mid-island home that has had several incarnations; a home with eco-sensibilities and a closeness to nature; and a former ground-level home elevated post-hurricane.
It will begin at “Skyview Retreat” on Library Way. Built in 1989 and operated as the Tin Can Alley gallery, the structure became a home decor boutique and was featured in the 2010 Peek. Converted by its new owner for whole-house use on three floors, it includes a spiral staircase to the rooftop deck.
The tour will then proceed to a Gulf-access pool home that — after severe damage from Hurricane Ian — was elevated by 10 feet and updated. With its spacious floor plan, mature trees and meandering shell pathways, “Elevated Living” conveys a magical serenity with no hint of its recent history.
Next, on Pine Tree Drive is a home designed and built by wildlife photographers Dick Fortune and Sara Lopez. “In Dreams” is a testament to resilience planning and survival, featuring open living space that supports the homeowners’ love of hospitality.
The tour will conclude in Heron’s Landing at “Blue Bayou,” with its internationally-acquired furnishings that reflect the global travels of its owner, an interior designer. With breakaway ground-level walls, solar panels and battery backups, the home is prepared for the ravages of nature.
The club noted that some homes have limited access for those with mobility issues.
The proceeds will be awarded in grants to nonprofits whose mission mirrors Zonta’s own: making life better for women and girls.
Bank of the Islands is the home base sponsor for the event.
The club also extended a thank you to the SanCap Resilience group, which assisted it with this year’s home selections and will have an informational table at “home base” at The Community House.
Tickets are $75 per person.
As of March 7, a few tickets were still available.
For tickets or more information, visit https://zontasancap.com/peek/.
The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
WINES FOR WINGS
TIOF’s hurricane recovery project fundraiser will feature a variety of wines selected from worldwide regions along major osprey migration routes, light fare, a special film on ospreys, a silent auction with items donated by local businesses and the opportunity to support the restoration of local nesting sites.
Attendees will be able to speak with TIOF experts about the importance of nesting habitat for the species and learn how recent hurricane activity has impacted local populations and how they can help.
“Come and learn about TIOF’s mission and our local osprey population,” it shared.
The proceeds will help TIOF restore osprey habitat by building and installing nesting platforms lost after Hurricane Ian, as well as to fund global osprey research.
It extended a special thanks to event sponsors Bank of the Islands, Kingfisher Vacation Rentals and Real Estate, the Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society, and The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company.
Tickets are $35 in advance or $50 at the door.
The first 100 attendees will receive a complimentary engraved wine glass.
For tickets, visit https://forms.yeppymarketing.com/wines-for-wings-2025.
For more information, visit www.ospreys.com.
The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
Annual Fundraising Auction and Raffle
Who
Sanibel FlyFishers
When
Now through March 13 at 7 p.m.
IF YOU GO
What
Annual Peek at the Unique
Who
Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva
When
March 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where
The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Details
Tickets are $75
IF YOU GO
What
Wines for Wings
Who
The International Osprey Foundation
When
March 16 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Where
The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Details
Tickets are $35 in advance and $50 at door