Optimist Club’s benefit walk returns Dec. 20 to Bowman’s Beach
The third annual “Jingle Bell Walk with a Claus” is scheduled for Dec. 20 at Bowman’s Beach in Sanibel.
The morning 5K beach/pet-friendly walk is hosted by the Sanibel-Captiva Optimist Club Foundation, with donor and participant proceeds benefiting local children’s needs through F.I.S.H. of Sanibel, an organization serving islanders, workers and families facing economic hardships. The walk begins anytime between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20.
And there’s a rumor Santa will visit at the beach. Bring the family and your leashed pet to join the fun.
Pre-registration is available at sancapoptimist.org, and mail-in forms are available at the Sanibel Cafe, Bailey’s General Store, the Sanibel-Captiva Bank, the F.I.S.H walk-in center on Periwinkle, and from members of the San-Cap Optimist Club (Sanibel Grill/Timbers early evenings).
Also watch for a registration table at the Sanibel Recreation Center. Registration will also be at the beach starting at 7:30 a.m., where credit cards will be accepted. Registration donations are $20 per person; kids (10 and under) and pets are free. Parking is free at Bowman’s Beach for participants, as are T-shirts, water and refreshments.
Dogs that participated in past Optimist “Jingle Bell” beach walks speak highly of the fun and are straining at their leashes to romp on the beautiful Sanibel beach, all for a “great claus.” People have fun, too.
“I know many of the Optimists and it’s a worthy cause,” said John Newland, a Captiva resident and sponsor who will walk the 5K with his wife, Beth.
Make your walk experience more meaningful by raising money for neighbors helping neighbors. Each kilometer walked (up to 5K) raises more money, and PRIZES will be awarded to participants who raise the most. All proceeds go directly to F.I.S.H. of Sanibel.
The beach walk “is good exercise for a great cause,” said Sally Ennis, an island sponsor with her husband, Richard Ennis. “(You) start walking and talkingit’s just a beautiful place and so much fun.”
Additional sponsors are sought for donations: call Richard McCurry at (239) 292-4631.
Other San-Cap Optimist Club benefits:
Sanibel Uncorked Winter Wine Festival
The Sanibel-Captiva Optimist Club will hold this 5th annual festival on Thursday, Feb. 21, at Lily & Company (across from Bailey’s). Wine, music, cooking demonstrations and a silent auction will be part of the festivities. Tickets are $30 per person ($25 designated driver), and are sold at Bailey’s General Store. The group seeks items and services to be donated for a raffle and auction, as well as corporate or individual sponsors at $100 per table. Contributors to this event will be recognized in the local newspapers and at the event for their community support. For your convenience, you may arrange for your donation to be picked up by calling Stan Howard at (239) 472-0836, or e-mailing the group at sancapoptimist@comcast.net.
Road Rally (July 4, 2015)
Sanibel’s longest-running 4th of July event celebrates 36 years of fun for teams and families as they puzzle out the clues while following a prescribed driving course around the Island. Prizes will be awarded for time, mileage and for the most correct answers to the quiz about things seen along the route. A “50/50” raffle will also be available. Fun for everyone.
For further event information, please call 239-472-0836. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of good people like you, children of our community will have a brighter future.