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Contributions to the Sanibel School Fund aimed at helping improve courtyard area with pavers, trees

2 min read

Construction has started on the main courtyard at the Sanibel School, providing much-needed shade and a place for children and teachers to gather. Parents, island residents and visitors who contributed to the Sanibel School Fund made the project possible.

In the months ahead, construction crews will install new pavers and shade trees to replace what has been an underused grass and weed patch. Picnic tables will provide seating in an outdoor classroom and an area for students to eat lunch or read books outside. With these improvements, the school will be able to hold more events and classes outside with less exposure to direct sunlight.

The project, which was funded entirely by private donations, is scheduled to be completed by the beginning of the next school year.

“This is a great example of how donations to the School Fund directly benefit the children who attend the island school,” said Craig Holston, president of the Sanibel School Fund.

The Sanibel School earned a National Blue Ribbon designation from the U.S. Department of Education last year in part because of the programs such as Spanish instruction supported by the Sanibel School Fund. The non-profit 501(c)3 organization raises money to pay for school improvements with a car fundraiser and golf tournament in late spring.

The car fundraiser is currently under way and the winner will have the choice of a new Saturn Sky sports car, a Lexus 350 ES lease or $20,000 in cash. A lucky winner will be announced on March 22 at the Seahorse Festival (the winner need not be present to claim the prize). Tickets cost $50 each and a maximum 2,000 will be sold, ensuring everyone has better odds of winning.

Parents and friends will be selling tickets at island supermarkets and other businesses. They include Bank of the Islands, Bailey’s General Store, Congress Jewelers, Doc Ford’s, Eagle Wash & Lube (Fort Myers), Friday’s Child, The Island Cow, Lazy Flamingo, Lucky Dog Boutique, Sunglasses Internationale, The Sanibel Bookstore, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank on Sanibel, Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory and YOLO Watersports on Captiva. Sanibel School Fund board members also have tickets to sell.