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Islanders raise over $230K for United Way campaign

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Former Sanibel mayors Carla Brooks Johnston, left, and Louise Johnson chat during the United Way event.
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Attending last week's United Way Hog Roast at the ‘Tween Waters Inn were Mike Badenock, left, and Jeff Shuff.

The Sanibel-Captiva volunteer campaign committee for the 2009-10 United Way Campaign of Lee, Hendry and Glades announced that island residents contributed $231,208 to the campaign. The announcement was made at a celebration held at the ‘Tween Waters Inn on Captiva last Thursday.

Campaign committee members include co-chairs Tony Lapi and Bob Wigley and committee members Dick and Debbie Riley as well as Tom and Linda Uhler, who organized the volunteer effort.

The Sanibel-Captiva campaign included 10 Alexis de Tocqueville Members (who give $10,000 or more annually) and 44 Keel Club Members (who give $1,000 to $9,999 each year). The combined total of the money raised in Lee, Hendry and Glades counties was $8,022,330.

Approximately 65 Sanibel and Captiva residents attended the Hog Roast at the ‘Tween Waters Inn, which honored the Alexis de Tocqueville Society and Keel Club Members.

“Sanibel and Captiva residents dug deep when it was greatly needed,” said Tony Lapi. “The United Way and its 72 partner agencies will help thousands of people because of the generosity of our islands. A successful campaign directly benefits our islands through the services provided by Sanibel F.I.S.H. and agencies located in the Sanibel United Way House.”

“We are very proud to be part of a caring and generous community,” said Cliff Smith, President of United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades. “With the very difficult economy, more children and families than ever before are in need of agency services. A heart-felt thank you to all of the contributors and volunteers who are active in the campaign and who support the United Way.”

In addition to raising funds for human service organizations in our community, the United Way promotes partnerships and collaborations among agencies and initiatives, helping them to work together focusing on issues and solutions that continue to improve lives.

The United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades has been “the way the community cares” since it was established in 1957. For more information, call United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades at 239-433-2000 or visit www.unitedwaylee.org.