Zonta confirms record funds raised during 2011 Peek
It’s official. Net proceeds from the 10th Annual “Peek at the Unique,” the signature fundraiser for the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva, have topped the previous best by several thousand dollars.
With remaining sponsorship dollars still coming in, the event leadership team has announced a net of $74,207 and, they said, the final amount could easily pass the $75,000 mark.
“This is an amazing tribute to the generosity and goodwill we have met throughout the business community, from islanders and, of course, from our Peekers,” said Gini Jones, co-chair. “The women we serve, who benefit from these funds, know the depth of the support they receive from Sanibel and Captiva islands.”
In February, as Zontian Gail Migliorini sold raffle tickets outside Bailey’s Supermarket, a young woman approached her and described how she had been a client of Southwest Florida Addiction Services — one of the club’s projects — and wanted to let the club know how deeply grateful she was for the life-altering help she had received.
Another former SWFAS client, who received help from Zonta in promoting sales of her artwork, is moving to a new life in a new state, and wrote to thank the club “and everyone who helped make this possible.”
Such help, Jones said, would not be possible without the Sanibel community. These and many other examples are a testament to the difference it makes in individual lives when good programs are supported through appropriate funding.
Each year, the proceeds from the home tour are awarded in grants on the island and elsewhere in Lee County to nonprofit agencies that work to improve the status and wellbeing of women.
On behalf of the entire club, Jones expressed her appreciation to the home owners — 40 of them since the event’s inception in 2002 — who have welcomed busloads of “Peekers” into their unique homes; to the house sponsors, who contribute the lion’s share of sponsor dollars; and to the “Peekers” themselves.
“House sponsors this year included the Sanibel-Captiva Trust Company (a supporter every year since 2002), Dan Hahn Custom Builders, Gulf Breeze Cottages and an anonymous gift,” she said. “While space does not permit a listing of all our supporters, we want them all to know how grateful we are.”
In addition to the island establishments that provided donations of food and beverages, and who were recognized in a previous article, thanks go to approximately 120 businesses that purchased program sponsorships or “Peek Perks” coupons, offered raffle donations or provided in-kind gifts; and to more than 50 individual benefactors who contributed amounts ranging from $25 to over $1,000.
“Special thanks must go to the Sanibel Community Church, our ‘Peek HQ’ for the past five years, and to Floral Artistry who provided floral décor at each home,” Jones said. “Also, we had a wonderful working relationship with Dolphin Transportation Services and Island Graphics, both great companies that provided invaluable support.”
A final shout-out, she said, goes to the island newspapers, the Island Reporter, Sanibel-Captiva Islander and Island Sun, for consistent support with publicity efforts, helping the club to tell the “Peek” story in as many ways as the club could imagine.
The Zonta Club of Sanibel/Captiva is a service organization of professional women working together to provide hands-on assistance, advocacy and funds to strengthen women’s lives on the islands, in Lee County and around the world through Zonta International.
For additional information, visit www.zontasancap.com.