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Sanibel Neighbors Club to hold monthly rally at Matzaluna’s Aug. 18

3 min read
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Brian Johnson and Beth Haely. PHOTO PROVIDED

The Sanibel Neighbors Club began in 2011 after Jason Lamanna, Brian Weidner and the team at Hillgate Marketing wanted to create a club that rewarded residents and those who work on the island for their loyalty to local businesses.

In May 2014, Brian Johnson became the club’s new owner. The incentive behind the Sanibel Neighbors Club is to keep your dollars local. Johnson’s focus has been recruiting more restaurants to be a part of the club, he is always looking to add to his list. Participating restaurants include: Cips’s Place; Charley’s Cabana; Coffee Bar at Bailey’s; The Dunes Restaurant; Geppetto’s Beach Foodie’s; Island Pizza; The Jacaranda; Jerry’s Market; Key Lime Bistro; Matzaluna; Pinocchio’s Original Homemade Italian Ice Cream; SS Hookers; Sunshine Seafood Cafe; Tarpon House at Sanibel Harbour Marriott and the Thistle Lodge.

The perks of the Sanibel Neighbors Club are that card holders receive 10 percent off their check at participating restaurants and businesses. Some businesses offer slightly different benefits. Johnson is working to get all the rewards streamlined so each business offers the same exact thing.

In turn, the Sanibel Neighbors Club will give back the community by donating 10 percent of membership fees to local foundations.

“Right now, We’re giving money to F.I.S.H. from the first quarter, SCCF in the second quarter, CROW in the third quarter and “Ding” Darling in the fourth quarter. We get all the funds raised in each quarter from raffle prizes and membership fees,” Johnson said.

He estimates the club gives between $750-$1,000 to local foundations and charities annually.

“It helps keep the non-profits in front of the people and gives them an extra plug,” he said.

Another plus about the club is that it’s great for those who are new to the area, or just looking to meet new people. The club holds monthly rallies at different restaurants. Johnson says usually 30-40 members show up.

“It’s been nice having a place to go for people who are looking to meet new people and they can feel welcomed,” he said.

In addition to the Sanibel Neighbors Club, Johnson created the Fort Myers Dining Club in 2015, they host monthly rallies as well. Participating restaurants of the Fort Myers Dining Club includes: Blu Sushi; Edison Restaurant, Bar & Banquet; LaCasita; LaMotta’s; Love Boat Ice Cream; Outback (Belltower and Gulfcoast Town Center); Paris Saigon Bistro; PF Chang’s; Prime de Leon; Sanibel Harbour Marriott (Charley’s, Tarpon House); Stillwater Grille and The Grind.

Right now, Johnson has his sights set on expanding the memberships for both clubs. So far, he has over 400 members.

“The bigger the membership is, the more we can donate to charity. I want it to be bigger and better and have it be a thriving part of the community,” Johnson said.

Their next rally will be held at Matzaluna’s Aug. 18 at 5:30 p.m.

Membership is $25 per year for an individual membership card and $35 per year for a family membership of two cards. The club is open to all who live and work on Sanibel and Captiva. Cards can be picked up at Hollie’s Boutique on Sanibel or you can get them online at sanibelneighborsclub.com.

Sanibel Neighbors Club to hold monthly rally at Matzaluna’s Aug. 18

3 min read

The Sanibel Neighbors Club began in 2011 after Jason Lamanna, Brian Weidner and the team at Hillgate Marketing wanted to create a club that rewarded residents and those who work on the island for their loyalty to local businesses.

In May 2014, Brian Johnson became the club’s new owner. The incentive behind the Sanibel Neighbors Club is to keep your dollars local. Johnson’s focus has been recruiting more restaurants to be a part of the club, he is always looking to add to his list. Participating restaurants include: Cips’s Place; Charley’s Cabana; Coffee Bar at Bailey’s; The Dunes Restaurant; Geppetto’s Beach Foodie’s; Island Pizza; The Jacaranda; Jerry’s Market; Key Lime Bistro; Matzaluna; Pinocchio’s Original Homemade Italian Ice Cream; SS Hookers; Sunshine Seafood Cafe; Tarpon House at Sanibel Harbour Marriott and the Thistle Lodge.

The perks of the Sanibel Neighbors Club are that card holders receive 10 percent off their check at participating restaurants and businesses. Some businesses offer slightly different benefits. Johnson is working to get all the rewards streamlined so each business offers the same exact thing.

In turn, the Sanibel Neighbors Club will give back the community by donating 10 percent of membership fees to local foundations.

“Right now, We’re giving money to F.I.S.H. from the first quarter, SCCF in the second quarter, CROW in the third quarter and “Ding” Darling in the fourth quarter. We get all the funds raised in each quarter from raffle prizes and membership fees,” Johnson said.

He estimates the club gives between $750-$1,000 to local foundations and charities annually.

“It helps keep the non-profits in front of the people and gives them an extra plug,” he said.

Another plus about the club is that it’s great for those who are new to the area, or just looking to meet new people. The club holds monthly rallies at different restaurants. Johnson says usually 30-40 members show up.

“It’s been nice having a place to go for people who are looking to meet new people and they can feel welcomed,” he said.

In addition to the Sanibel Neighbors Club, Johnson created the Fort Myers Dining Club in 2015, they host monthly rallies as well. Participating restaurants of the Fort Myers Dining Club includes: Blu Sushi; Edison Restaurant, Bar & Banquet; LaCasita; LaMotta’s; Love Boat Ice Cream; Outback (Belltower and Gulfcoast Town Center); Paris Saigon Bistro; PF Chang’s; Prime de Leon; Sanibel Harbour Marriott (Charley’s, Tarpon House); Stillwater Grille and The Grind.

Right now, Johnson has his sights set on expanding the memberships for both clubs. So far, he has over 400 members.

“The bigger the membership is, the more we can donate to charity. I want it to be bigger and better and have it be a thriving part of the community,” Johnson said.

Membership is $25 per year for an individual membership card and $35 per year for a family membership of two cards. The club is open to all who live and work on Sanibel and Captiva. Cards can be picked up at Hollie’s Boutique on Sanibel or you can get them online at sanibelneighborsclub.com.