Island Charities Receive $20k From Congress Jewelers Funds generated by the sale of "Strong" Pendants
/Fort Myers, FL – February 23, 2022 – Two major charities on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are the beneficiaries of a $20,000 donation, courtesy of Congress Jewelers, which recently relocated from Sanibel to the Bell Tower in South Fort Myers. The funds were generated from the sale of a variety of Sanibel Strong, Captiva Strong and Florida Strong pendants in silver and gold, all crafted by the jewelry designers at Congress Jewelers. As sales continue, additional donations will be provided.
"We are thrilled that our customers are helping play a role in the rebuild of our islands and most appreciative of their overwhelming support," said Scot Congress, President of Congress Jewelers, founded on Sanibel Island in 1984 by his parents, Larry and Dee Congress.
Benefiting from a portion of proceeds from the sale of the "Strong" Pendants are F.I.S.H. of SanCap and the Sanibel-Captiva Recovery Fund, initiated by Charitable Foundation of the islands, a (CFI) 501-C3. Pendants can be ordered online at www.CongressJewelers.com and mailed upon request. Congress Jewelers has recently introduced the Fort Myers Beach Strong pendant, also available in the store or online.
CFI created the Sanibel-Captiva Recovery Fund in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian to support island nonprofits and their employees. F.I.S.H. of SanCap aids those who live or work on the islands through many other programs, including guidance on disaster assistance and unemployment applications.
"We are most grateful to Congress Jewelers for their donation, which will help those who have been displaced from their home, lost their vehicles, possessions, clothing and furniture, as well as their jobs. The funds will help put roofs over their heads and food on the table," said Maria Espinoza, Executive Director of F.I.S.H." Melissa Congress serves on the F.I.S.H. Board of Directors.
Reopening just 64 days after Hurricane Ian, Congress Jewelers relocated to Suite 165 in the Bell Tower in South Fort Myers to begin a new chapter in their long history. They plan to rebuild on Sanibel as soon as possible. Scot Congress – who is a third-generation jeweler – and Melissa remain Sanibel residents and serve on many non-profit boards.
In addition to their designer jewelry pieces, Congress Jewelers is widely known for its trademark SeaLife by Congress™, featuring unique creations inspired by the beauty of the Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Each piece in the Collection is designed and handcrafted by the company’s in-house artisans, reflecting memories from island vacations.
For additional information, contact Congress Jewelers (www.CongressJewelers.com) at 239-472-4177.