Sanibel Sea School Completes Strategic Planning with Support from Charitable Foundation of the Islands

A Capacity Grant from the Charitable Foundation of the Islands enabled Sanibel Sea School to carry out strategic planning with guidance from an experienced consultant. At the nonprofit’s annual Board Meeting, Donna Gillroy of Gillroy and Associates facilitated a three hour session to help Trustees create a clear vision and an actionable plan for the next five years. 

Chip Roach, Vice Chair of the CFI Board of Directors, awards Dr. Bruce Neill, Executive Director of Sanibel Sea School, with a capacity building grant. 

“We are so thankful to have received this support,” said Mark Summit, President of the Sanibel Sea School Board of Trustees. “With Donna’s leadership, we were able to construct a plan that is ambitious but realistic, and we now have a series of specific steps to guide us forward. This level of expertise would not have been available to us without support from the Charitable Foundation of the Islands.” 

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands’ mission is to help people in need on Sanibel and Captiva, to promote philanthropy, and to strengthen nonprofit organizations that will build a spirit of community for generations to come. They do this through the distribution of annually raised and permanently endowed funds. The foundation’s Capacity-Building Initiative aims to help nonprofits accomplish work that requires time, energy, expertise, and innovative thinking beyond everyday operations. Learn more at www.charitablefoundationoftheislands.org.

Sanibel Sea School is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to improve the ocean’s future, one person at a time. Learn more at www.sanibelseaschool.org.

Charitable Foundation of the Islands Grant Provides Continuing Education for CHR Employees

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands recently chose Community Housing and Resources, Inc. as a recipient of a capacity building grant. 

CHR’s Office Assistant Helen Jedel, left, and Housing Administrator Nicolle Mastroianni attended the 2016 Florida Housing Coalition Conference in Orlando. (CHR photo)

In addition to providing valuable funding for maintenance and upkeep on CHR’s properties, these funds have also afforded two CHR employees the opportunity to attend the 2016 Florida Housing Coalition Conference in Orlando. The FHC Conference is the premier statewide affordable housing training event which attracts more than 700 affordable housing advocates, lenders, developers, administrators and policy makers.

CHR’s Housing Administrator and Office Assistant, who together oversee 74 rental properties and handle all applications, rent collection, resident issues and housing policies, greatly benefited from the educational opportunities offered at the FHC Conference and look forward to being able to better serve CHR residents as a result. 

“I am currently working on implementing some very important policies and really enjoyed networking with other housing veterans and policy makers, discussing strategies and gaining insight from their personal success stories,” said Nicolle Mastroianni, CHR’s housing administrator.  “I was particularly interested in one of the workshops on Housing for Elders and Individuals with Special Needs as it directly relates to our aging population on Sanibel. I left this conference equipped with new ideas and techniques in formulating a better system to achieve our program goals.” 

“Funding from CFI is so appreciated. It allows CHR to offer professional training opportunities to help our staff stay abreast of best practices and hot topics in the affordable housing industry.”

— Kelly Collini, Executive Director, CHR

The conference also offered sessions on fair housing practices, funding strategies for affordable housing and housing individuals with developmental disabilities. 

“Funding from CFI is so appreciated,” said Kelly Collini, CHR executive director. “It allows CHR to offer professional training opportunities to help staff stay abreast of best practices and hot topics in the affordable housing industry.” 

About CHR

Community Housing and Resources, Inc. (CHR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing for families and individuals working full-time on Sanibel as well as long-time retired or disabled residents of Sanibel. For more information, visit SanibelCHR.org, or call 239.472.1189.

Published September 21, 2016 by the Santiva Chronicle

Community House Receives Charitable Foundation Grant

The Charitable Foundation Of The Islands (CFI) recently granted $6,000 to the Sanibel Community Association (SCA) to support operations at the Sanibel Community House. The grant will be used to purchase new computer equipment to enhance customer service, record keeping and administration when the Community House reopens this Fall following renovation.

Commenting on the grant, SCA Executive Director Teresa Riska-Hall said: “This is an exciting year for the Community House as we bring our entire facility up to a new standard,
and this grant from the Charitable Foundation of the Islands will allow us to upgrade the office operations as well. The SCA, along with other island nonprofits, is fortunate to have the support of a community-focused organization like Charitable Foundation of the Islands to help us accomplish our mission of service to the citizens of Sanibel and Captiva.”

The Charitable Foundation Of The Islands provides assistance to island non-profits for capacity building, operating support, program expansion, endowment, scholarships and emergency needs, such as after a disaster. One of CFI’s areas of concentration is helping nonprofits build stronger organizations with technology, strategic planning, marketing, social media resources and staff development. Since 2000, CFI and its predecessor organizations have distributed more than $3 million in grants and scholarships to Island causes.

The Sanibel Community Association is a non-profit 501c3 with a long history of service to the local community. Formed in 1928, SCA is owns and operates the Sanibel Community House whose mission is to enrich community life through educational, cultural and social gatherings in its historic facility. Currently the Community House is undergoing major restoration and renovation work and will reopen to the public in the Fall of 2016. 

Published June 17, 2016 by the Island Sun

Seven Scholarships Awarded to Dependents of City Employees

Following Hurricane Charley in 2004, an endowment fund was established with the Southwest Florida Community Foundation to provide scholarships for dependents of City employees.

This year, there are multiple sources contributing to the City’s Employee Dependent Scholarship Program. The Charitable Foundation of the Islands contributed $5,302.27; the Southwest Florida Community Foundation endowment will grant $3,500 in scholarship awards; $1,000 grant from the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis and $697.73 in proceeds from City vending machines; for a total of $10,500 in scholarship awards for academic year 2016 - 2017. This is the largest amount awarded in an academic year from the City of Sanibel Employee Dependent Scholarship Program since its inception in 2004. 

The following dependents of City employees will each be awarded a $1,500 scholarship:

Jacob Crandon graduated from the Canterbury School on May 27, 2016, with a 3.48 GPA.  This fall, he will attend Berry College where he will pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science.    

This is Jake’s first year in the Employee Dependent Scholarship Program.  Jake is the son of Lt. Frank Crandon, Sanibel Police Department, who has been employed by the City for 16 years.

---

Hayden Cummins is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology at Florida Gulf Coast University.  Hayden graduated from Fort Myers High School in 2012. 

This is Hayden’s fourth year in the Employee Dependent Scholarship Program. Hayden is the son of Terri Weich, Planning Department, who has been employed by the City for 17 years.

---

Dakota Phillips is currently pursuing a degree in Sports Management at Florida South Western State College.  Dakota graduated from South Fort Myers High School in 2013.      

This is Dakota’s second year in the Employee Dependent Scholarship Program.  Dakota is the son of Major James Phillips, Sanibel Police Department and Trish Phillips, Recreation Department, who have together have a combined 44 years of City service.

---

Nicolas Smith graduated from Fort Myers High School on June 4, 2016, with a 3.99 GPA.  This fall, he will attend The Citadel where he will pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.    

This is Nick’s first year in the Employee Dependent Scholarship Program.  Nick is the son of Bert Smith, Director of I.T. Department, who has been employed by the City for 18 years.

---

Connor Tomlinson is currently pursuing a degree in Engineering at the University of South Florida. Connor graduated from Fort Myers High School in 2014.

This is Connor’s third year in the Employee Dependent Scholarship Program.  Connor is the son of Chief Bill Tomlinson, Sanibel Police Department, who has been employed by the City for more than 30 years.

---

Madeline Tomlinson – graduated from Fort Myers High School on June 4, 2016, with a 5.29 GPA.  This fall, she will attend Florida State University where she will pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology.    

This is Madeline’s first year in the Employee Dependent Scholarship Program. Madeline is the daughter of Chief Bill Tomlinson, Sanibel Police Department, who has been employed by the City for more than 30 years.

---

Alec Worth – is currently pursuing a degree in Legal Studies at the University of West Florida.  Alec graduated from Florida South Western State Collegiate High School in 2015, with a 4.15 GPA and an Associates in Arts Degree. 

This is Alec’s second year in the Employee Dependent Scholarship Program.  Alec is the son of Sgt. Dustin Worth, Sanibel Police Department, who has been employed by the City for 26 years.

Published June 8, 2016 by the City of Sanibel

CHR Receives Grant From Charitable Foundation Of The Islands

Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) granted $25,000 to CHR (Community Housing and Resources), which will be used to provide emergency assistance for CHR residents, and an additional $2,000 to help with capacity building efforts.

“The Charitable Foundation of the Islands is, indeed, pleased to support CHR,” said CFI Board Chair Al Hanser, “as it is a very real part of the fabric of the community and provides such necessary support to so many. After completing a needs assessment, our board and grant making committee felt CHR was very deserving of this grant.”

As part of its mission of providing affordable housing on Sanibel, CHR maintains a special fund to help any of its residents who are in crisis. “Sometimes, life just happens and people need extra help to make it through a temporary financial crunch,” said CHR Executive Director Kelly Collini.

Richard Johnson, president of CHR’s board of directors, agrees: “The financial support provided through the grant from Charitable Foundation of the Islands will make a tremendous difference in the lives of our families, he said. “We appreciate the significance of our partnership with CFI and are eager to recognize the benefits they bring to our community.”

Residents must meet certain criteria to be eligible to receive financial assistance through the CFI grant. CHR also maintains close ties with other local nonprofit service agencies and is able to direct residents to other necessary assistance when needed. “That is the ‘resources’ part of our name,” Collini said. “CHR provides island housing that working people can afford, but we don’t stop there. We also help our residents to become engaged in their island community and we can sometimes help families through their difficulties. That, after all, is what ‘community’ is all about.”

CHR (Community Housing and Resources, Inc.) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing affordable housing for families and individuals who work full-time on Sanibel and for long-time or disabled residents of Sanibel. For more information, visit CHR online at SanibelCHR.org, or call 472-1189. Donations and contributions to CHR are tax deductible. 

Published June 5, 2016 in the Island Sun

Sanibel Sea School Receives Grant from Charitable Foundation of the Islands

Sanibel Sea School has been selected by the Charitable Foundation of the Islands to receive a 2016 Capacity Grant. This grant will make it possible for the nonprofit organization to hire an independent consultant to observe and evaluate management structure, facilitate strategic planning, and make suggestions that will increase staff effectiveness in areas like marketing and development as the organization grows. 

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands’ mission is to help people in need on Sanibel and Captiva, to promote philanthropy, and to strengthen nonprofit organizations that will build a spirit of community for generations to come. They do this through the distribution of annually raised and permanently endowed funds. 

The foundation’s Capacity-Building Initiative aims to help nonprofits accomplish work that requires time, energy, expertise, and innovative thinking beyond everyday operations. “Having a local foundation like CFI is so meaningful, because it allows island nonprofits like Sanibel Sea School to better fulfill our missions with local support,” said Dr. Bruce Neill, Sanibel Sea School’s Executive Director, “It really is a demonstration of how special the Sanibel community is.”

Published May 26, 2016 by Sanibel Sea School

Charitable Foundation of the Islands Funds Capacity Building Opportunities for Island Non-profits

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) has selected six island non-profit organizations to receive Capacity Building Grants in 2016. The foundation’s Capacity Building Initiative aims to help non-profits accomplish work that requires time, energy, expertise, and innovative thinking beyond everyday operations.

This year's recipients include the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), the Children’s Education Center of the Islands (CECI), Big Arts, Community Housing and Resources (CHR), the Sanibel Community Association (SCA), and Sanibel Sea School. Funds awarded to SCCF will support the development of a new website, CECI will receive grant money to enroll staff members in professional development courses, and Big Arts will receive support to develop a new and improved database management system. Two CHR staff members will receive financial support to attend the Florida Housing Coalition’s Annual Affordable Housing Conference, SCA will use funds to upgrade its outdated technology infrastructure, and Sanibel Sea School will receive funds to hire a professional strategic planning consultant. 

“Having a local foundation like CFI is so meaningful, because it allows island non-profits to better fulfill our missions with professional assistance and local support,” said Dr. Bruce Neill, Sanibel Sea School’s Executive Director, “It really is a demonstration of how special the Sanibel community is.”

CFI’s mission is to promote philanthropy to help people in need on Sanibel and Captiva, and to strengthen island non-profit organizations that will build a spirit of community for generations to come – through the distribution of annually raised funds and the stewardship of permanently endowed funds. Since 2000, CFI and its predecessor have awarded millions of dollars in grants to those in need on our islands. To learn more, visit CharitableFoundationoftheIslands.org.

Helping Neighbors: F.I.S.H. and Charitable Foundation of the Islands Work Together to Help Island Neighbors

Written by Maggie Goldsmith

F.I.S.H OF SANCAP has collaborated over the years with Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) to help island neighbors through an array of programs, services and workshops. CFI provided a grant to FISH, which was used in their Helping Hands Program, for a one year grant cycle from May, 2015 through April, 2016.  “CFI is a dedicated partner that helps us provide assistance beyond what the resources of FISH can provide alone. Our partnership is a vital link between FISH and those we serve,” says Maggi Feiner, President & CEO.  “FISH is very grateful to have received this grant, as it is used to bridge the gap for many families on the islands.”  Partnering with CFI has made a difference in the lives of our island neighbors, such as Eleanor:

Despite her age, Eleanor has continued to work in a retail store on Sanibel to supplement her social security income.  She lost her employment this past May when business slowed down, and needed help to obtain food and emergency financial assistance to help her pay her rent.  Through the CFI grant, FISH was able to help with rent payment and assist Eleanor to find additional employment.  Once her employment became steady, she learned how to analyze her monthly bills and to build a budget by attending the FISH Budgeting 101 Workshop.  “Without this help, I would have fallen so far behind I fear I would never have been able to catch up. I’m sure I would have lost my apartment. Now that I have been working steadily and managing my income, I’m sure I will remain independent in my home.”

Without the strong, caring partnership between FISH and CFI, Eleanor may have lost her home and her independence.  “Our partnership with CFI provides such necessary support to so many.   During the 2015-2016 grant cycle, FISH was able to assist 36 individuals through the CFI grant.  We cannot thank CFI enough for their support,” states Maggi Feiner.

Published May 10, 2016 by F.I.S.H.

Charitable Foundation of the Islands Supports Those in Need

Article by Brian Johnson.

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) continues to provide generous assistance to individuals and non-profit organizations on Sanibel and Captiva. "We are here to help those in need," said Al Hanser, the Chairman and CEO of the Sanibel Trust Company and Chair of CFI. 

CFI Chair Al Hanser with Board Members Paul Roth, Melissa Congress, Cindy Brown and Secretary Ralph Clark.

As a result of their exhaustive survey of non-profits on the islands, they have developed a 2016-17 Capacity Grant Program that will help these non-profits function with optimal performance over a long-term time horizon. 

"It's coming together," said Hanser. "For the coming year we are awarding 5 grants of up to $6,000 to increase the capacity of island organizations."

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands donates to organizations such as FISH, Big Arts, and CHR. Deserving individuals on the islands have received aid for needs such as repairing a broken car to major medical surgery. FISH plays a key role in the difficult task of vetting applicants.

"CFI is a dedicated partner that helps FISH of SanCap provide assistance beyond the resources that FISH can provide alone," said FISH President Maggi Feiner. "Our partnership is a vital link between FISH and those we serve. During the 2015-16 grant cycle, FISH in partnership with CFI was able to assist 36 individuals through a time of hardship. We cannot thank CFI enough for their support." 

"The goal of Community Housing and Resources is to enable families and individuals working in our community to live here," said CHR President Richard Johnson. "This takes a concerted effort and is made possible through partnerships such as the one CHR enjoys with the Charitable Foundation of the Islands. For years now, CFI has provided much needed funding to help us put the 'Resources' in CHR. They have also helped us maintain our most valuable program assets; our properties. In our community, renters and first time home buyers have a hard time finding an affordable place to live. With the help of CFI, CHR is home to 88 families consisting of 165 adults and 55 children. Thank you Charitable Foundation of the Islands for your confidence and support."

The Sanctuary Community Golf Challenge, hosted each of the past 16 years at The Sanctuary Golf Club, has been the primary fundraiser for the Foundation. The event typically exceeds $100,000 in donations.

The board meets six times per year. Hanser is joined by Vice Chair Chip Roach, Treasurer Tim O'Neill, Secretary Ralph Clark, and Directors Cindy Brown, Steve Brown, Melissa Congress, Steve Greenstein, Chris Heidrick, Mike Kelly, Jennie Kendall, Tony Lapi, Paul Roth, and Virginia Stringer. 

To make a donation or find out how to contribute to CFI, please contact Al Hanser at the Trust Company at (239) 472-8300. The Trust Company is located at 2460 Pine Ridge Rd., Sanibel, FL 33957.

Published in the 2016 issue of Island Scene.

Charitable Foundation of the Islands Supports Seven Non-Profits in 2015-16 Grant Cycle

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) continues to increase its support of fellow Sanibel and Captiva non-profits in 2015. During its most recent grant cycle, the foundation awarded grants to seven organizations. CFI also provided individual grants to a number of families in need.  

This year’s non-profit grant recipients will include Friends in Service Here (FISH), the Sanibel School, the City of Sanibel, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), the Children’s Education Center of the Islands, the Sanibel Community Association, and Lee Memorial Hospital. The awarded grants will allow each organization to increase its capacity to serve our island community effectively through benefits like staff training, the purchase of new equipment, support for new programs, and more. Additional funds will support island residents and employees who have demonstrated financial need, often due to unexpected emergency circumstances. 

CFI’s mission is to promote philanthropy to help people in need on Sanibel and Captiva, and to strengthen island non-profit organizations that will build a spirit of community for generations to come – through the distribution of annually raised funds and the stewardship of permanently endowed funds. Since 2000, CFI and its predecessor have awarded millions of dollars in grants to those in need on our islands. To learn more, visit CharitableFoundationoftheIslands.org.

Charitable Foundation of the Islands Helps CHR

Charitable Foundation of the Islands has granted $25,000 to Community Housing and Resources, which will be used to provide emergency assistance for CHR residents, and an additional $2,000 to help with capacity building efforts.

“The Charitable Foundation of the Islands is, indeed, pleased to support CHR,” said CFI Chair Al Hanser, “as it is a very real part of the fabric of the community and provides such necessary support to so many. After completing a needs assessment, our board and grant making committee felt CHR was very deserving of this grant.”

As part of its mission of providing affordable housing on Sanibel, CHR maintains a special fund to help any of their residents who are in crisis. “Sometimes, life just happens and people need extra help to make it through a temporary financial crunch,” said CHR Executive Director Kelly Collini.

Richard Johnson, president of CHR’s Board of Directors, agrees: “The financial support provided through the grant from Charitable Foundation of the Islands will make a tremendous difference in the lives of our families,” Johnson said. “We appreciate the significance of our partnership with CFI and are eager to recognize the benefits they bring to our community.”

Residents must meet certain criteria to be eligible to receive financial assistance through the CFI grant. CHR also maintains close ties with other local nonprofit service agencies and is able to direct residents to other necessary assistance when needed.

“That is the ‘resources’ part of our name,” Collini noted. “CHR provides island housing that working people can afford, but we don’t stop there. We also help our residents to become engaged in their island community and we can sometimes help families through their difficulties. That, after all, is what ‘community’ is all about.” 

About CHR

CHR (Community Housing and Resources, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing affordable housing for families and individuals who work full-time on Sanibel and for long-time or disabled residents of Sanibel. For more information, visit online at SanibelCHR.org, or call 239-472-1189. Donations and contributions to CHR are tax deductible.­­  Learn more about CHR

Sanctuary Community Golf Challenge Announces Honorary Chairpersons

The Sanctuary Golf Club, as host and underwriting sponsor of the 13th annual Sanctuary Community Golf Challenge, on Jan. 24 announced Jim and Patty Sprankle as honorary chairpersons.

Jim and Patty Sprankle are long time island residents with a rich history of community involvement. Jim is viewed as an island treasure, being a nationally renowned bird carver, duck decoy collector, and owner of perhaps the largest collection of autographed baseballs in the country. His enormous generosity in creating and donating his bird carvings to many of the island's charitable organizations is second to none.

Jim "Birdman" Sprankle served five terms as president of the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge and helped build them to the nationally recognized organization that they are today. Patty is also an accomplished artist who has been creating magnificent pieces of hand-painted porcelain for many years. She has served on the Sanibel Planning Commission for years and has been active in many local organizations.

"We are, indeed, fortunate to have Jim and Patty Sprankle here on Sanibel and Captiva and to honor them as this year's Honorary Chairpersons," said Al Hanser, president of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands.

There are numerous sponsorship opportunities ranging from the $7,500 Diamond Partnership, which includes additional rounds of golf, lunch, and dinner at The Sanctuary Golf Club, to a $250 Hole Partnership. All proceeds go directly to the Charitable Foundation of the Islands, which in turn distributes the funds to assist island nonprofit organizations, individual island residents and workers who have experienced hardships such as medical and financial emergencies.

"Patty and I are honored to be Honorary Co-Chairs this year for the Sanctuary Community Golf Challenge. Our challenge to everyone is to donate, contribute, or participate and in turn - we can be the highest donating year on record! As proven by the increased amount raised each year, it has grown into a meaningful fund raiser for the many recipients in need on Sanibel and Captiva. The Sanctuary Golf Club and the members are very generous in providing the Club and course for the day. Thank you to everyone! Your ongoing generosity of over $1M donated through the years demonstrates the caring nature of the citizens of Captiva and Sanibel and The Sanctuary Golf Club," Jim Sprankle said.

The Sanctuary Community Golf Challenge begins at 10:30 a.m. with a brunch, followed by a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. Afterward, golfers meet at the clubhouse for drinks and hors d'oeuvres, an awards presentation, and the ever-popular helicopter drop. Show your support by participating in any part of the day or all day!

Published January 21, 2015 by the Island Reporter

Charitable Foundation of the Islands

Written by Brian Johnson

Investor Warren Buffett found it easier to make money than give it away, and so for years, as Berkshire Hathaway rung up billions in profits, the Oracle of Omaha limited his charitable giving.

All that changed when he met Bill Gates and saw for himself what the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was able to do for people around the world.

In something of the same spirit, the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) has become a place for a affluent donors on Sanibel and Captiva to give  money because they trust the management – led by Chairman Al Hanser – and like how the money is being deployed.

“CFI is really working out well,” said Hanser, who is also Founder and Chairman of the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company. “We’ve got a great board, and we have been able to make a significant difference in the lives
of individuals and families as well as island non-profits.”

CFI traces its roots to the Bailey Society, named after the pioneering Bailey family, which sought to relieve human needs on the islands. They merged with another charitable organization in Fort Myers but returned to Sanibel in 2011 as an independent 501c3. “The people on the islands have a big heart for charitable donations, and we have a comprehensive strategic plan to put the funds to their best use,” said CFI Vice-Chairman Chip Roach. 

In the past year CFI completed a study to find out the needs of 13 of the leading non-profits on Sanibel and Captiva, including F.I.S.H., BIG ARTS, Community Housing Resources, and the Children’s Education Center of the Islands. F.I.S.H. has provided the valuable service of assessing the merits of applications for aid by individuals experiencing hardships or emergencies.

“The mission of the Foundation is to promote philanthropy and build a spirit of community to enhance the quality of life for residents and employees of the islands, now and for generations to come, through the distribution of annually raised funds and the stewardship of permanently endowed funds,” said Hanser.

For the past 15 years the Sanctuary Golf Club has graciously hosted the Sanctuary Community Challenge, the signature event for CFI. The event has raised much of the $3 million in funds distributed to those in “need” on the islands. “Our thanks to the Sanctuary for their ongoing support,” said Roach.

In the event of an unexpected event, such as a hurricane, CFI is prepared to be a first financial responder, something that is especially important to Hanser and the board.

Hanser and Roach are joined on the CFI Board by Treasurer Tim O’Neill, Secretary Ralph Clark, and Directors Cindy Brown, Steve Brown, Melissa Congress, Steve Greenstein, Chris Heidrick, Mike Kelly, Jeannie Kendall, Tony Lapi, Paul Roth and Virginia Stringer, all prominent citizens of Sanibel and Captiva.

To make a donation or find out how to contribute to CFI, please contact Al Hanser at the Trust Company at (239) 472-8300. The Trust Company is located at 2460 Pine Ridge Road, Sanibel, FL 33957. 

Published in the 2015 issue of Island Scene, written by Brian Johnson

Eight Scholarships Awarded to Dependents of City Employees

This year, the City’s Employee Dependent Scholarship Program awarded a total of eight $1,000 scholarships for the 2014 - 2015 academic year.

Following Hurricane Charley in 2004, an endowment fund was established with the Southwest Florida Community Foundation to provide scholarships for dependents of City employees. This year, there are multiple sources contributing to the City’s Employee Dependent Scholarship Program. The Charitable Foundation of the Islands contributed $2,816.17; the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club contributed $1,000; the Southwest Florida Community Foundation endowment will grant $3,167 in scholarship awards; and $1,016.83 in proceeds from City vending machines, for a total of $8,000 in scholarship awards for academic year 2014 - 2015. 

The following dependents of City employees will receive scholarship awards:

Courtney Chaipel is currently pursuing her Law Degree, specializing in family and child law, from Stetson University. A 2010 Mariner High School graduate, Courtney obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health from the University of South Florida in 2013. 

This is Courtney’s second year in the Employee Dependent Scholarship Program. Courtney is the daughter of Steven Chaipel, Finance Department, who has been employed by the City for one 1 year.

---

Emily Wesserling Cobian is currently pursuing her Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing at Edison State College, with plans to enroll in Florida Gulf Coast University’s CRNA Program. A 1995 North Fort Myers High School graduate, Emily obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of South Florida in 1999. 

This is Emily’s second year in the Employee Dependent Scholarship Program. Emily is the daughter of Laura Wesserling, Building Department, who has been employed by the City for 18 years.

---

Hayden Cummins is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Florida Gulf Coast University. Hayden graduated from Fort Myers High School in 2012.

This is Hayden’s second year in the Employee Dependent Scholarship Program. Hayden is the son of Terri Cummins, Planning Department, who has been employed by the City for 15 years.

---

Allison Eicher is currently pursuing an Associates in Arts Degree from Edison State College. Allison graduated from Ida S. Baker High School in 2013.

This is Allison’s second year in the Employee Dependent Scholarship Program. Allison is the daughter of John Eicher, Police Department, who has been employed by the City for nearly two years.

---

Andrea Wesserling Galician is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at Hillsborough Community College. Andrea obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of South Florida in Communications in 2002. This is Andrea’s fourth year in the Employee Dependent Scholarship Program.

Andrea is the daughter of Laura Wesserling, Building Department, who has been employed by the City for 18 years.

---

Christopher Larsen is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Marketing from Florida Gulf Coast University. Christopher is a graduate of Estero High School and a Marine Corps veteran. 

This is Christopher’s first year in the Employee Dependent Scholarship Program. Christopher is the son of Sandra Larsen, Public Works Department, who has been employed by the City for 25 years.

---

Kyle Palmer graduated 10th in his class from South Fort Myers High School in 2014, with an impressive 4.78 GPA. This fall, he will attend the University of Florida, where he will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

This is Kyle’s first year in the Employee Dependent Scholarship Program. Kyle is the son of Larry Palmer, Public Works Department, who has been employed by the City for 19 years.

---

Connor Tomlinson graduated in the top 6% of his class from Fort Myers High School in 2014, with an impressive 4.78 GPA. This fall, he will attend the University of South Florida where he will pursue a degree in Civil Engineering. 

This is Connor’s first year in the Employee Dependent Scholarship Program. Connor is the son of Bill Tomlinson, Police Department, who has been employed by the City for 27 years.

Published June 4, 2014 by The City Of Sanibel

Bank of the Islands Delivers Check to Foundation

Al Hanser delivers his donation to the Charitable Foundation of the Islands. 

Al Hanser is the most recent winner of the "We Love Our Islands" promotion sponsored by Bank of the Islands.

He was spotted with a "We Love Our Islands" decal on his car. That won him the right to select which local non-profit cause would receive a charitable contribution of $1,600 from Bank of the Islands. This contribution marks $48,100 given to island non-profits through the bank's "We Love Our Islands" program.

Hanser chose to direct the donation to the Charitable Foundation of the Islands, which he helped found and continues to lead as board chairman. Hanser is the chairman of The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company.

"The Charitable Foundation of the Islands is working hard to address unmet needs in our island community," said Bank of the Islands vice president/manager Rob Lisenbee. "This gift is double the size we were able to present the Charitable Foundation of the Islands in 2011. By directing our gift in this way, Al has really helped us show how much we appreciate being your island bank."

All islanders are invited to stop by the Bank's Sanibel and Captiva offices to get a free "We Love Our Islands" decal and details on how their favorite charity can become the next lucky winner.

Bank of the Islands is located at 1699 Periwinkle Way, at the corner of Casa Ybel Road, on Sanibel. The Captiva office is at 14812 Captiva Drive, next to the Captiva Post Office.

As the oldest locally owned and managed community bank on the islands, Bank of the Islands is proud to be the winner of 21 "Best of the Islands" awards since 1999, including being chosen the Best Island Bank for 13 years straight.

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands' priority is to help those in need, preferably human need. The Foundation's Grants Committee strives to identity where those needs are greatest, and meets them with financial support to island residents, workers, and organizations.

Published June 15, 2012 in the Islander

Bank of the Islands Gives $800 to New Charitable Foundation of the Islands

John Schubert is the most recent winner of the “We Love Our Islands” promotion sponsored by Bank of the Islands. Schubert was spotted with a “We Love Our Islands” decal on his vehicle. That won him the right to select which local non-profit cause would receive a charitable contribution of $800 from Bank of the Islands. This contribution marks $41,500 given to island non-profits through the bank’s “We Love Our Islands” program.

Schubert chose to direct the bank’s gift to the newly formed Charitable Foundation of the Islands. Formerly associated with the Southwest Florida Community Foundation and known as the Good Neighbor Foundation, its mission will be directed toward helping island residents, workers, and organizations.  

“The Charitable Foundation of the Islands is working hard to address unmet needs in our island community,” said Bank of the Islands Vice President/Manager Rob Lisenbee. “I’m so glad we can add John’s winnings to help in their efforts. John has really helped us show how much we appreciate being your island bank.”

All islanders are invited to stop by the bank at 1699 Periwinkle Way, located at the corner of Casa Ybel Road, to get a free “We Love Our Islands” decal and details on how you and your favorite charity can become our next lucky winners. 

Bank of the Islands, a name synonymous with island community banking since 1974, is the oldest locally owned and managed community bank on the islands. They are proud to be the winner of 17 “Best of the Islands” awards since 1999, including being chosen the Best Island Bank for 12 years straight.

Published April 14. 2011 in the Islander