February 2023 Newsletter

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Charitable Foundation of the Islands Announces Get Inspired! SanCap Volunteer Expo March 30th

Do you have a desire to volunteer and help the Islands rebuild but you don’t know how to get started? The Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Class of 2022 sponsored by the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) invites you to a March 30th community event designed to connect you to Sanibel and Captiva nonprofits. The volunteer expo will be held on Thursday, March 30, 4-7:30 pm, at BIG ARTS on Dunlop Road, Sanibel. Complimentary beer and wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Sanibel residents Porter and Chauncey Goss will lead a community discussion.The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company is graciously underwriting the free event.

The Get Inspired! SanCap Volunteer Expo was the idea of the 2022 leadership class after they were forced to cancel the 2023 program due to Hurricane Ian. “The 2022 class wanted to help our community,” said Jane Majeski, Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Class of 2022 member and current Chair. “There was a great desire to help rebuild but some people don’t know where to start. We want to connect new residents or those not yet engaged with the nonprofit community, and to inspire people to get involved.”

More than 15 local nonprofits and community organizations from Sanibel and Captiva will take part. Organization representatives will answer questions and sign up interested volunteers from 4pm-5pm and 6:15pm-7:30 pm. Each participant will also receive a directory of nonprofits. The program also includes an inspirational discussion beginning at 5pm led by Sanibel residents Porter and Chauncey Goss as well as Captiva Community Panel’s David Mintz.

Chip Roach, Board Chair of CFI, is a lifelong volunteer and philanthropist. “I have found that people want to help and get involved, but they don’t know where to go or who to ask,” he said. “This event will answer a lot of questions.”

Online registration is required. Space is limited and tickets will be required to attend. Click here for more information and to register. Questions? Call Dolly Farrell, Executive Director at (239) 355-8614 or email dfarrell@sancapcfi.org.

Nonprofit Spotlight – The Children’s Education Center of the Islands (CECI)

CECI Update:

The Children's Education Center of the Islands (CECI) is a nonprofit nature preschool that has been operating on just under 5 acres in Sanibel. The school was founded in 1947 and has been nurturing Sanibel's next generation of conservationists ever since.

The school was forced to close for the 2022/2023 school year due to massive damage sustained during Hurricane Ian.

As a supporter and partner of CECI, we are excited to announce that they will be welcoming back their future conservationists in August in Thompson Hall while they rebuild their larger school building so it will stand the test of time and weather future storms. Get more information about the rebuilding process and how to help by going to their website www.childrenseducationcenter.com or go to their GoFundMe page to donate: www.gofundme.com/f/help-sanibel-preschoolers-return-to-school

CECI Artist’s Painting Serves as Thank You to Generous DAF Donor:

Beau Gales, ayoung artist from CECI recently painted a picture for two generous donors who donated to the preschool through their Donor Advised Fund with CFI.

CECI Board President Andrea Murphy presented donors Liz and Jim Birmingham with the painting, thanking them for their donation from their Donor Advised Fund with CFI.

To learn more about Donor Advised Funds and how you can become a DAF donor, visit our Donor Advised Funds Questions and Answers.

Nonprofit Employee Assistance Program Update:

CFI Welcomes New Board Members, Michael Bennett, Rachel Pierce and Bob Wiesemann

Michael Bennett

Michael Bennett

Michael Bennett is a winter resident of Captiva. He hails from Arnold’s Park, Iowa. Michael serves as Chairman of OCI N.V., a leading producer and distributor of nitrogen projects providing sustainable solutions to agricultural and industrial customers around the world. Michael worked with Terra Industries for 36 years, including as President and CEO. He has been a board member of Chapel by the Sea, serving as President in 2019 and 2020.

Michael is married to Margie. They have four children and eight grandchildren.

Rachel Pierce

Rachel Pierce

A lifelong artist, Rachel grew up in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin and went to college in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where art classes were a major focus of her studies. Her passion for journalism launched a 19-year career - 17 of those as a TV desk anchor - first in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, followed by Omaha and Des Moines, and finally Fort Myers, Florida.

​After an unexpected change of events, Rachel is now back to painting at her home in Fort Myers where she and her husband raise their four young children.


Bob Wiesemann

Bob Wiesemann

Bob Wiesemann is the retired CEO of Continental Carbonic Products, Inc., a dry ice manufacturer and distributor in the eastern half of the United States and parts of Canada. The company was founded in 1976 by Bob and his father, Bob Sr. Bob is a 1975 graduate of Marquette University.

Bob and his wife, Kathy, have resided on Sanibel and now Captiva since 2004. They previously lived in Decatur, Illinois for 32 years and part time in Chicago. They have three married daughters and six grandchildren.