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.  

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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

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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

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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.


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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 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

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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