To the editor:

I would like to extend my humble and heart-felt thanks for the extremely over-the-top multitude of donations and work for my successful campaign for the Feb. 6 Lion’s Club Governor’s Race. A thousand thanks to my sponsor and employer, Bernard Johnson, whose generosity reaches out far beyond our wonderful island. There aren’t enough thanks in the world to sufficiently heap on my campaign manager: a giant spirit in tiny human form: Darlene Snyder, whose unending energy and verve are truly awe-inspiring!! Also, my dear friend, Nancy Goodwin, for your wonderful advice, support and tireless work on this project. Special thanks to everyone at Bert’s Bar, especially Kim! Also Lisa, Jamie, Maddie, Jennie, Janine and all the kitchen heroes who kept on smiling. You guys are amazing! To Carol Ann and Rossi and D.J. and Karen, and to all my friends and coworkers at Bert’s and Pine Bay for your help and support, and a big thanks to Big Bob the Auctioneer, whose heart is bigger than his voice.

Also, for your fabulous contributions that made for an astounding donation total of $8,623, thank you to: Abate Pest Control, Alden Pines, Alice Leary, Andre and Lois Mule, Annie Wenz, B&B Bait Shop, Boat Bait and Tackle, Barbara Luck at Florida Gallery, Bonnie Hodges (Bernadette), Brian Salyer, Bert’s Bar, Blue Water Trading Company, Bob Macomber, Carmen Kayak Adventures, Cast Net Steve, Cheryll Lamm, Citrus Dave, Claudine Guillet Alvarez, Cre 8 Beauty Salon, D & D Marina, Davio Rebeka, Deb and the Dynamics, Debbie Church, Debbie Cundall, Dee Hanks, Dennis Wenner of Hot Actions Sportswear, Dobby’s Bait Shop, Dr. Watson’s, Dumpster Divers, Exotic Plants, Family Tradition Charters, Frills Art Gallery, Lou at Footprints in the Sand Shoe Gallery, Four Winds Marina, Fort Myers Marina, Georgia Glarrow, Geo’s Restaurant, Gulf Coast Kayak and Olde Fish House Marina, Gretchen Goode, Island Visions, Jeannie Healy, Chuck Koucky at Koucky Gallery, Larry Williams, Lehrs Bait Shop, Linda Schultz, Little Lily’s Deli, Lynne Reinas, Lynne Smith, Loving Hands Groomers, Leoma at Lovegrove Gallery; Marcia Goggin, Marie Cahill, Marisa Arena, Marker Outfitter, Matlacha Hookers, Matlacha Mariners, Nautical Décor, Nell McGuire, Pamela Hoke, The Pampered Pup, Patrick of Roger Dean Chevrolet, Pine Island Charters, Ralph Kemp for his kissing booth, Mel Meo for both her donated work and the use of her art on the t-shirt, Morretti’s Restaurant, Olde Fish House Marina, Palm Co., Pine Bay Gallery and Gifts, Pine Island Printing, Paradise Vending, Rose Conner, Roadhouse Restaurant, Sandra Galloway, Stevie Tomatos, Jimmy at Seven Seas Bait and Tackle, Southwest Florida Adventures, Tackle Outlet, Tequila Dan’s Bar and Grill, Terry Schlegel, for screen-printing 40 T-shirts, and for so much more!, T.I.B. Bank, The Miss Ronnie, The Perfect Cup, The Sandy Hook Restaurant, The Shell Station, The Snyder Family, The Yard Dogs, The Tiara Princess Society, Tracy at Massage Works, Cindee at Trader’s Hitching Post, Tropical Hair Gallery, Vi Barrett, Vyta’s, and Wingnuts.

Thank you all from my heart!

Deb Cole