Art and antique show benefits Food Pantry

Thirteen art and antique vendors were set up outside Paisley Parrot Saturday morning and afternoon to help collect canned goods and monetary donations for the Pine Island Food Pantry.
Pat Doerman, owner of Paisley Parrot, said the art and antique sale was held to help the Food Pantry. Each vendor was required to bring canned foods for the Food Pantry to participate in the event, which was on an invitation basis.
“The Food Pantry is my husband’s favorite organization to support,” she said.
Allan said the Food Pantry needs the assistance so badly, which never stops, so he thought it would be a good idea to hold the event last week.
The community also participated in the cause by brining canned food items and monetary donations, which provided them with a chance to win a door prize.
The Doermans said the event, which was held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., was pretty steady all day.
“We have had a wonderful day and it’s for a good cause. The people seem to turn out and care about it,” Pat said. “A lot of people are coming together to help the community and businesses.”
Allan said the traffic was pretty constant throughout the day.
Barb LaPlante, a volunteer with the Food Pantry for 15 years, was happy with the response they received from the community in terms of monetary and canned food donations.
“Pat has always been a strong supporter of the Food Pantry,” she said. “She supports us all year when they are down here. We really appreciate all she has done for the Pantry.”
LaPlante said the Food Pantry is looking for year-round residents who can volunteer at the Food Pantry during the summer months.
Marita Kemp, who was invited to participate in the art and antique sale for the first time this year, brought her fused glass pieces of artwork with her to showcase for the community. She said she thought the sale was really nice and it gave her a nice opportunity to showcase her artwork.
“I like the 3D things, that’s my favorite stuff,’ to make, she said. “I like the abstract look.”
Kemp said she became interested in fused glass after a woman showed it to her, which led her to taking classes at the Cape Coral Art League. She is now in her third year.
Pat said if they are here again next year, they will hold the art and antique sale in December to benefit the Food Pantry.