Woody’s Waterside becomes Kiwanis Park sponsor
The fundraising effort for the Kiwanis Park in St. James City has gained a new corporate sponsor, Woody’s Waterside Island Bar and Grill.
“Woody’s has committed to selling up to 1,000 gift cards,” Woody’s owner Eric Zeisloft said. “For every gift card sold for $100, the purchaser will get an additional $40 bonus. In addition to that Woody’s will donate an additional $10 to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island” to support the new St. James Playground for every gift card sold.”
Kiwanis Park, formerly named the Lions Park, is located on the grounds of the St. James City Civic Association on the corner of Lemon Street and 5th Avenue.
“I think what motivated us at Woody’s was just hearing about the project and knowing that we could help out in a larger way,” Zeisloft said. “We have been on the island a long time and have a large family with lots of kids ourselves, so we understand how important it is to have some quality resources for the local kids on the island.”
The Pine Island Lions Club established the park 20 years ago. When the Lions Club disbanded early this year, the gate was locked and the park was closed due to disrepair.
St. James City resident Cindy Bickford started the campaign to save the park.
“The park is the only park in St. James City for the children,” Bickford said. “My grandchildren, and lots of children in St. James City use this park. It’s important that we save it.”
“Woody’s has been committed to helping raise funds for the Kiwanis Park at St. James City Civic Center,” Zeisloft said. “We agree with Kiwanis that St. James City can’t afford to lose its only park.”
“We need approximately $45,000 to complete the park,” Kiwanis secretary Susan Saulsbery said. “We recently received a $10,000 donation from the Kiwanis International Foundation bringing the total we’ve raised to $32,000. These gift cards could put us over the top.”
The gift cards have no expiration and can be used at either Woody’s location but should be treated as cash as they can’t be replaced if lost or stolen. Cards can be purchased throughout the month at either locationcash sales only (see the bartender) The promotion runs through October 4.
“This could add up to a $10,000 donation to Kiwanis to put them across the finish line,” Saulsbery said.
“This is a great way we can say thank you to our loyal customers by giving back to them a nice size bonus, stimulate a little summer time business for our staff during a typically slow period and raise a sizable amount of money that will hopefully push the project and Kiwanis’s efforts across the goal line,” Zeisloft said. “I think it is a great win/win/win.”
Kiwanis & Woody’s Fundraiser kickoff party to benefit the St. James City playground will be Friday, Sept. 6, from 6-9 p.m. There will be 50/50 raffles by the Kiwanis, gift basket raffles donated by Woody’s and raffled by Kiwanis and drink and food specials all night. Live music will be by Hippy Salad from 6-9 p.m..
Woody’s Waterside Island Bar & Grill is at 3051 Stringfellow Road in St James City. For more information about the restaurant, visit woodyswaterside.com or call 239-283-5555.