Hard work and dedication benefits many island charities

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MARIANNE PATON Members of the Matlacha Mariners gathered at the Pine Island Elementary School last week for a check presentation to benefit the school’s music department. Present were John Jones, Jay Johnson, PIE Principal Rob Mazzoli, PIE music instructor Gwendelyn Fristensky, Wayne Reed, Roy Cruckhank, Fred Byron, Larry Schardberger and Jim Griffiths.

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Among the many benefactors of the labors of the Matlacha Mariners is the Beacon of HOPE. Last week Mariners John Jones, Jay Johnson, Wayne Reed Roy Cruckshank, Fred Byron, Larry Scharnberger and Jim Griffiths presented a donation to Beacon staff members Barb Peckinpaugh and Sheri Dube in the amount of $2,500.

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Through hard work and dedication, members of the Matlacha Mariners have contributed to many island charities including FISH. Presenting a check for $2,500 to FISH President Richard Roane were John Jones, Jay Johnson, Wayne Reed, Ron Mayhew, Roy Cruckshank, Fred Byron and Larry Scharnberger.

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To help her in her work with the elderly, the Matlacha Mariners recently presented Sister Diana Bode a generous donation. Present for the presentation were John Jones, Jay Johnson, Sister Diana, Wayne Reed, Ron Mayhew, Roy Cruckshank, Jim Griffiths and Fred Byron.

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The Pine Island Food Pantry staff recently received help in their mission to feed the island’s hungry from the Matlacha Mariners. Present for the check presentation were John Jones, Jay Johnson, Kathleen Soronen and Barb LaPlante from the Food Pantry, Ron Mayhew, Roy Cruckshank, Jim Griffiths, Fred Byron and Larry Scharnberger.

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The fact that it is one of the smallest organizations on the island doesn’t keep the Matlacha Mariners from contributing to the community in a big way. With proceeds raised during just a handful of events staged by the group throughout the year, last week members of the Mariners presented donations to several of their favorite causes. The biggest benefactor of the Mariners generosity was the Pine Island Elementary School, which received a check in the amount of $5,000.

“We recently purchased equipment for a keyboard lab in the music department and had to borrow from other funds to make the purchase,” said PIE Principal Rob Mazzoli. “This generous donation from the Mariners will help us to replace that money. These guys have been a great support to the school’s music program and we are very thankful.”

In addition to the donation to the school, the Mariners also donated $2,500 to the Beacon of HOPE.

“With the help of the Mariners we will be able to help more families and elderly citizens of the island. Among some of our expenses, last week we provided money so that two families could pay their electric bills. We needed to help keep their lights on because both families had children in the home,” said Beacon staff member Sheri Dube. “The Beacon receives no help from the county and with so many people losing their jobs recently, it is only because of the generosity of the Mariners and others on the island that we are able to continue to help when help is needed.”

Also receiving a $2,500 donation from the Mariners was Friendly Islanders Sending Help (FISH).

“My treasurer will be very happy to see this check,” said FISH President Richard Roane. “Over the last couple of years, the end of each year when we look back, we realize it had been another record year for requests for financial assistance and this year we expect to top last year’s numbers as well. This donation will be greatly appreciated by those who receive assistance from FISH.”

The Pine Island Food Pantry has also benefited from the work done by the Mariners. Recently the group presented a check for $2,500 to the pantry to help insure that the shelves are full for those who need help.

“In addition to our donation, much of the thanks needs to go to artist Mel Meo who helped make this donation possible,” said Mariner Wayne Reed. “Her artwork was used to publicize the Mariners Music Festival and was sold in the form of T-shirts to help raise the money for the Food Pantry.”

In addition to the organizations receiving assistance from the Mariners, another benefactor is Sister Diana Bode, who was presented with a check for $1,000. Sister Diana has dedicated her time to serve the elderly in the Pine Island area by providing them with rides to doctor appointments, for shopping, doing household chores and cooking for those who are trying to stay in their own homes rather than residing in a nursing home. Sister Diana does much of her work using her own money and has inspired the Mariners to help ease this financial burden.

In addition to the school, the Beacon of HOPE, FISH, the Food Pantry and Sister Diana Bode, the Mariners also support the Pine Island Little League, provide music scholarships to Pine Island students and assisted in fund-raising events with the Matlacha Hookers.

The events sponsored each year by the Matlacha Mariners include the Pine Island Seafood Festival, the Mullet Toss and the Southwest Florida Music Festival.

To learn more about the Matlacha Mariners, a 501(c)3 men’s service organization or to become a member, visit matalchamariners.org.