Matlacha Mariners offering aid to those in need
After having worked tirelessly to raise funds for local charities, the Matlacha Mariners have supported music programs at Pine Island Elementary school as well as other charitable organizations who provide assistance to those living in the Greater Pine Island area. Hosting two major events and a social fund raiser, the Mariners have successfully amassed funds and the group is now extending its reach to assist those in need through a funding application program.
“The Mariners are currently accepting two types of support/funding applications,” said member Jerry Tolliver. “These requests are separate from our scholarships. Once we receive a request for assistance, the information will be submitted to our Matlacha Mariners Community Relations Committee for review.”
According to Tolliver, the CRC was formed to help streamline the process by which the Mariners distributed funds.
“With the application and review process, we are hoping to address requests on a time-sensitive basis,” Tolliver said. “The committee will assist the Mariner’s Board of Directors and the membership for the distribution of donations to help the Pine Island community as a whole.”
Applications can be filed from either an existing organization or by individuals.
Individuals seeking assistance will be asked to fill out an application form which includes the reason for the request and what the funds will be used for. While the applications are similar for both individuals and families; organizations seeking donations will find a separate request application needed to be filed with the CRC. In both cases, the Mariners reserve the right to follow up and look into how the proceeds of the donation were used by the beneficiary or organization to which the funds were distributed.
Organizations seeking assistance must also provide information which includes proof of maintaining a 501c3 status of not for profit, must be a Florida based organization, must be located within or have organizational interests in the Greater Pine Island area and must be or have been a volunteering support group during a Matlacha Mariners event or fund raiser.
Individuals or families must meet one or more of the following criteria:
? Be a current member or a caretaker of a member in good standing of the Matlacha Mariners or Matlacha Hookers
? Be a resident with the community of the Greater Pine Island area
? Submit the appropriate form or verbally answer specific questions of the committee to determine eligibility and need for support.
Applicants will be limited to one funded request per calendar year. The Mariners also reserve the right to make the donation to either the individual requesting assistance or to another entity such as a pharmacy, doctor or landlord.
While individuals may apply for financial assistance at any time, organizations must submit requests between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31 of each year.
Applications for financial assistance can be found online at matlachamariners.org. Completed forms can then be mailed to CRC Chairman, P.O. Box 21, Matlacha, Fl 33993.
“We would like to take another opportunity to thank all of our loyal volunteers, local businesses, sponsors and area residents who support our efforts during these wonderful events and fund raisers,” Tolliver said. “We are always committed to bringing area residents and businesses together with the common goal of making a difference to those who need our support. While our community service projects and special events are organized to benefit others, they also demonstrate the value of cooperation and leadership to our young men and women throughout the community.”