Mariners share the wealth with island charities
In a continuing effort to serve the Greater Pine Island Community, members of the Matlacha Mariners shared their hard-earn proceeds with several island charities. Benefiting from the fund raising efforts were the Beacon of HOPE, FISH and the Pine Island Food Pantry.
Accepting a check for $2,000 from the Mariners, Executive Director, Besty Hasemeyer said this generous donation would help her organization to continue to provide much-needed services through its community outreach programs.
Providing a variety of senior services, FISH received a donation in the amount of $4,500. According to FISH representative Diane Higgins, FISH provides seniors with services like transportation to and from doctor and dental appointments, the loan of medical equipment such as wheel chairs and walkers, limited financial assistance and the annual Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter Basket Brigades which provides meals and gifts for island families and seniors in need.
Also benefiting from Mariner efforts was the Pine Island Food Pantry who received a check for $2,500.
“This donation will help us to purchase much-needed items not usually donated to the pantry,” said Pantry President Dave Grueser. “While we receive generous amounts of non-perishable items from island organizations and individuals, with money we receive we are able to purchase things like milk, meat, bread, eggs and cheese for our families and individuals who are in need of temporary assistance.”
To raise money for island charities, the Mariners stage three events each season, the annual Mullet Toss, the Seafood Festival and its largest money maker, the upcoming Southwest Florida Blues Festival.
This year the Blues Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 20, and will be staged at the German-American Club in Cape Coral. Even though this popular event has grown to the extent that a larger off-island venue became a necessity, all proceeds from this event will go directly back into the Pine Island community.
“Your attendance helps support music education, youth groups, scholarships, grants, senior citizen support networks and other island charities,” said Matlacha Mariner, Jerry Tolliver. “We are asking islanders to do their part by coming out to enjoy a full day of fantastic music, food and beverages and to help us keep the blues alive.”
This year’s music line-up features nationally acclaimed blues artists from all over the country and includes, Guitar Shorty, Beth McKee, Nick Moss, local performers Deb and the Dynamics, Danny Shepard and Blue Mercury and the Honey Island Swamp Band.
The Matlacha Mariners is a non-profit fraternal organization open to all men 18 years and up who is dedicated to “helping with some of the local needs of our community that are not being met otherwise.”
For more information about the Mariners, the Southwest Florida Blues Festival or membership, visit matlachamariners.org