Taste of Matlacha
When Matlacha Civic Association Vice President Mike Gordon suggested holding a Taste of Matlacha, the association’s president, Bill Stoelker was skeptical.
“I didn’t see how we could attract enough people to make it worthwhile,” Stoelker explained. “But then the Calusa Blueway Kayak event came to town so we decided to give it a try.”
This was the fourth year for the event, which benefits the Pine Island Food Pantry.
Barb LaPlante, director of the food pantry, was quick to point out the generosity that makes the Taste of Matlacha so popular and profitable. “You see who’s here and who has donated the food for the event. We’ve got Bert’s Bar and Grill, Micelli’s, Olde Fish House, The Perfect Cup, Andy’s Seafood and Sandy Hook, and they don’t get one cent from this event. It all goes to the food pantry,” she said.
Stoelker told us the Association could not put on this event without the help of the food pantry. “Look at all the volunteers who came out to help today,” he said.
In addition to good food from Island restaurants, event attendees enjoyed music by the Krazy Fingers band.
One thousand dollars was raised and LaPlante said that will buy a lot of food.
“We are so grateful for the Matlacha Civic Associations sponsorship. But there is a huge ongoing need in these difficult times,” she noted.
Donations of food or financial support may be brought to the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church, 12175 Stringfellow Road in Bokeelia on Mondays and Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. For more information, telephone 246-0039 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and leave a message. All calls will be returned promptly.