Garden Club Gala a huge success
The Pine Island Garden Club celebrated its 22nd Annual Garden Gala Saturday, Feb. 22, at its new location at the St James City Civic Association Center. Hundreds of islanders and visitors participated its “Festival of the Arts” theme.
According to Pine Island Garden Club vice president John Kendall, over 60 vendors exhibited various home, art and garden/plants products.
“There was non-stop live entertainment by, The Fiddler & I, Jim & Jan, Kinfolk, Acoustic Fred and Jon & Jonny. Salty Girls Island Café offered tempting lunch treats and was truly a big hit–particularly with the kids, was the dairy cow-decorated Utterly Iced Cream truck and the famous bake sale. The silent auction of island business donated gifts, the spin-the-wheel games, Lucky Bucket and various raffles provided additional happy winners,” Kendall said.
Garden Gala chairperson/PIGC president Marty Kendall was in attendance and commented on what turned out to be an outstanding day in a perfect setting.
“I offer special thanks to the St. James City Civic Association for the use of its facility and the shuttle service parking area offered by the First Baptist Church of SJC. With the efforts and contributions of so many of our members, friends and neighbors, we recognize that Pine Island is truly a special place,” Marty said.
John added that initial tallies concluded this was the most successful PIGC gala in terms of attendance with proceeds which exceeded $10,000.
“These funds will be utilized to maintain the grounds at the Kiwanis Children’s Park, Phillips Park, Museum of the Islands, Bokeelia Post Office and the Pine Island Elementary School,” John said.
The club also financially supports many local benevolent organizations such as the Calusa Land Trust, Pine Island Food Pantry, CROW and Beacon of Hope, he said, adding that last year’s gala cost the organization $1,000, for LCSO attendance and porto-johns alone.
“For a small organization like the PIGC, that was a lot of money, but the St. James Civic Association was a great location this year. We had really outstanding attendance, every vendor I spoke with was pleased and said they’d come back next year,” John said.
The PIGC is careful not to waste money on anything useless or frivolous, he said, pointing out the charitable support of other local organizations, as is typical with most island institutions.