‘Love for Lisa’ fundraiser to be held March 1
A fundraiser for islander Lisa Dence, called, “Love for Lisa,” will be held Sunday, March 1, from noon to 4 p.m., at the St. James City Civic Association. According to Beacon of HOPE Executive Director Nancy Cote, Dence has been an incredible community leader for a great length of time.
“She has always poured her heart out helping Pine Islanders in need,” Cote said.
The owner of Salty Girls Café, Dence is having some medical issues and finds it’s become a difficult time for her family. Being the owner of the former Matlacha restaurant, Olde Fish House, where she often orchestrated fundraisers, Dence is no stranger to lending her hand to those in need.
Cote also notes that in addition to helping the vulnerable personally, Dence has continued to work closely with all Pine Island non-profit organizations.
“When she saw fellow islander Mel Meo in need, she said, here’s my space, use it as you will. I think that may have been the first time the island got to see how big her heart really is” Cote said.
Cote went on to explain how Dence sees herself as a very private person and like most Pine Islanders, she finds it easier to help others than to seek anything for her own needs, even when those needs are valid. The Beacon of HOPE, being a 501(c)(3) organization, is designated and able to provide direct assistance, Cote said, urging her to ask what they might be able to do to help.
“After everything she has been through, she’s created another iconic establishment — the Salty Girls and people still go to her restaurant for home-cooked meals,” Cote said.
Cote shared the realization that although folks are likely to support the Dence family with their business at her restaurant, the Beacon is fully aware of the needs of the family and is able to offer assistance, which has been done with a specific fund for her, offering those who’d like to donate an opportunity to do just that.
“Even though Lisa is going through her own battle right now, as soon as she’s back in that kitchen, she’s going to be doing the same thing, like cooking for the Beacon Bites, because she is a Beacon Bites provider. She’s always done so much -she shouldn’t have to worry — she’s always stepped up for the island, so we’re incredibly happy to do this for her. We strongly encourage anybody who knows Lisa to make a donation to the Beacon of HOPE, and note that you’re donating for Lisa Dence, so that we can make sure that your donation gets to her and helps her in her time of need,” Cote said.
For anyone who would like to make a donation to the Lisa Dence Fund, in addition to writing a check to the Beacon of HOPE, Cote said, you can also make a donation through the Beacon’s PayPal account or go to the Centennial Bank branch on Stringfellow Road and see branch manager Elsie Stearns.
The St. James City Civic Center is at 3300 Fourth Ave., St .James City
Centennial Bank is at 5551 Sunset Lane, St. James City, FL, 33956
To reach PAULETTE LeBLANC / pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com, please email