Save the Pine Island Lions
To the editor:
Dear Editor and All Fellow Pine Islanders:
Last year I was “elected” mock-Governor of Pine Island in a wonderful, traditional fund raising event that was the invention of our Pine Island Lions Club over 20 years ago. This year, for the first time in all these years, the election was cancelled.
Amy Wilson of St. James City wrote a letter to the editor a couple months ago citing the rules of the mock mayor and governor elections, stating that she quote: read in the article “Lions Club Announces Annual ‘Mock’ Elections Fund Raiser” where it says, “The winner is based solely on the amount of money they turn in after close of the election day, 5 p.m.” Please explain to me then, how Ethal Gilbert is not now our governor? Or are the rules of the 2011 election meant to be broken as they were in 2010 when monies were turned in after deadline. This of course changed the results and swayed the election which has created a lot of animosity that some of us won’t soon forget!” unquote.
Since I seem destined to reside as a dishonored “governor” until another election is held, let me address this letter:
1) Rule citing “winner is based solely on the amount of money they turn in”:
Fact: Together, we all raised $14,542.18. In one day. The portion of the total money raised by the “Mayor” of Matlacha was greater than the portion raised by the “Mayor” of St. James City. None was contributed by the “Mayor of Bokeelia”.
2) “Money must be turned in after close of the election day, 5 p.m.”:
Fact: Bert’s Bar and Grill of Matlacha donated the use of the building and deck so that an auction could take place, of over 100 items donated by businesses, artists, and individuals from the island and surrounding areas. During the auction many items were paid for with credit cards. Bert’s donated the use of their credit card machine in order for participants to pay for the auctioned goods. When the election ended at 5 p.m., Bert’s Bar manager then tallied up the credit card payments, and a check was written to the Lions Club, from Bert’s Bar for the exact amount of the donations. If the check was written at 5:05 p.m., this does not violate the rules regarding collection of money. All of the money was collected during the auction.
The Lions have been in existence since 1916, raising money for others in need of help. The Pine Island Lions have been here since 1969. In just the past three years the Mayor and Governor events raised $40,000! How can anyone say they would refuse to support this successful fund-raising Pine Island Event?
The Lions Club will be holding a fund-raising raffle, and auction, on March 26, Saturday evening. (Also, a great buffet, with homemade meatballs!) The Grand Prize is to be $3,500! Tickets (donation) are $100 for two people. The success of the evening will decide the future of the Lions Club of Pine Island. Please, please buy a raffle ticket! Attend this event! Call (239) 283-9761 for more information.
God Bless the Lions Club, and all citizens of Pine Island.
Deb Cole, Mayor of Matlacha (along with forever-mayor Ralphie) Governor of Pine Island, Prime Minister of the Mangrove Republic. Long Live our Islands!