Bank of the Islands honors the community at its ‘Evening of Appreciation’

Bank of the Islands announced it donated more than $400,000 to local organizations. COURTESY PHOTO

Nonprofits and community leaders received more than just praise when the Bank of the Islands hosted a reception earlier this month.

The bank announced it has donated more than $400,000 to island organizations since Hurricane Ian devastated the area. That figure is even higher than the goal for the bank’s “We Love Our Islands” program.

“This Evening of Appreciation is our opportunity to celebrate all of you and the work you do,” said Bank of the Islands President Robbie Roepstorff. “Sanibel and Captiva would not be the unique and irreplaceable island community it is without all of you. You are the essential fabric that holds this beautiful place together.”

In recognition of the Bank’s “We Love Our Islands” program passing its own $100,000 milestone of charitable giving, the bank conducted a presentation ceremony including many of the previous recipients of “We Love Our Islands” donations.

More than 80 guests attended and enjoyed music, champagne and Norman Love Chocolates.

As part of the event, it was also announced that all future contributions through the “We Love Our Islands” program are immediately being doubled.

All islanders are invited to visit the Bank’s Sanibel or Captiva office to pick up a vehicle decal and learn more about the “We Love Our Islands” program and how your favorite charity can become our next lucky recipient.

The 34 nonprofit organizations, first responders, and houses of worship receiving $1,000 gifts as part of the celebration include:

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum & Aquarium, Bat Yam Temple of the Islands Congregation, BIG ARTS, Captiva Civic Association, Captiva Community Panel, Captiva Island Historical Society, Chapel by the Sea, Charitable Foundation of the Islands, Children’s Education Center of the Islands, City of Sanibel, Community Housing & Resources, CROW – the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Ding Darling Wildlife Society, F.I.S.H. of Sanibel Captiva, Kiwanis Club of Sanibel Captiva, Saint Isabel’s Church, Saint Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church, Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, Sanibel-Captiva Business Women’s Association, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Sanibel Community Association, Sanibel Community Church, Sanibel Congregational United Church, Sanibel Fire & Rescue District, Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Sanibel Public Library, Sanibel-Captiva Lions Club, Sanibel Captiva Rotary

Club, The Sanibel School, Sanibel School Fund, Sanibel Sea School, Sanibel Shell Club, and United Way of Sanibel Captiva and ZONTA. ¦

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