LEADERSHIP

CFI hires first executive director at just the right time

CFI’s first executive director, Dolly Farrell, arrived at just the right time: Her first day on the job was Oct. 3, just days after Hurricane Ian.

A leading fundraiser for Florida Gulf Coast University for almost nine years, Farrell proved the best candidate of a months-long search. She is a long-time Fort Myers resident who has developed strong relationships throughout the region, both in the nonprofit and private sectors. She earned her Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University.

See full story here.

Expo brings together volunteers, island nonprofits in need of help

The Get Inspired! SanCap Volunteer Expo attracted 300-plus people to Sanibel’s BIG ARTS on March 30.

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI), in partnership with its Class of 2022 Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Program, sponsored the event to connect those interested in making a difference with more than 15 local nonprofits and community organizations.

Organization representatives offered information about their activities, distributed literature and signed up volunteers.

Participants received copies of the Sanibel-Captiva Nonprofit Directory, which can be viewed here.

Speakers included Sanibel’s first Mayor Porter Goss and his son, Chauncey, as well as David Mintz, Captiva Community Panel Vice President and Chair of Governmental affairs.

“As we work to rebuild our community, our nonprofits and community organizations will play a critical role. They will need help now more than ever. This event is the start to identifying the next generation of leaders to help us accomplish that.”

-Chip Roach, (right) CFI board chair and event master of ceremonies

“Nothing could be more energizing to me after everything we have gone through collectively since Hurricane Ian than to see the spirit of the people in the nonprofits, the volunteers and the people doing the hard work in rebuilding.”

-Porter Goss, former Sanibel mayor and event speaker (pictured at right with David Mintz and Chauncey Goss)

See the video and directory at MyCFI.org

CFI launches much-needed Nonprofit Directory reference guide

An added benefit of the Get Inspired! Volunteer expo was the creation of a directory containing information about the Sanibel-Captiva nonprofit organizations. Sponsored by the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, the directory includes contact information, mission statements, programs, volunteer opportunities and social media links.

Access it here.

Jane Majeski, center, a member of the 2022 leadership class, pitches in at Ding Darling with other volunteers.