The Sanibel Community House hosted the Volunteer Expo on Thursday. Organized by the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI), the event connected more than 50 nonprofits with residents and visitors looking to make a difference.
WATCH SANIBEL COMMUNITY CORRESPONDENT ANVAR RUZIEV REPORT FROM THE EVENT:
“The Heart of Our Community”: Sanibel Volunteer Expo unites nonprofits and helpers
“This expo is the illustration of the Sanibel-Captiva community’s heart,” said Dolly Farrell, Executive Director of CFI. “Our nonprofits and community groups are truly what keep us going.”
First held in 2022 after Hurricane Ian, the Volunteer Expo was created to help rebuild the community and engage locals. This year’s turnout exceeded expectations, with more than 500 people. “We planned for 500, but we might have surpassed that,” Farrell noted.
Lake Michigan Credit Union and Pfeifer Realty Group sponsored the event, offering $6,000 in grants to participating nonprofits. Attendees had the chance to vote for the best-decorated nonprofit tables, with two $1,000 prizes awarded to the winners. Farrell explained, “We wanted to add some fun while encouraging nonprofits to participate.”…