by SC Publisher Shannen Hayes
photos by Shane Antalick
Bank of the Islands showed its appreciation for the Sanibel and Captiva community this week with a very special evening celebrating the treasured non-profit organizations and leaders who make it an extraordinary place.
“This Evening of Appreciation is our opportunity to make celebrating about you, our island non-profits, first responders and our city,” said Bank President Robbie Roepstorff.
The bank has donated more than $400,000 to the non-profits, service organizations and houses of worship since Hurricane Ian struck in September 2022. That is beyond the bank’s ongoing “We Love Our Islands” program, which shines a light on their good works by letting residents and bank customers choose where to donate the funds when they are spotted with a WLOI sticker on their vehicle.
Roepstorff said the bank has happily extended that support simply because “Sanibel and Captiva would not be the unique and irreplaceable island community it is without (them).”
The organizations collectively touch every facet of island life, from arts and culture, history and heritage, childhood education, social services and caring for our neighbors in need to environmental and wildlife stewardship, and faith and fellowship.
Each organization has been a recipient of the “We Love Our Islands” program, which recently hit its own milestone with more than $100,000 donated since its inception. Roepstorff also announced donations through the program will be doubled effective immediately.
“This means that over $10,000 will go to island non-profits from this program alone each year,” she said.
In addition, the bank generously presented a $1,000 donation to each of the 34 organizations, including the City of Sanibel’s Employee Appreciation Luncheon. Since the Sanibel Police Department is unable to accept donations of value due to policy, its gift will be donated to an organization of its choice.
Guests enjoyed a catered reception and live saxophone music, as well as took home goody bags with a bottle of Moet et Chandon Champagne and Norman Love chocolates.
Bank of the Islands is also celebrating its 27th year as the oldest locally owned and managed community bank in Lee County. It has won more than 50 ‘Best of the Islands’ awards and retained a 5-Star Superior Rating from BauerFinancial for more than a decade.
“And today, according to Bank Performance Report, our bank holds the distinction of being No. 1 of all banks chartered in the entire state of Florida,” said Vice President David Lowden.
THE ISLAND ORGANIZATIONS WHICH RECEIVED A $1,000 GIFT:
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, United Way of Sanibel-Captiva, and ZONTA.
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