CFI Celebrates Community Impact, Welcomes New Board Chair

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) recently hosted Pouring Into Progress, a special evening dedicated to celebrating the foundation’s mission, impact, and leadership transition. The event welcomed Lisa Riordan as CFI’s new Board Chair and brought together community leaders, business owners, and supporters to highlight the power of philanthropy and collaboration.

Guests enjoyed an exquisite tasting experience featuring eight wines paired with small plates, all made possible by CFI’s generous sponsors. Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on CFI’s role in strengthening the community:
• Calli Johnson duPont and Anne Hagerty (Bailey) shared how Francis Bailey’s Good Neighbor Fund inspired CFI’s newly established Community Impact Fund.
• Laura Gales spoke about CFI’s leadership in uniting nonprofits after Hurricane Ian, fostering collaboration during recovery efforts.
• Brian Rist reflected on how CFI’s Leadership Program connected him with the community and led to his role on the board.
• Josh Stewart, a local small business owner, highlighted the impact of CFI’s Small Business Grant & Loan Programs, which have supported over 32 businesses in Sanibel and Captiva.

A special toast by former board member Tom Libonate welcomed Lisa Riordan as Board Chair, marking a new chapter for CFI’s continued commitment to the community. Dolly Farrell, CFI’s Executive Director, emphasized that none of this work would be possible without the generosity of the Sanibel and Captiva community members who continue to support CFI’s efforts. Read more at MyCFI.org

About Charitable Foundation of the Islands: (MyCFI.org)
The mission of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) is to inspire philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration for the vitality of the Island community. CFI has served the Sanibel and Captiva communities since the 1990s through the Francis Bailey Society and was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2011. For more information, visit MyCFI.org.