provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands hosted its inaugural Generosity Breakfast at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa. More than 175 residents, nonprofit partners, and community leaders came together to celebrate National Philanthropy Day.
The CFI Board of Directors hosted the breakfast as a heartfelt celebration of the people and organizations that make Sanibel and Captiva such special places to live and serve.
The program featured welcoming remarks from Board Chair Lisa Riordan, Executive Director Dolly Farrell, and Immediate Past Chair Chip Road, who delivered a community reflection highlighting the strength and generosity of the islands.
The Generosity Champion awards honored those whose philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration have made a lasting difference across the islands. The CFI Board participated in presenting the awards to the following honorees:
• Bridge Builder Award: Mark Bole, FGCU Ain Design & Technology Hub
• Mangrove Award: Tommy Williams
• Periwinkle Award: Ginny Stringer
• Sand Dollar Award: Jason Halliburton
• Lighthouse Keeper Award: Bill and Laurie Harkey
• Junonia Award: ‘Tween Waters Island Inn and Marina
Following the awards presentation, the honorees joined a Generosity Champions Panel, moderated by CFI Board Members Rachel Pierce and Eric Pfeifer, who led an inspiring discussion on how giving back—through leadership, service, and philanthropy—has shaped their personal stories and strengthened the fabric of the island community.
“Generosity takes many forms,” said CFI Executive Director Dolly Farrell. “Some give their time, others share their talent, and many contribute their treasure—but all are essential to the continued recovery and vitality of our islands.”
CFI expressed heartfelt appreciation to its Exclusive Presenting Sponsor, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, for making the event possible.
“Sanibel and Captiva have always been defined by generosity and by the way our community shows up for each other,” said Sanibel Captiva Community Bank President/CEO Kyle DeCicco.
“We’re proud to support the Generosity Breakfast and partner with CFI as we honor the individuals, businesses, and nonprofits who are building a stronger future for our islands,” he said.
CFI expresses additional gratitude to Sundial Beach Resort & Spa as a venue partner, Rachel Pierce Art Gallery for the awards artwork and design, Odessa Gallery and Ilie Ruby for the tree ornaments, Sanibel Carts as a transportation partner, and the Sanibel Captiva Rotary Club for its volunteer support.
The Foundation also thanked the many table sponsors whose generosity brought the morning to life, including Florida Trust Wealth Management, Florida Gulf Coast University’s AIN Design & Technology Hub, Chip and Nancy Roach, Shell Point Retirement Community, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, the Rist Family Foundation, and Bob and Kathy Wiesemann.
“Events like this remind us how much can be achieved when we share our time, our talent, and our treasure,” said CFI Executive Director Dolly Farrell. “That generosity is the heartbeat of Sanibel and Captiva—it’s what keeps our islands strong.”
The event recording is available at www.MyCFI.org.
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