provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) welcomed more than 500 attendees to its annual Volunteer Expo on Wednesday, January 28, bringing together residents, visitors, and 50+ local nonprofit organizations for an afternoon centered on service, connection, and community engagement.
Powered by Pfeifer Realty Group, the Volunteer Expo continues to serve as a key on-ramp for civic involvement on Sanibel and Captiva. Attendees met directly with nonprofits, learned about volunteer opportunities, and explored meaningful ways to give back to the island community.
“Sponsoring the Volunteer Expo is about strengthening the ties that hold our community together,” said Eric Pfeifer, founder of Pfeifer Realty Group. “As neighbors return and others step forward, this event helps people find their place and take part in revitalizing the community we all care about.”
“Pfeifer Realty Group’s continued leadership of the Volunteer Expo sends a powerful message,” said Dolly Farrell, Executive Director of CFI. “Their investment directly supports a proven initiative that activates volunteers, welcomes new residents into community life, and helps nonprofits build capacity at a time when connection matters more than ever.”
A highlight of the event was the presentation of $8,000 in Community Grants, made possible through the generous support of Lake Michigan Credit Union. Grants were awarded to participating nonprofit organizations through a combination of People’s Choice voting and Best Decorated Table recognition.
Best Decorated Table honors were awarded to The Pink Project, Sanibel Recreation Center, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, and the Sanibel Captiva Guide.
People’s Choice awards were presented to The Sanibel School Fund, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Trailways Camps, and Habitat for Humanity of Lee & Hendry Counties.
The event was hosted at the Sanibel Community House, which served as the venue sponsor for the Volunteer Expo. Attendees also received copies of CFI’s Volunteer Directory, generously sponsored by RLR Investments, highlighting local nonprofit organizations and volunteer opportunities across Sanibel and Captiva. Copies of the directory are available at the Sanibel Recreation Center, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, and online at MyCFI.org.
CFI launched the Volunteer Expo in 2023 as part of its mission to inspire philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration to sustain the Island community’s vitality. For more information and to see the event photo gallery, visit MyCFI.org.
Leave a Comment