provided to The Santiva Chronicle
People who encounter Dave Hoggatt will tell you he’s got a lot of heart. And a lot of hearts.
Dave carries handmade clay hearts bearing uplifting words, like “Rejoice” and “Joy” and “Love.” Give him a smile – or look as if you need something to smile about – and he’ll offer you a heart. It’s his way of honoring his late wife and giving something back to the island community that’s given so much to him, including CHR.
“Sanibel and CHR are my home,” said Dave, who lives at Community Housing & Resources’ Casa Mariposa. The property on Periwinkle Way serves older adults.
Dave and his wife, Barbara, were running a pottery business in Indiana when they visited Sanibel Island in 1981. Before their vacation ended, they’d decided to set up shop here. They ran the business together for almost 30 years.
Barbara came up with the pocket-sized hearts to use up excess clay. Dave took on the task after his wife passed away from cancer. He sees it as a way to honor Barbara while encouraging others.
Dave himself gains great encouragement from his faith. Finding an affordable home in his retirement is one example of how he believes that faith opens doors – in this case, through CHR and the community it provides.
“I have a great relationship with all of my neighbors,” he said. “Leaders and staff have brought a new sense of contact. We feel more connected. There are more activities to engage residents. That friendliness is important.”
Dave carries that friendliness into the Sanibel community. Don’t be surprised to see him out and about, handing out his clay hearts and sharing his gratitude for CHR.
“The staff at CHR take great care of me. I just love it. I couldn’t ask for a better home.”
Community Housing & Resources provides safe, quality, affordable housing for families and individuals who work in and serve our island communities. Learn more at sancapchr.org.
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