provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Sanibel Captiva Business Women’s Association hosted its second annual fundraising dinner on Nov. 15 at Cielo on Sanibel Island. The event, initially scheduled for earlier in the year but rescheduled due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, brought together 75 guests to raise vital funds for non-traditional scholarships that empower women residing on Sanibel Island to further their education and careers.
The evening was filled with inspiring moments, highlighted by a captivating performance from Ilia Andrisko, who graced the crowd with his electric violin music, setting the perfect tone for the night.
Former Chico’s CEO Diane Ellis delivered a powerful keynote speech in which she shared her invaluable insights on leadership, perseverance, and the importance of never giving up, motivating attendees to overcome challenges and pursue their goals relentlessly.
The fundraiser celebrated the significant support for the SCBWA’s scholarship program, which aims to provide educational opportunities to women who face unique challenges in pursuing their academic and professional aspirations.
The evening’s success was made possible through the generous sponsorship of numerous local businesses and organizations, including Beachwalker Marketing & Communications and the Zurcher-McGauran Family Fund, MHK Architecture, Lee County Electric Cooperative, Sanibel Captiva Trust Co., McGriff, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Lee Health, and Joyce Owens Architecture.
“We are truly grateful for the support we received from our community, which made this event possible,” said SCBWA President Taylor Osborne. “Thanks to our incredible sponsors and dedicated attendees, we can continue our mission of empowering women on Sanibel Island by helping them pursue their educational dreams. We are excited to see the effect this will have on the lives of local women.”
The Sanibel Captiva Business Women’s Association continues to be a beacon of support for women on Sanibel Island, providing resources, networking, and scholarships that foster both personal and professional growth. The funds raised from this event will directly benefit women who are seeking opportunities to advance their education, break barriers, and make lasting contributions to the island community.
For more information about the SCBWA and how to get involved, visit sancapbwa.org or contact sanibel.captivabwa@gmail.com.