SCCF Supports SanCapStrong Shirt Campaign

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

Bank of the Islands recently kicked off the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce’s sales of SanCapStrong performance shirts with the purchase of 15 shirts for staff members at $1,000 each. (Regular purchase price for the long-sleeved shirts is $50 each). After BOTI’s presentation of a $15,000 check to the chamber, SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) stepped up to purchase five shirts at the bank’s philanthropic rate of $1,000 each for a $5,000 contribution.

SCCF CEO James Evans (third from left) with chamber representatives: board members Mark Blust and Ron Clayton, board chair Calli Johnson, president and CEO John Lai, and board member JR Ramirez

“Our pristine beaches, world-class fisheries, and natural areas drive our tourism-based economy here in Southwest Florida. SCCF and our conservation community stand with the Sanibel & Captiva Chamber of Commerce as we work to rebuild our communities following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ian,” said SCCF CEO James Evans. “We are a community that helps one another when times are tough. The SanCap Chamber and our business community have been there every step of the way as we fight to protect our water quality, and we will be there for them every step of the way as they work to recover from Ian.”

BOTI also contributed funds to have the shirt printed, while Hillgate Marketing Services donated its time and talent to create the SanCapStrong design, featuring the Sanibel Lighthouse, which was wounded in the storm but still stands.

“The iconic lighthouse truly anchors the shirt’s graphics, forming the A’s for San and Cap, and standing firm and strong as our island community follows suit,” said John Lai, chamber president and CEO. “This show of generous support by SCCF exemplifies exactly what is so great about our island community. The business and conservation communities come together here to work for the greater purpose of preserving our island character. It’s beyond inspiring.”

The limited-edition SanCap Strong shirts will go on sale to the general public through the chamber’s e-commerce site launching later this month. Long-sleeved white shirts will sell for $50, short-sleeved for $30. All profits will support the recovery efforts of island businesses and organizations. Watch for details to come.

ABOUT SANIBEL & CAPTIVA ISLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting the prosperity of its members and preserving the quality of life of our community. With more than 460 active Chamber members from both islands and businesses from Lee and Collier counties, the Chamber plays a key role in facilitating communication and cooperation between business, residents, and government to enhance the economic health of the islands. The Francis P. Bailey, Jr., Chamber Visitor Center is located at the entrance to Sanibel Island and welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year. VISIT FLORIDA named the visitor center one of 13 official Florida Certified Tourism Information Centers in the state. It is open 365 days a year and provides comprehensive information about things to do, places to visit, and where to stay, shop, and dine. The chamber website sanibel-captiva.org receives more than 1.3 million website visits per year. For more information about the chamber, visit sanibel-captiva.org or contact Landen Collins, communications and marketing manager, at 239-472-8255 or Landen@sanibel-captiva.org.

ABOUT SCCF
Founded in 1967, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s mission is to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems through its focus on Water Quality Research, Policy and Advocacy, Sea Turtles and Shorebirds, Native Landscaping, Habitat and Wildlife Management, and Environmental Education. SCCF includes Sanibel Sea School and Coastal Watch, a volunteer-based conservation initiative. sccf.org