Shell Point Supports Positive Aging on Sanibel, Captiva

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

Older adults living or engaged on Sanibel and Captiva Islands will benefit from a $20,000 donation made by Shell Point Retirement Community to the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI). The funds will support CFI’s Positive Aging Initiative, which awards grants to nonprofit organizations serving older adults on the Islands. With Shell Point’s generosity, $90,000 was distributed in 2024.

“Shell Point champions promoting positive aging for seniors throughout Southwest Florida,” said Martin Schappell, President of Shell Point. “We are proud to partner with CFI to enhance programs that enrich the lives of the Island’s older adults—many of whom later become active members of our Shell Point community.”

After thoughtful consideration aided by CFI’s staff, Shell Point has directed the gift to the Santiva Islanders, previously known as the Island Seniors. The Santiva Islanders aim to combat loneliness and isolation by fostering a sense of belonging, acceptance, and optimism. Their core vision emphasizes independence and autonomy for aging adults while encouraging community connection through shared interests and values.

Established in 1977 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1988, the Santiva Islanders recently achieved a membership milestone of 250 individuals after years of setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ian.

“This donation is a game-changer for us,” said Susan Talmage of the Santiva Islanders. “It allows us to expand our programs and enhance the lives of older adults through activities like kayaking, social gatherings, and health-focused events. At a time when many are still recovering from isolation brought on by the pandemic, this support is invaluable.”

CFI Executive Director Dolly Farrell highlighted the impact of targeted giving and the power of partnerships such as this one. “Shell Point’s donation exemplifies how organizations can address community needs and help to create sustainable solutions for the benefit of all. Together, we can make a profound difference,” Farrell said.

About Shell Point: Located along Southwest Florida’s Caloosahatchee River and minutes from Sanibel and Captiva Islands is Shell Point Retirement Community. Home to 2,500 residents, Shell Point is the country’s largest, not-for-profit, single site life plan community, offering independent and assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services. Shell Point provides residents exceptional care with a world-class health center, activities, and resort amenities, including championship golf, a marina, art and fitness centers, restaurants, pickleball courts, gardening spaces, a dog park, and miles of bike paths and waterfront trails. Learn why Ideal Living lists Shell Point among the “100 Best Places to Live” by visiting ShellPoint.org.

About the Santiva Islanders: The Santiva Islanders (formerly Island Seniors, Inc.) have been serving Sanibel and Captiva for more than 30 years, offering diverse programs to promote wellness, education, and social engagement for aging adults.

About Charitable Foundation of the Islands: (MyCFI.org) The mission of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) is to inspire philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration for the vitality of the Island community. CFI has served the Sanibel and Captiva communities since the 1990s through the Francis Bailey Society and was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2011. For details, please contact Dolly Farrell, CFI executive director at dfarrell@sancapcfi.org.