CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF THE ISLANDS
From left, front row, Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) Director of Community Engagement Savannah Kelly, Board Members Melissa Halliburton, John Morse, Sam Boren and Melissa Congress, Executive Director Dolly Farrell, and Board Member Rachel Pierce; and, back row, Treasurer Mike Bennett, Board Member Eric Pfeifer, Vice Chair Doug Congress, Secretary and Board Member Brian Rist, Chair Lisa Riordan, Board Members Jeff Muddell and Jane Majeski, and Immediate Past Chair Chip Roach.
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) held its inaugural Generosity Breakfast on Nov. 18 at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa on Sanibel, which included the Generosity Champion Awards.
Hosted by the CFI Board of Directors, it brought together over 175 residents, nonprofit partners and community leaders to celebrate National Philanthropy Day and honor those who embody the true spirit of giving through their time, talent and treasure.
The program featured welcoming remarks from Board Chair Lisa Riordan and Executive Director Dolly Farrell, along with a community reflection from Immediate Past Chair Chip Roach highlighting the continued strength and generosity of the islands.
The Generosity Champion Awards were also presented, honoring recipients whose philanthropy, leadership and collaboration have made a lasting difference across Sanibel and Captiva.
The following honorees were recognized:
– Bridge Builder Award: Mark Bole, with Florida Gulf Coast University’s Ain Technology and Design Hub
– Mangrove Award: Tommy Williams
– Periwinkle Award: Ginny Stringer
– Sand Dollar Award: Jason Halliburton
– Lighthouse Keeper Award: Bill and Laurie Harkey
– Junonia Award: ‘Tween Waters Inn & Marina
Following the awards presentation, the recipients took part in a Generosity Champions Panel, moderated by CFI Board Members Rachel Pierce and Eric Pfeifer. The panelists led a discussion on how giving back — through leadership, service and philanthropy — has shaped their stories and strengthened the fabric of the island community.
“Generosity takes many forms,” Farrell said. “Some give their time, others share their talent and many contribute their treasure — but all are essential to the continued recovery and vitality of our islands.”
CFI expressed its appreciation to exclusive presenting sponsor Sanibel Captiva Community Bank. Additional gratitude was shared for: Odessa Gallery and Ilie Ruby, giving tree ornaments; the Rachel Pierce Art Gallery, awards artwork and design; Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club, volunteer support; Sanibel Carts, transportation partner; and Sundial, venue partner.
It also thanked the table sponsors, including the AIN Design & Technology Hub, Florida Trust Wealth Management, Rist Family Foundation, Chip and Nancy Roach, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Shell Point Retirement Community, and Bob and Kathy Wiesemann.
“Events like this remind us how much can be achieved when we share our time, our talent and our treasure,” Farrell said. “That generosity is the heartbeat of Sanibel and Captiva — it’s what keeps our islands strong.”
A recording of the event is available at www.MyCFI.org.