Standing strong with an island business community that has shown long-standing support for conservation and water quality advocacy work, SCCF is supporting a hurricane relief initiative at the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce.

SCCF purchased five SanCap Strong performance shirts for a total of $5,000, a symbolic gesture that will help Sanibel and Captiva’s business community recover from the many damages brought by Hurricane Ian.

SCCF joins Bank of the Islands in this philanthropic effort, in which the Bank purchased 15 shirts for $15,000 last week.

From left, Chamber of Commerce board members Mark Blust and Ron Clayton, SCCF CEO James Evans, Chamber Board Chair Calli Johnson, Chamber President and CEO John Lai, and Chamber Board Member JR Ramirez.

Many of the island’s small businesses are facing unprecedented costs for clean-up, building repair (in some cases, replacement), and staffing needs, said John Lai, president and CEO of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce. These gifts will help the community stand up again.

“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 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.”

The SanCap Strong shirts, created by Hillgate Marketing Services, feature the Sanibel Lighthouse, which was wounded in the storm but still stands. Bank of the Islands also contributed funds to have the shirts printed. The limited-edition shirts will go on sale to the general public through the chamber’s website, to launch soon. Long-sleeved shirts will be $50, and short-sleeved will be $30 — all profits to support the recovery efforts of island businesses and organizations.

“The iconic lighthouse truly anchors the shirt’s design, forming the “A’s” for San and Cap, and standing firm and strong as our island community follows suit,” Lai said. “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.”

SCCF has been blessed to receive unanticipated gifts and bequests in this time of great need, and is grateful to able to provide this donation to stand strong with our islands’ community.