Now You Know: Sanibel-Captiva Foundation hosting fundraiser

A section of the Sanibel Causeway was lost due to the effects of Hurricane Ian Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in Fort Myers, Fla.
A section of the Sanibel Causeway was lost due to the effects of Hurricane Ian Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in Fort Myers, Fla.

The Sanibel-Captiva Foundation will host a fundraising event Saturday, Sept. 30, commemorating the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian.

The night of remembrance and hurricane relief fundraising will also benefit the recently released book, entitled “Rosie and the Hurricane,” a story about a small girl and her mother talking about a hurricane and the importance of being prepared.

Ian pummeled Southwest Florida as a Category 5 hurricane on Sept. 28.

The event will be from 3 until 10 p.m. at Buster’s Sports Tavern, 16681 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers and feature dueling pianos, raffles, prizes and a book signing by authors – Fernanda Ferrell-Zabala, Olga Zabala and Erin Sells and illustrator David Acevedo.

“We are excited to partner with the Sanibel-Captiva Foundation, remember the devastation of Hurricane Ian and the sacrifices made, and also raise money for a book we believe will help young children better understand storms while also learning about why it is important to be prepared,” said Fernanda Ferrell-Zabala.

Past national president to speak at Collier Deltas’ 10th Anniversary program

The Collier County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, will observe its 10th anniversary during a special celebration at noon on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Naples Hilton Hotel, 5111 Tamiami Trail N.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Paulette C. Walker, the 25th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Walker, who resides in the Tampa area, is a retired mathematician educator known as the sorority’s “numbers president” for incorporating math problems in many of her keynote addresses.

National recording artist Shyann Roberts of St. Petersburg, a member of the girls group June’s Diary, created by singer and actress Kelly Rowland, will perform.

Since its chartering in Collier County on Oct. 26, 2013, the chapter has presented programs and hosted events that focus on entrepreneurship, financial stewardship, educational development of the area’s youth, physical and mental health across the lifespan, international awareness, voter registration, and voting rights.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is an organization of college-educated women committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community.

The chapter is the first African American Greek-letter organization established in Collier County.

"I am profoundly delighted to celebrate a decade of dedicated service and social action within our community. Our 10-year anniversary stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of our members to our sorority's core values and the betterment of Collier County,’’ said Dena Liston, president of the Collier County Alumnae Chapter.“Furthermore, it is with immense pride and honor that we welcome Dr. Paulette C. Walker, the 25th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as our distinguished speaker for this momentous occasion. Dr. Walker embodies the essence of leadership, scholarship, and service that our sorority represents. Her presence at our anniversary event is a remarkable testament to our chapter's accomplishments and the impact we've had on our community,’’ Liston added.

The luncheon is $150 per person. A commemorative souvenir booklet also is being prepared by the chapter. Individuals, organizations and businesses are invited to participate. Congratulatory advertisements range from $100 up to $500.

For tickets and more information about the anniversary program, visit collierdeltas.org.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Now You Know: Sanibel-Captiva Foundation hosting fundraiser