The wounded post-hurricane Sanibel Lighthouse potently symbolizes the #SanCapStrong movement, and now it forms the centerpiece of a new performance shirt created by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, with strong support from Bank of the Islands, to help navigate the islands’ road to recovery following Hurricane Ian’s fury on Sept. 28.
The bank, under the direction of CEO Geoff Roepstorff and president Robbie Roepstorff, contributed greatly to the campaign by covering the cost of printing the shirts and then placing the first order for 15 shirts. Instead of the $50 per long-sleeved shirt price, the bank pitched in $1,000 for each shirt it ordered for staff members, for a total of an added $15,000.
“Robbie and I have called Sanibel home for most of our lives,” said Geoff Roepstorff. “Our dreams came true decades ago when we opened the Sanibel and Captiva offices of Bank of the Islands. Since then, it has been very clear to us how crucial the chamber is to our community. Like the Sanibel Lighthouse, the chamber is a source of light for our islands. And now, with so many chamber members stricken by Ian, the chamber revenues have seen a serious decline. For those who can, it is time to support our chamber by giving what you can as soon as you can. We hope others will join us in showing their support. Together, we can help the chamber sustain and lead us once again by shining a light on our beautiful islands.”
“We can’t thank the Roepstorffs and their team enough for this touching and meaningful show of confidence and support for the work the chamber has been doing to help get the islands back on their feet these past seven weeks and into the future,” said John Lai, chamber president and CEO. “Their generosity proves that island businesses need to work together for the betterment of the islands during this difficult time.”
The limited-edition SanCap Strong shirts will go on sale to the general public through the chamber’s e-commerce site launching 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.
“Thanks to Hillgate Marketing Services for donating its creative talent and coordinating this effort to bolster island businesses,” said Lai. “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.”
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 [email protected].
ABOUT BANK OF THE ISLANDS
As the oldest locally owned and managed community bank on Sanibel and Captiva, Bank of the Islands is celebrating its 25th anniversary and proud to be the winner of more than 50 “Best of the Islands” awards over two decades.
