Disaster Fund now at $3.4 million; island biz, orgs get counsel

The Island Disaster Fund has already given $1.8 million away to aid the quick reopening and rebuilding of businesses and organizations on Gasparilla Island. As of this week, they have raised $3.35 million from donors here, and from across the nation.

“This community is blessed because a lot of people have seen that they can reopen,” said co-organizer Larry Hannah, a member of Lighthouse United Methodist Church.

Currently, the fund is trying to get money to businesses and organizations in a series of rounds, so that they can open as quickly as possible. The challenge is balancing needs. The goal is that if they wish to reopen, they will be able to with help from the fund. They are using a set of formulas to help divvy up the money, for instance using a standard of about 40 percent for lost inventory so far. 

“The idea of this whole fund it is that it is a bridge to opening,” said Hannah. “That’s the key point.”

Some businesses and organizations are waiting on insurers, which could be months.

“Each situation is unique. The money can help them get started,” said Hannah. “Some have insurance claims pending.”

Organizers hope the fund can be wrapped up by the middle of January, but there are some cases that might take longer to get resolved. 

Many businesses and organizations on the island are trying to match the big opening day of The Gasparilla Inn, on Dec. 12 at noon. Others have realized that date may be unrealistic, and have decided to “slow down and do it right.”

IRS guidelines are followed with the disaster fund. Throughout the application and granting process, committee members will meet with applicants, help them identify priorities, and reassure them of the community’s support. 100 percent of the money collected by the Disaster Fund is distributed, with no overhead. The Disaster Fund team is made up entirely of volunteers. 

“When we see what we have left, then we will take all the people that we didn’t fund,” said Hannah.

If you are able to contribute to the Boca Grande Disaster Fund, please send to Boca Grande United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 524, Boca Grande, FL 33921. You can also take them there. Application forms are also available at the Beacon. Email Stephanie Newman at snewman@spiritflighteast.com or Mary O’Bannon at meobannon@yahoo.com.