Generous givers send Island Disaster Fund over $3 million goal

A fund to help island businesses is now over its initial $3 million goal, and has given out over $1.5 million to help jump start business re-openings across Gasparilla Island.

“The people don’t have the seed dollars to go out and make the down payment,” said co-organizer Larry Hannah of Lighthouse United Methodist Church. “It’s important we get some seed money to them so they can get open.” 

The Boca Grande Disaster Fund is a sort of kick-start backer, to get things rolling, and make up the gaps between insurance, deductibles and the unexpected expenses of a storm. 

“We are not the lender of last resort,” Hannah said. “We are the granter of first resort.”

While the fund is not able to give for lost wages, speeding up the process makes the reopening happen faster, and benefits the staff.

“It’s so employers can keep their people on the payroll,” Hannah said. 

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. One hundred percent of the money collected is distributed, with no overhead. The team is made up entirely of volunteers. It was set up by leading families on the island to help spur repairs after Helene and Milton, and modeled after an effort for Hurricane Ian.

If you are able to contribute to the Disaster Fund, please send donations to Boca Grande United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 524, Boca Grande, FL 33921.

Application forms are available at the Beacon office. For questions, email Stephanie Newman at snewman@spiritflighteast.com or Mary O’Bannon at meobannon@yahoo.com.