Island fund created for businesses, institutions
BY LARRY HANNAH
In order to aid island businesses, The Boca Grande Disaster Committee is back in action to help with the clean-up and restoration of Boca Grande after the impact of Hurricane Helene. This fund, which is targeted to island businesses that suffered physical losses, will greatly ease the burden on businesses that have lost so much, as many are barely recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Ian in 2022.
Three families on the island, including August and Ginny Busch, the Ginny Nicholas family and Will and Sarah Farish and family have stepped up to seed the fund, and hope that others can contribute. The Boca Grande Disaster Fund is still under the management of the Lighthouse United Methodist Church.
After Hurricane Ian, the community really stepped up to take care of local businesses, and it had a huge impact. “This is what churches are supposed to do … become the vehicle to help people and bring the community together,” said Larry Hannah, a member of the committee. “Many businesses are reluctant to take money to reopen their businesses after a disaster like this,” he noted. “They are afraid there won’t be a town left to support their investment. We are here to show them and tell them that Boca Grande IS coming back again, and it will be bigger and stronger than before.”
The fund will be directed at businesses, churches and community institutions, and the like. Boca Grande’s Crews Bank & Trust is handling the funds. This fund is formed under federal Internal Revenue Service rules and the approval of the United Methodist Conference in Lakeland, as well as the pastor and others at the Lighthouse United Methodist Church. Lighthouse is the administrator of the fund, but monies do not come from the church — it is “a conduit for getting the money to those who need it,” Hannah explained.
Handling the business end of things is a committee made up of Hannah, Mary O’Bannon, Sharon Cross and Stephanie Newman. “We see this fund as serving as a 60-to-90-day bridge,” he said. It provides a means for businesses and others to kick-start their recovery, take care of immediate needs, and continue to stay in business. He noted that this is especially important now, as season is normally starting. People want to see that we are still in business here, he said, and will not hesitate to come to the Island.
The Fund should be ready to accept applications next week. The Committee is going door-to-door to the businesses on the Island, offering application forms. “It is an emotional thing for everyone, and we want them to know we are here to help,” Hannah said.
Hannah explained that the Boca Grande Disaster Fund is focused on restoring the business community of Boca Grande to give people a place to shop and work. It allows businesses to improve the prospect of recovering from the disaster more quickly, and it brings strength to the community as a whole, which helps everyone whose livelihood is connected to the Island.
It does not fund loss of income.
Hannah said 100 percent of the money collected by the Disaster Fund will be distributed to those in need. The Disaster Fund team is made up of all volunteers. Donations are tax-deductible. Throughout the application and granting process, the committee members will meet with applicants, help them identify their priorities and reassure them of the support of the community. He noted that many of the local businesses are family-owned, have been part of the community for many years, have invested in the local economy, and are what brings people to live, vacation and visit the Island.
Find out more:
If you are able to donate to help out the Boca Grande Disaster Fund, please send donations to Boca Grande United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 524, Boca Grande, FL 33921. Questions? You can email Stephanie Newman at snewman@spiritflighteast.com or Mary O’Bannon at meobannon@yahoo.com
There are application forms at the Boca Beacon. Wire and donation instructions are also available with Crews Bank & Trust.
