Beach Lions donate from Shrimp Fest proceeds
The Fort Myers Beach Lions Foundation has distributed the first donations from the net proceeds of the 53rd Annual Fort Myers Beach Lions Shrimp Festival, according to Lions and Foundation President Pete McCagg,.
“Thanks to all those who took part in this years Shrimp Festival we are able to distribute much needed funds which help many in our community each year,” he said.
The following is a partial list of recipients thus far:
– $3,000 – KIMBERLY OWEN CAMPERSHIP FUND FOR LEE COUNTY SIGHT IMPAIRED: Campers to benefit from a real camping experience.
– $5,000 – FLORIDA LIONS FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND: This state organization in turn provides funds for very expensive eyesight procedures when local clubs need the funds beyond their current budget.
– $5,000 – LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION: The international organization dedicates millions each year for eradicating blindness, natural disaster relief and much more.
– $2,500 – CONKLIN CENTER FOR THE BLIND: A Florida Lions center.
– $1,500 – SOUTHEAST GUIDE DOGS: Our Florida training and placement center for those needing guide dogs to assist in their productive lives.
– $3,500 – LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND: Our Lions guide dog training and placement facility.
– $2,000 – FORT MYERS BEACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: To assist in providing items and assistance for the school and its teachers where needed for non budgeted items to provide a better education for Beach School kids.
– $1,000 – FORT MYERS BEACH LIBRARY: For the exclusive purchase of large print books and audio books for sight challenged Beach residents.
– $1,000 – WGCU RADIO READING SERVICE: Provides special radios for sight challenged individuals in Lee County so they can receive daily Radio Reading Service broadcasts of local newspapers and more.
– $500 – IMMOKALEE CHILD CARE CENTER: Provides day care facilities for many of our local workers on the island.
– $500 – LEE COUNTY CERT PROGRAM: Provides trained local emergency response volunteers in the event of any local emergency.
– $4,000 – COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS: For local students
– $2,500 – ASSISTANCE DOGS FOR THE DEAF: Trains and places guide dogs to assist Hearing Impaired individuals in Lee County.
– $3,000 – LOCAL EYE SIGHT CASES: A budget for our local eyesight case needs to provide glasses, operations, treatment and more each year serving dozens of Fort Myers Beach Families.
– $1,700 – CYPRESS LAKE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM: For needed items in honor of their help at the festival.
Other funds will be disbursed as community needs may arise later in the year. Through Club projects like the annual Shrimp Festival, Putt Put Championship, Walkathon, and other fund raisers the club is able to through member 100 percent unpaid volunteer efforts and generous public participation help the community throughout the year.
More Information can be found at www.fmblions.com.
If you would like to help or consider joining the Beach Lions attend our free member guest picnic on the beach at Bowditch Point this Thursday (May 12) at 5:30 p.m. until sunset. Call Patsy for details at 463-1027 or 233-1733.