Memorial benefit for island family Saturday
With the sudden, tragic loss of an island icon, the community of Fort Myers Beach is coming together in a time of need. A memorial benefit for longtime island resident Fran Johnson, will be held at the Munch Box, her family’s iconic eatery, 6101 Estero Blvd., Saturday, Jan. 28, from 1 to 7 p.m.
An emergency major surgical procedure just a couple days before Christmas resulted in several weeks in the ICU, and a roller-coaster of emotions from the family, as Miss Fran’s condition fluctuated throughout her stay.
According to longtime family friend Lori Grimes, Miss Fran, “was a truly unique soul you could often find her sitting at a table up front in the Munch Box, rolling silverware, talking to customers, lending an ear or doling out advice to a friend in need. She had no filter, was sometimes brutally honest, often funny with a quick wit, and completely refreshing. She was one of my favorite people in the whole world.”
Fran and her husband, Ralph’s (pictured at left), daughter, Lisa, is a big part of the island community. “Lisa’s been there for all of us when we needed it. She has always been a rock for all of her friends, standing by them forever. Now it’s time we support her. She needs us. These hospital bills have mounted up and become detrimental. Anything we raise Saturday will go towards helping Lisa settle those bills and settle Miss Fran’s estate.
Several have already come forward to do what they can to help offering dozens of amazing raffle prizes available throughout the six-hour benefit on Saturday, and live music by the Certified Band will fill the air with sweet sounds.
“We have pretty amazing raffle prizes the beach has been so generous,” Lori said. “Among the many items, we have a week stay at Gulf View Manor; a die-cast NASCAR car autographed by Ross Chastain as well as two tickets to a NASCAR race; 2016 World Series Chicago Cubs helmet autographed by Jason Heyward; a set of 1/4-carat diamond earrings; several beautiful gift baskets; Lisa made a dragonfly item, tickets to Beach Theater, gift certificates to local restaurants and bars, some very nice cookbooks, and we’ll have a 50/50 drawing as well.”
Anyone who can make the memorial benefit are encouraged to come by, and for anyone wishing to make any type of donation, whether it’s in the form of a raffle prize item or monetarily, call Lori at anytime, 239-410-7979.