Festival accepting grand marshal nominations
Maggi Feiner, the executive director of Friends In Service Here (FISH) on Sanibel, was chosen as the Honorary “My Choice” Grand Marshal for the Edison Festival of Light for last year’s event in downtown Fort Myers.
Now it is time to submit nominations for the 2014 Honorary Grand Marshal. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Dec. 20.
There are several criteria to be met by the nominees. The person must give back to the community on a regular basis. They deserve credit for their good deeds, but don’t always receive it. And, the nominee is an inspiration to others by making the community a better place to live.
The Edison Festival of Light calls the Honorary Grand Marshal program “the people’s choice” award. A list of finalists will be posted on www.edisonfestival.org by Jan. 2 at which time the Southwest Florida community can cast votes for their favorite nominee through Jan. 21. After the ballots are counted, the Honorary Grand Marshal will be announced on Jan. 27.
“It’s a wonderful and very humbling experience, especially after meeting the other two finalists,” Feiner said last year after being selected from more than 100 nominees. “I was totally unaware of the nomination until I got the call as one of the finalists. It’s a wonderful recognition of this organization and what our board and volunteers do out here.”
As executive director, a volunteer position, Feiner oversees the day-to-day operation of FISH programs. That includes delivering more than 74,000 pounds of food in 2012 to more than 220 families on the island. Also last year, FISH served islanders through its emergency financial assistance program to the tune of more than $211,000, helping pay rent, utility and medical bills and other expenses.
Feiner has been a volunteer at FISH for 12 years, first by delivering meals, as a board member, as board vice president, two terms as board president, and currently as executive director.
As a tribute to their commitment to the community, the winner earns a seat as Honorary “My Choice” Grand Marshal for the Edison Festival of Light Junior Parade on Feb. 9 and for the Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade on Feb. 15. The winner also receives two VIP passes to the Grand Parade.
For more information on the Honorary Grand Marshal process or the Festival of Light visit the website www.edisonfestival.org or call 334-2999.