On this page you will find updates on the restoration project from Hurricane Ian October 2022-December 2023.
A brief video recapping the initial days of the restoration; thanks to Alacrity Solutions for producing this video and allowing us to share it:
Memorial Gardens and Landscaping Vegetation Removal and Clean-up
Diocese and DCMC (FEMA grant management company Diocese has hired) Visit
In the aftermath of Ian, many have personally experienced how God is a very real help in our times of need. Yes, God is right here, right now, and God is already working in and through each of us. Originally entitled the St. Michael’s Hurricane Relief Fund, a fund was created on October 1, 2022 with an initial broad scope; to restore our community of faith, our neighbors and our entire community to wholeness. An initial 60% went towards rebuilding the church property, and 40% went towards several local agencies helping those in dire need. By November 17, 2022 $128,000 was raised and $50,000 was distributed to 4 local agencies.
Because several local agencies now have set up their own relief funds, beginning on "Giving Tuesday", November 29, 2022, all funds raised are now going to the renamed St. Michael’s Restoration Fund and will be used for the rebuilding efforts of the church property. We encourage you to continue to support local agencies doing relief work, but this specific fund will be focused on the restoration of St. Michael's buildings on Sanibel. The “church” is the people, and the church is alive and well; but now we begin the arduous task of rebuilding the church buildings. Funds will help to cover shortfalls in insurance reimbursement and repairs.
In the future, there will be several opportunities for volunteers to assist on the grounds as well once a restoration plan is in place. Thank you to all who have made a meaningful difference to the burdens of others during this challenging and difficult time by contributing to the fund. It will be a long road to recovery and we greatly appreciate your continued support as we seek to restore the property so St. Michael’s can continue to have a welcoming, open and loving presence on our beautiful sanctuary island.
So please join us by donating. Click on the Red "Donate Now Hurricane Relief" button or TEXT: SMAA IAN to 73256 (SMAA*space*IAN) (follow the instructions on the Text message you receive) Thank you!
$15,000 to F.I.S.H.- vestry member Jerry Davenport, CEO Maggie Fiener, Executive Director Marie Espinoza, vestry member Pat Norton, Fr. Bill and Program Coordinator Manuela Martinez
$15,000 to CHR – vestry member Pat Norton, Fr. Bill with Executive Director Melissa Rice (this amount will do directly to residents as part of a second round distribution to help them with temporary housing costs)
$10,000 to Gladiolus Food Pantry, vestry member Pat Norton, Fr. Bill, director Miriam Ortiz with board members Julie Vergin and Karen Jarboe
$10,000 to Community Cooperative - vestry member Pat Norton, Fr. Bill with Stefanie Edwards CEO of Community Cooperative
Rusty Farst created the video below that includes footage of the island and St. Michael’s along with beautiful music and prayers. Thank you to Rusty for this moving experience.
Property Update Zoom Meeting Video - November 2022
Vestry and Staff Tour
Bishop Smith with Episcopal Relief & Development Visit
Transforming Lives
through Christ
2304 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel, FL 33957