By: Larry Hanna To help businesses on the island, the Boca Grande Disaster Committee has resumed efforts to help clean up and repair Boca Grande in the wake of Hurricane Helen. This fund is targeted at businesses on the island that have suffered physical losses, and will significantly reduce the burden on affected businesses.
Written by Larry Hanna
To help the island’s businesses, the Boca Grande Disaster Commission has resumed efforts to help clean up and restore Boca Grande in the wake of Hurricane Helen. The fund is targeted at businesses on the island that have suffered physical losses, and will significantly ease the burden on businesses that have suffered significant losses, as many are still barely recovering from the damage caused by Hurricane Ian in 2022. I will do it.
Three Island families have signed up to help set up the fund, including August and Ginny Bush, Ginny Nicholas and Will and Sarah Farish, and they hope others will donate as well. I’m looking forward to it. The Boca Grande Disaster Fund remains under the control of Lighthouse United Methodist Church.
After Hurricane Ian, the community really stepped up to take care of local businesses, which had a huge impact. “This is what churches are supposed to do…to help people and be a way to bring communities together,” said committee member Larry Hanna. “Many businesses are reluctant to take funds to restart operations after such a disaster,” he noted. “They’re worried that they won’t have a town that will support their investment. We want to tell them that Boca Grande is coming back, bigger and stronger than before. I’m here.”
The funds will go to businesses, churches, community groups and more. Cruz Bank & Trust in Boca Grande is handling the funds. This fund is established under federal Internal Revenue Service regulations and with the approval of the United Methodist Conference of Lakeland and the pastors and others of Lighthouse United Methodist Church. Lighthouse is the administrator of the fund, but no money comes from the church. The church is “a conduit for getting funds to those who need it,” Hanna explained.
Responsible for finalizing the business is a committee comprised of Hannah, Mary O’Bannon, Sharon Cross and Stephanie Newman. “We think this fund will act as a 60- to 90-day bridge,” he said. This provides businesses and others with the means to begin recovery, address immediate needs and continue operations. He noted that this is especially important now that the season would normally begin. People want to see we’re still open here and won’t hesitate to come to the island, he said.
The fund should be ready to accept applications next week. The committee is visiting businesses on the island one by one and handing out application forms. “This is emotional for everyone, and we want them to know that we’re here to help,” Hanna said.
Hanna explained that the Boca Grande Disaster Fund is focused on rebuilding Boca Grande’s business community and providing people with a place to shop and work. This will help businesses improve their prospects for faster recovery from disasters, empowering entire communities and helping everyone who makes a living on the island.
It does not fund loss of income.
Hanna said 100 percent of the money raised by the disaster fund will be distributed to those in need. The Disaster Fund team is made up entirely of volunteers. Donations are tax deductible. Throughout the application and grant process, committee members meet with applicants to help identify priorities and reassure them about community support. He said many of the local businesses are family-owned and have been part of the community for many years, investing in the local economy and inspiring people to live, holiday and visit the island. .
Learn more:
If you are able to donate to support the Boca Grande Disaster Fund, please send your donation to Boca Grande United Methodist Church, PO Box 524, Boca Grande, FL 33921. You can email Stephanie Newman (snewman@spiritflighteast.com) or Mary O’Bannon (meobannon@yahoo.com).
There is an application form on Boca Beacon. Crews Bank & Trust also offers wire transfer and donation procedures.
