The Friends of Boca Grande Community Center held its annual meeting on October 10, 2023, reflecting on the challenges and recovery efforts following a series of hurricanes that impacted the community. Executive Director Marta Howell shared insights into the organization’s resilience amid setbacks from natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Howell noted that the recent hurricanes posed significant obstacles, stating, “Even the staff did not think they could bounce back, but they did.” She highlighted the severe impact of Hurricane Milton, which inundated the Community Center with five feet of water. This flooding led to operational disruptions, with staff working from marine trailers as they scrambled to restore services.
In discussing the financial ramifications, Howell mentioned that the organization faced not only lost revenue from canceled events but also logistical challenges due to the flooding. “Poor Sharon [Hawkins] lost all of our pledge cards,” she added, illustrating the extent of the difficulties faced. Despite these challenges, many donors chose to contribute their refunds back to Friends, demonstrating strong community support.
The meeting provided an opportunity for Steve Lauglin, the board chairman, to present updates on the organization’s bylaws, including new membership requirements. Members ratified minutes from previous meetings and elected new board directors, with Theresa Behrendt and Dod Fraser beginning their first terms. Tom Wilcox and Peter Powell were re-elected for additional terms, ensuring continuity in leadership.
Financially, the organization reported a total income of $4,547,753 for the Renaissance Fund and $1,886,129 in operational income, with total expenses amounting to $1,588,752. The Renaissance Fund assets were recorded at $14,742,239, while operational assets stood at $3,938,955. These figures underscore the organization’s robust financial position despite recent adversities.
As part of the meeting, the board expressed gratitude to long-serving members, specifically Susan Haggarty, Barbara Edgerton, and Jim May, acknowledging their contributions to the organization over the years.
The Friends of Boca Grande has shown remarkable resilience in the face of challenges, and its leadership remains committed to serving the community effectively as it continues to recover and grow.
