With the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian’s landfall approaching, the “Boaters Helping Boaters Fund” created by the Marine Industries Association of Southwest Florida & Tampa Bay is ending, having helped 139 people impacted by the storm.
Immediately after the hurricane passed, MIASF teamed up with another excellent organization, the Old Salt Fishing Foundation, to provide some relief to those who make a living on the waterfront and were directly impacted by the high-end Category 4 hurricane’s 155 mph winds that devastated the greater Ft. Myers region.
“We are very proud that this grass roots effort was supported by so many of our members and other marine businesses and associations around the country,” says MIASF&TB president Hans Wilson (Hans Wilson & Associates Engineering). “And to have an outstanding organization in the Old Salt Fishing Foundation team with us was exceptional.
“In addition,” Wilson continued, “we extend our sincere gratitude to several marine industry-owned boat shows, namely the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, St. Petersburg Boat Show, and the Fort Myers Boat Show. Each stepped up to provide attendees an option to donate to the fund while purchasing their admission tickets. It meant a lot of help for a lot of people,” he added.
In total, the fund raised $69,500.00. In total, 139 individuals who make their living on the water each received a $500 check. “Every single dollar matters now more than ever, each dollar you send our way is a blessing,” wrote one fund recipient.
The team at the Old Salt Foundation handled all the administration, receiving and disbursing the funds. Every application was reviewed and approved by a joint committee from both organizations.
“I genuinely thank everyone who donated to make this happen,” Wilson says. “The checks went to employees of our members, charter captains, law enforcement personnel, tour guides, boat detailers and many others whose lives were suddenly torn apart. I cannot tell you how gratifying it’s been to receive the thanks of those who truly appreciated the help they received,” Wilson emphasized.
In the year since Ian hit, much progress has been made in getting marinas and dealerships back into operation. “But make no mistake, we still have a long rebuilding time ahead in this area,” explains John Good, MIASF executive director of MIASF&TB. “An example is our upcoming 51st annual Ft. Myers Boat Show slated for Nov. 9 – 12.”
“Ian totally destroyed the marina at the show site in downtown Ft. Myers,” Good explains, “and it hasn’t yet been rebuilt. However, the show for now will still be held at this traditional downtown waterfront location entirely on the land that surrounds the Convention Center. Even exhibitors that normally display mostly in-water are planning expanded land displays so we’re already set for another big event,” he predicts.
The association’s Board of Directors gathered for its regular meeting yesterday in Ft. Myers, applauded the success of the “Boaters Helping Boaters” initiative, and after reviewing all the upcoming show plans, declared it’s headed for another successful run. For show info, contact: [email protected].
