Welcome to the Pine Island Garden Club
2023 GALA POSTPONED
Our beloved Pine Island and Matlacha, along with its citizens have experienced a substantial degree of devastation from Hurricane Ian. These next several months will be focused on restoration and rebuilding. We are all going through the emotions of shock, loss and displacement but remain positive in our future efforts and remain Florida Strong. We decided having the Garden Gala this year was not feasible and will plan our next event to be even stronger. The 2024 Garden Gala will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024. If you have already put down your deposit for 2023 and have your space reserved we are happy to transfer your deposit so you have your space prepaid for 2024. If you would like to request a refund for this year please write your request to me through email along with an address for mailing. We appreciate your support and understanding and look forward to celebrating in the park with you in the future! Sincerely, Beth Smith PIGC Garden Gala Chair pineislandbeth@gmail.com
Beth Smith PIGC Garden Gala Chair pineislandbeth@gmail.com
Pine Island Garden Club
Community Contributions
Beacon of Hope
Calusa Land Trust & Nature Preserve of Pine Island
CROW “Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife”
Pine Island Food Pantry
Pine Island Garden Club
Community Garden Projects
Museum of the Island
Phillips Park
Kiwanis Park
Bokeelia Post Office Gardens
Beacon of Hope Entrance Garden
Pine Island Elementary School
February 19, 2022
Pine Island Garden Club GALA
On a “golly it's great to be here” sunny Saturday, February 19th, the Pine Island Garden Club celebrated its 20th Annual Garden Gala at Phillips Park. Hundreds of local islanders and visitors participated in its “Gardening For Health” theme. Over 70 vendors exhibited multiple home and garden products. Also to entertain were silent auctions, raffle tickets (featuring gifts from supporting local merchants) and spin-the-wheel prizes. The emcee, Herb Smith, enlivened the crowd while Frank Tuma charmed all with his island music and Pine Swine's Nauti Tiki tempted the participants with pork taste treats. Garden Gala chairperson, Beth Smith, commented “What a tremendously successful gala, resulting from the efforts of so many of our members and local businesses. We raised funds for the Club's support of island organizations and had fun and camaraderie in the process. This is a day we recognize that Pine Island and its people are truly special.”Initial tallies conclude this is the Garden Club's best ever gala with net proceeds in excess of $10,000. These funds will be utilized not only to maintain the grounds at the Phillips Park, Museum of the Islands, Bokeelia Post Office and the PI Elementary School, but also financially support many benevolent local organizations such as the Calusa Land Trust, PI Food Pantry, CROW, Beacon of Hope and the Kiwanis Children's Park.
GALA HISTORY
In 2001, three Garden Club members got together to brainstorm ways to make money to support Phillips Park improvements and provide funds for other Pine Island Community needs.
It was decided to showcase Phillips Park by having an “old town” style festival featuring local nurseries and arts and crafts made by local artists. It was so small that the music came from a boom box stuck up in a tree! It was so successful that that the tradition has continued each year.
Today, we feature local nurseries including those that
offer all-native plants, herbs and more. Members start plants from their own gardens so we can have plenty of low-cost plants that are happy in our habitat. It’s a great opportunity to learn from master gardeners and other experts, see local artists’ works, eat scrumptious food, shop for gifts or other treasures for your own yard. Island organizations are there to make you aware of their services as well. All members participate in some way so come out and support your neighbors!
Send Questions to
pineislandgardenclub@gmail.com
For Website call (941) 698-5000
internet@pineislandgardenclub.org
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY: For direct online access email internet@pineislandgardenclub.org or call (941) 698-5000.
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