Happy Hour for Hope Benefits Meals of Hope

A fiesta happening at la Mesa Taqueria for Meals of Hope Marco Island took place this past Tuesday despite the rain. Welcoming the guests were Sunrise Rotarians Erik Condee, Evelyn Rosetti-Ryan and Pam Shniper. Alex Bettrami and his staff provided incredible service and delicious appetizers while attendees enjoyed the upbeat music by local talented musician Lance Shearer. Linda Sandlin was the lucky winner of the 50/50 drawing which she generously donated back. 

Sue Purvis explained the purpose of these monthly fundraisers and acknowledged the 2024 Friends of Hope, individuals and businesses who have made generous contributions to the cause. The lucky 50/50 winning ticket belonged to Linda Sandlin who generously donated the winnings back to the cause. 

The $20 admission fees, donations, and 50/50 raffles contribute to the purchase of raw food materials for the annual packaging event on November 9th at the Marco Island Charter Middle School. The goal is to package at least 200,000 meals but we cannot package that many meals without raising enough funds to purchase the raw food materials. We welcome your donations. 

Meals of Hope Marco Island is proud of the effort of the Kiwanis Club, Noontime Rotary and Sunrise Rotary who take turns each month raising money for Meals of Hope, an organization begun by Steve Popper in 2007. These Happy Hours are always festive while at the same time making the public aware of the need for food in Collier County and providing nutritious quality food to hungry families. The packaged food is sent directly to our local food banks for distribution throughout our community free of charge. For more information check the website mealsofhope.org. 

Stay tuned for our next Happy Hour on September 17th at Cocomo’s, 1069 N. Collier Blvd., hosted by the Kiwanis Club. Be sure to mark your calendars now for October 13, Columbus Day weekend, for a 50/50 fundraiser at Stan’s in Goodland. See you there!