Cape Coral Together: Resilience Rally to mark one-year milestone post-Ian
City-organized event to benefit local not-for-profits; price of admission is food or goods-related donation
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To mark the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian, the city of Cape Coral is organizing a community rally for a cause.
The "Cape Coral Together: Resilience Rally" will be held Friday, Sept. 29, from 6-10 p.m. at the German-American Social Club.
The event will feature live music from Deep Cover (6 p.m.), Deb & The Dynamics (7:15), and Taylor Goyette (8:45) as well as a variety of food trucks.
"As we reach the one-year-anniversary of Hurricane Ian making landfall, the city of Cape Coral reflects on the significance of this milestone and the profound impact the storm had on our community," said city spokesperson Lauren Kurkimilis. "The (rally) is an opportunity for our community to come together to remember the hardships we overcame and the challenges we continue to face today. In doing so, we can gain valuable insights, strengthen our disaster preparedness, and reaffirm our commitment to rebuilding better than before."
In addition to bringing the community together for some fun, the event aims to aid local non-profit organizations whose resources were exhausted by the storm. Organizations include the Cape Caring Center, Came Coral Animal Shelter, Cape Vineyard Church, Faith Generation, Kiwanis and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
In place of an entry fee, attendees are encouraged to bring donation items such as non-perishable food, pet supplies, and safety gear. Participants will be given one raffle ticket for each donation item they bring.
"The city is hosting (the rally) to celebrate the indomitable spirit of our residents in the face of adversity," Kurkimilis said. "In doing so, we draw wisdom from these experiences and continue to forge a more resilient and unified community. Residents can take this opportunity to give back to their neighbors and help restock the shelves of local non-profit organizations, whose resources were depleted after Hurricane Ian."
Requested supplies include jelly, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, jarred sauces for pasta, pasta, boxes of mac and cheese, canned meats and hearty soups or stews, rice and dried potatoes, boxed cereals, non-perishable sweets, baby items including diapers and wipes, bottles and sippy cups, blankets and towels and personal hygiene items like soap, toothpaste and shampoo.
"Following Hurricane Ian, our local non-profits addressed various needs and fostered a sense of togetherness," Kurkimilis said. "Now it's our turn to help them. We encourage residents to join us in supporting these organizations so that together we can give back to those who helped us in our time of need and who continue to make a positive impact."
Other wish list items include powdered Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer, Pro Plan canned puppy chow, pine pelletized bedding and littler, toilet paper, copy paper and Post-Its.
Raffles will be drawn from the main stage throughout the evening, and winners must be present to win.
The German-American Social Club is at 2101 SW Pine Island Road.
City to unveil monument on Sept. 28 to commemorate first anniversary of Hurricane Ian
The city of Cape Coral invites the public to a monument unveiling to commemorate the first anniversary of Hurricane Ian to be held at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28 at Reflections Park.
Attendees are invited to join city officials for a reception at Pops Cafe inside City Hall immediately following the ceremony.
No reservations are required to attend.
"This monument will honor the lives lost from Hurricane Ian's destruction and the 1,289 City employees who worked tirelessly to safeguard Cape Coral," the city said in a release. "Our community weathered the storm, emerging stronger and more united than ever."
Reflections Park is at 815 Nicholas Parkway.