Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife

20192019Annual ReportAnnual Report

January 2020January 2020

Saving wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, research, education and conservation medicine!

American White PelicanPatient #19-4971

Released in Sanibel, FL

Kemp’s Ridley Sea TurtlePatient #19-2254

Released in Fort Myers Beach, FL

North American River OtterPatient #19-320

Released in Punta Gorda, FL

OspreyOspreyPatient #19-582Patient #19-582

Released in Sanibel, FLReleased in Sanibel, FL

C L I N I C F O R T H E R E H A B I L I T A T I O N O F W I L D L I F EP A G E 1

Board of DirectorsPaul Ben-Susan, President

Dave Nichols, DVM, Vice PresidentCindy M. Hawkins, CPA, Treasurer

Lynne Birdt, Secretary

William HorvathCathie LewisDan Murphy

Kelley Provo, Esq.

Hospital StaffHospital Staff

Heather Barron, DVM, Medical & Research Director

Robin Bast, DVM, Staff VeterinarianMissy Fox, CVT, CWR, Certified Vet Tech

Amy Kowalski, CVT, Certified Vet TechMegan Cabot, DVM, Intern

Mariah Lancaster, DVM, InternBreanna Frankel, CWR, Rehab Manager

Yvette Carrasco, CWR, Wildlife RehabMorgan Hester, CWR, Wildlife Rehab

Katie Mueller, CWR, Wildlife RehabAmber Strassler, CVT, Wildlife Rehab

Shelli Albright, Hospital Office & Admissions Manager

Becca Wehmeier, Hospital Training Coordinator

Administrative StaffAdministrative Staff

Alison Charney Hussey, Executive Dir.Mary C. Schoeffel, Development Dir.

Michelle Grazioso, Office ManagerBrian Bohlman, PR & Marketing Mgr.

Rachel Rainbolt, Education & Outreach Manager

Cheri Haughey, VEC AssociatePam Stoike, VEC Associate

Randy Rainbolt, Facilities & Grounds Manager

Matt Matuszak, Facilities TechnicianRachel Taylor, Education &

Marketing Intern

Christine AttardoEdgar Burton

Amanda CurranDarrin Grotrian

A message from the Executive Director...

Patient Spotlight:Short-tailed Hawk #19-543

The short-tailed hawk is commonly found in Central and South America, but is a rarity in the United States. Florida is home to the U.S.’s only breeding population and it is estimated that there are fewer than 500 individuals that live in the state.

On March 8, 2019, a short-tailed hawk (#19-543) was rescued and admitted to the #CROWClinic after being found injured on a golf

course. Veterinarians determined it had experienced spinal trauma and did not have use of its legs. Staff at the CROW Clinic provided intensive care and began physical therapy to help the hawk regain the use of its legs.

After months of recovery and many hours by the staff performing physical therapy and care, the hawk made a full recovery and was released on July 9, 2019, at the same location it was rescued.

I’m soaring . . . flying . . . I’m thrilled to be a part of the CROW team. Entrusted with a treasured organization made up of exceptional staff and volunteers alike, I knew this was going to be special. If I had any doubt, my first day would have proved me wrong as it also included my first release. My roseate spoonbill popped out of the transport container, spread its beautiful pink wings and took flight around the mangroves to rejoin its flock. And so, my time at CROW had begun, I’d joined my flock, and we at CROW began our year together of soaring to new heights!

CROW has grown so much and 2019 would be no exception. Serving a record number of patients, the hospital workload soared. Perhaps more people are aware of CROW’s good work? Perhaps our partnerships with off island veterinarians is making it easier for people to get patients to us to receive the care they need? Whatever the reason, our staff is soaring to meet the needs of these patients with wonderful release

rates back into the wild, back into our paradise.

Our AWC Visitor Education Center and outreach programs are taking flight as well! 2019 saw record numbers come through our doors and with our outreach education van, we were able to take CROW beyond our walls. Of course, CROW has always collaborated in wildlife care, but new partnerships with the Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum to serve as veterinarian for their mollusk exhibit also educates our students in areas of medicine not before seen in our hospital. Soaring into the minds of future wildlife caregivers!

Oh my! Our events! My heart soared realizing your generosity! You care and like to have fun, which was so clear at Southern Comfort, our CROW Classic Golf Tournament and of course, Taste of the Islands! The funds raised at those events met new heights as well! You are outstanding stewards of our wildlife!

So, on behalf of myself and the Board of Directors, thank you. Please enjoy this annual report and join us for 2020’s wild ride.

2 0 1 9 A N N U A L R E P O R T2 0 1 9 A N N U A L R E P O R TP A G E 2P A G E 2

Notice of Annual Meeting

Members are invited to attend the CROW Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at 4:00 pm at CROW’s AWC Visitor Education Center.

Included on the agenda will be the selection of new members to the Board of Directors. In accordance with the CROW bylaws, additional nominations from the membership may be submitted in writing to the Nominating Chairman at least 40 days prior to the election, supported by letter or petitions from at least five percent of the membership, accompanied by the resume of the nominee’s educational and professional experience, and a letter from the nominee stating a willingness to run and attend Board meetings regularly. Nominations should be submitted to Board@CROWclinic.org.

Board Members whose terms are up for renewal and are re-committing:

Christine AttardoCathie Lewis

Nominations Received to Date:

Phaidra McDermottAnthony Farhat

Dr. Bonnie Tucker, DVM

CROW is extremely appreciative of each and every gift received that furthers our work: Saving Wildlife Through Care, Education and Collaboration. It is because of your support that we are able to maintain the highest quality of patient care and excellence in education, both of the next generation of wildlife professionals and the public. We strive to improve the relationship with our native and migratory wild neighbors wherever you call home. Patient care, operations, capital improvements, and capacity building were supported by individuals, foundations and corporations alike.

2019 Income - preliminary, unaudited

Membership...........................................................

Contributions/Gifts/Bequests/Memorials...............

VEC Admissions/Programs.......................................

Grants.........................................................................

Misc. Income...............................................................

Special Events............................................................

Gift Shop......................................................................

In-Kind Contributions................................................

TOTAL PROJECTED INCOME

$ 327,487

452,506

213,454

949,771

137,151

207,166

70,707

58,030

$ 2,416,272

2019 Expenses - preliminary, unaudited

Hospital.................................................................

Visitor Education Center............................................

Management and General.........................................

Public Relations/Fundraising.....................................

Special Events..............................................................

Gift Shop......................................................................

In-Kind Contributions................................................

TOTAL PROJECTED EXPENSES

$ 943,842

183,611

437,488

37,006

97,338

28,759

58,030

$ 1,786,074

*CROW’s Fund Balance Carry Forward of $630,198 represents restricted grant funds and donations designated for future use.

2019 inances in ReviewF

C L I N I C F O R T H E R E H A B I L I T A T I O N O F W I L D L I F EP A G E 3

Hospital Highlights

Conservation & Research Projects

Heather W. Barron, DVM, DABVPMedical & Research Director

A message from the Medical & Research Director...

One of the best things about working at CROW is the opportunity for collaboration with so many other amazing scientists in the area. Over the past 9 years, I’ve been privileged to work with and learn from biologists and experts at the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the City of Sanibel, The Sanibel Sea School, and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.

Together we’ve tackled a variety of conservation issues: the appearance of coyotes on island and their impact on imperiled species; the growing harm of hooks and monofilament line on

wildlife; being part of FWC’s Marine Mammal Stranding Team, and many other opportunities for research and support of wildlife and conservation in our beautiful area of Southwest Florida.

Most exciting this year, a new collaboration with the Bailey-Matthew’s National Shell Museum as they expand their exhibits into a stunning new aquarium full of very cool animals. In addition to providing the aquarium with veterinary care, it also gives us a new direction for some exciting new teaching and research opportunities. As a Certified Aquatic Veterinarian, I’m always looking for ways to incorporate aquatics into my educational programs and conservation efforts.

It has been an honor and a pleasure

to have worked with so many amazing scientists over the years since I’ve been here at CROW. January 2020 was designated as National One Health Awareness Month and this is exactly what it is all about: groups of scientists working together to keep the environment, humans, and animals all healthy and thriving.

In 2019, Dr. Barron gave a total of 20 lectures and 2 labs for local, national, & international veterinary & wildlife rehabilitators conferences and one international online course. Additionally, the hospital participated in 17 conservation and research projects including:

Use of intravenous lipid emulsion for treatment of brevetoxicosis in sea turtles:

In an ongoing collaborative study with the Loggerhead MarineLife Center in Juno Beach, FL, results show this treatment to be highly effective.

Trichomonas survey in eagles:CROW continues to collect samples for

this ongoing study in collaboration with Dr. Michael Yabsley at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS).

Avian “TFAST” Study:Using ultrasound to look for evidence

of disease, such as fungal infections like aspergillosis, in bird lungs.

White ibis survey: CROW is working in conjunction with

Dr. Sonia Hernandez at the University of GA, studying the role of human resource provisioning on the behavior, ecology and pathogen dynamics in white ibis.

Validation of activated clotting time in double-crested cormorants:

This study will allow us to better understand which diseases or toxins, like red tide, may affect these birds’ ability to clot blood normally.

Mind Your Line: This ongoing collaborative effort

continues to reduce the number of hook and line cases coming into CROW. This year, we expanded our equipment options to allow us to capture birds who have monofilament line or hooks around their legs or body but that can still fly.

Caryospora in sea turtles: CROW is currently collecting fecal

samples from sea turtles for this study in collaboration with Dr. Brian Stacy at NOAA looking for a parasite that is causing enteritis and death in sea turtles.

2 0 1 9 A N N U A L R E P O R TP A G E 4

30% Fort Myers 26% Cape Coral13% Sanibel7% Lehigh/Alva/Labelle5% North Fort Myers4% Outside Lee County4% Fort Myers Beach3% Unknown2% Pine Island2% Estero2% Captiva2% Bonita Springs

5,336 patients

admitted in 2019

Where do our patients come from?

36%

2%

54%

BirdsMammalsReptilesAmphibians

8%198Species of Native & Migratory Wildlife

Who are our patients?

The first 24 hours after an animal is admitted are the most critical.

Release rate if an animal survives the first 24 hours.66%

Lee County, Florida

Top Reasons for Admission

?Unknown Trauma

1044

Fell From Nest641

Orphaned572

Abducted/Habitat Destruction

524Hit by Car/

Window Strike499

Cat/Dog Attack429

1313

142142

5353

Hospital Staff Members

Hospital Volunteers

Students

Ten years ago, I began my journey in wildlife and conservation medicine as a student extern at CROW. Having been involved throughout the past decade as a CROW student, volunteer, intern, and staff member, it has been my privilege to see this organization grow into a household name in environmental advocacy.

Like many of our feathered patients, we have soared to new heights as we treated a record-breaking 5,336 patients this last year!

Our contributions to wildlife health research and collaborations with institutions across the country continue to grow.

Water quality related research projects remain a focus for us, including new treatment options for brevetoxicosis. We helped publish the first major textbook on wildlife rehabilitative medicine, setting us apart as leaders in the field. Our educational programs provide continued growth for future environmental stewards, including training over 50 students from around the world. I’m proud to be a

part of this team and am grateful for the continued support we receive from all of you to further our mission.

As Ghandi said, “we must be the change we wish to see in the world.”

A message from the Staff Veterinarian...

Robin Bast, DVMStaff Veterinarian

C L I N I C F O R T H E R E H A B I L I T A T I O N O F W I L D L I F EP A G E 5

Argosy UniversityAuburn UniversityClemson UniversityCornell UniversityFlorida Atlantic UniversityFlorida Gulf Coast UniversityKansas State UniversityKennesaw State UniversityLincoln Memorial UniversityLouisiana State UniversityManor CollegeMidwestern UniversityOregon State University

Purdue UniversitySaint George’s UniversitySyracuse UniversityTexas A&M UniversityTufts UniversityTulane UniversityUniversity Nacional- Autonoma de Mexico University of California DavisUniversity of DelawareUniversity of DublinUniversity of Edinburgh- Royal Dick

University of FindlayUniversity of GeorgiaUniversity of GhentUniversity of GlasgowUniversity of IllinoisUniversity of Mary- WashingtonUniversity of MissouriUniversity of NebraskaUniversity of WisconsinVet Tech InstituteWestern UniversityWilliam and Mary University

At CROW, students participate in medical treatments, caring for neonatal wildlife, surgery, administering anesthesia, learning venipuncture, administering medications and fluids, physical exams, radiology, cytology, learning husbandry, as well as rescuing and releasing wildlife. They assist in ongoing clinical research, give Education Center presentations to the public, and participate in weekly case rounds and teaching rounds led by our hospital veterinarians and staff.

Throughout 2019, CROW welcomed 35 externship students (3 to 24-week programs) consisting of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary

Technician, and Undergraduate students. CROW accepted 2 visiting veterinarians (1 to 2 week periods), 8 students into our 6-month fellowship program, 1 student into our 1-year Wildlife Care and Education Internship, 3 interns into our Conservation Education and Marketing internship and 4 interns into our Wildlife and Conservation Medicine Internship for DVMs (6 to 12 months) over the course of the year.

Overall 22 of the 50 states were represented as well as Belgium, Ireland, Mexico, Scotland, and the West Indies. Students contributed over 28,000 hours of work in the hospital in 2019.

Student Programs

2019 CROW InternsWildlife & Conservation Medicine DVM Interns

Dr. Kyle Abbott: July 2018 – July 2019Dr. Lela Larned: January 2019 – August 2019

Dr. Megan Cabot: July 2019 – June 2020Dr. S. Mariah Lancaster: December 2019 – June 2020

Wildlife Care & Education InternCorrie Presland-Byrne: May 2018 – May 2019

Conservation Education & Marketing InternsMegan Barry: January 2019 – May 2019

Hunter Brown: June 2019 – December 2019 Rachel Taylor: December 2019 – May 2020

2019 Schools Represented

2 0 1 9 A N N U A L R E P O R TP A G E 6

CROW honored the 2018 volunteers with a ‘Las Vegas’ themed evening at the Sanibel Community House on Monday, March 11, 2019.

The volunteers who were the ‘High Rollers’ in 2018, racking up the most volunteer hours were Diane Kuberski (800), Ruth Parks (557), Bev Kronisch (486), Edward Hawk (476), Barb Walling (473), Doug Albert (467), Jim Colombo (455), Rachel Barnhart (355), Marianne Brill (348) and Tracy Orilia (332).

It’s safe to say CROW ‘Hit the Jackpot’ with all of its amazing volunteers.

Every donation received is essential to continuing CROW’s work of saving Southwest Florida native and migratory wildlife.

Founded in 2012, the Presidents Circle recognizes those who support CROW’s mission with contributions of $10,000 or more.

We extend our gratitude to the 2019 Presidents Circle supporters:

All Life FoundationChristine and Michael Attardo

AWC Family Foundation

Bank of the Islands/Edison National Bank

The Batchelor Foundation Inc.Leah and Douglas Beck

Julie and Paul Ben-SusanLynne Birdt

Linda and Wayne BoydThe Mary E. Dooner

Foundation, Inc.Mary and Paul Douglass

Johanna FrerichsGreenberg Family FoundationHardison Family Foundation

Laurie and Bill HarkeyPat Fairless Hatfield

Jacarlene FoundationKauffman Family Charitable

FoundationKnopf Family Foundation

Peter and Ann Lambertus Family Foundation

The L.A.T. FoundationDudley D. and Delores R. Malone

Family FoundationThe Edward and Gale McBride

FoundationPat and Frank MiddendorfJennifer and Dave Nichols

Kim Patmore and Tom HallerRoberts and Philip Puschel

Red Moose Charitable TrustKay and Parvis SadighiThe Schoen Foundation

Donna and John SchubertShipley Foundation, Inc.

Evelyn Rose and Jonathan Silverman

The Donald Slavik Family Foundation

Southwest Florida Community Foundation

Wescustogo Foundation

2019 Presidents Circle

Volunteer Highlights

236236Total

Volunteers

17,294Volunteer Hours

Donated

$439.8 KExpense Savings

for CROW

*

*Based on Estimated National Value of Each Volunteer Hour by Independent Sector.

HospitalVEC/

Gift Shop Education Events

79% 13% 1% 7%

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

Volunteers are needed every day the hospital is open, 365 days of the year. They rescue wildlife, educate the public, and provide a clean, safe place for animals, staff, students and visitors. Without their dedication, CROW could not accomplish its mission.

CROW continually invites those interested in volunteering to contact the Volunteer Coordinator to attend an orientation to learn what volunteering at CROW is all about.

C L I N I C F O R T H E R E H A B I L I T A T I O N O F W I L D L I F EP A G E 7

Visitor Center Highlights

Regardless of how much time has passed, most of us remember turning 10 years old. Because it is one of the first major milestones, adding an extra digit to our age serves as a gateway into the next chapter of our lives. The impression is that infancy is long behind us, and, as adults, we can fearlessly take on the world one challenge at a time. This message even applies to organizations like CROW.

It seems like only yesterday when education programs were being delivered at the Robert E. Schneider Pavilion next to our first wildlife hospital. It was a shaded space where visitors would crowd underneath and listen to volunteers eagerly share their stories about rescues and recovering patients. When Hurricane Charley passed through Lee County in August 2004, it became necessary to rebuild our property, including a building that could accommodate the growing number of people wanting to learn about CROW’s mission. Due to the generosity of those in the “Commitment to Compassion” Capital Campaign, that dream became a reality.

In 2019, the AWC Family Foundation Visitor Education Center (VEC) celebrated a decade of teaching the public about the work we do, the wildlife we help and how the community can become involved. It is because of the generosity of our supporters that we continue to “Soar to New Heights!”

The VEC Joins the Double-Digit Club

2009 – Center Opened as the Healing Winds VEC2011 – Center Name Changed to the AWC Family Foundation VEC2012 – First Education Staff Person Hired and Stanley the Virginia Opossum Featured as CROW’s first Animal Ambassador2013 – Public Presentation Frequency Increased to Twice Daily2014 – Upgraded “Critter Cams” to Include Live Video Feeds of Hospital Intake Room and Surgery Suite 2015 – Wildlife Walk Hospital Tours, Speaker Series and Lunch and Learns Added to Public Program Offerings 2016 – Live Animal Exhibits Introduced in VEC2017 – VEC Becomes Certified Under the Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism (FLSEE)2018 – 50th Anniversary Open House Welcomed nearly 1,000 Guests in a single day2019 – CROW’s Animal Ambassador Enclosures Built Thanks to the Attardo Family

12,94879% Adults/Teens, 21% ChildrenToTal VisiTors

13%increase

from 2018

WILDLIFE WALKS

LUNCH &LEARN

SPEAKER SERIES

DAILY PRESENTATIONS

SCHEDULEDGROUPS

8,7722,976431342103

Program Attendance

of Visitors participated in an Educational

Program

97%

20%Overall Program

Attendance increased in 2019

2 0 1 9 A N N U A L R E P O R TP A G E 8

CROW Helps Publish Wildlife Medical Textbook

Animal Ambassadors Get A New Home

Patient Spotlight:North American River Otter #19-320

CROW Medical & Research Director, Dr. Heather Barron, DVM, is an editor and author for the first textbook to cover North American wildlife medicine on a broad scale. The book was recently published and is now available for veterinarians, rehabilitators, wildlife health officials, policy makers, wildlife biologists and students with an interest in wildlife health.

Medical Management of Wildlife Species: A Guide for Practitioners offers an all-encompassing resource for the treatment of wild birds, mammals,

amphibians, and turtles. Focusing on the medical information relevant to the wildlife setting, it covers triage, emergency care, and other key considerations in handling, diagnosing, and treating wild animals.

“As a teaching institution, it’s important to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and promote wildlife health in every way that we can,” says Dr. Heather Barron. “The book culminates several years of hard work by our current staff, former interns, colleagues, research collaborators, and friends in the field and we couldn’t be more pleased to see it finally come to fruition!”

New enclosures were unveiled during a ribbon cutting ceremony for a small group of distinguished guests on Tuesday, April 2.

The project to build the permanent enclosures, generously funded by the Attardo Family, began over two years ago. Numerous set backs, including Hurricane Irma affecting the availability of materials, put the project behind schedule.

Now complete, the enclosures serve as a permanent home for CROW’s Animal Ambassadors,

animals that have sustained injuries or circumstances preventing their re-release into the wild. These animals, Mina, a great horned owl, Talon, a red-tailed hawk, Lola, an American kestrel, Billy, a nine-banded armadillo, and Gigi, a Virginia opossum, are part of CROW’s education and outreach programs.

“With homes for our Ambassadors, we can ensure that they are happy, healthy and can continue to teach visitors about their species and CROW’s mission,” says Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey. “It also frees up enclosures where they were previously housed for our patients.”

On February 7, an adult male otter was rescued on the side of the road by a passing motorist in Port Charlotte and taken to the Peace River Wildlife Center before being transferred to CROW. The otter arrived in a comatose state after suffering head trauma, a fractured femur and being overheated.

The team of veterinarians worked through the night to control his blood

pressure, temperature and neurological status. After a few days, the otter stabilized. He was taken to Blue Pearl Veterinary Hospital in Fort Myers where Dr. Jason Eisele placed a plate and screws to stabilize the broken femur. A second surgery was needed a few weeks later.

The surgeries were successful and nearly four months after his accident, the otter was able to be released.

“It’s amazing anytime we get to return an animal to the wild,” said Dr. Kyle Abbott, a CROW vet intern who worked on the case. “But, this otter was special in the sense that he had a lot of obstacles to overcome.”

P A G E 9P A G E 9C L I N I C F O R T H E R E H A B I L I T A T I O N O F W I L D L I F EC L I N I C F O R T H E R E H A B I L I T A T I O N O F W I L D L I F E

Southern Comfort on SanibelSouthern Comfort on

Sanibel, held Friday, April 12, took over the Sanibel Community House. This fifth edition of the popular dinner and auction featured Animal Ambassador photo opportunities, competitive bidding, exciting experiences, fabulous food, and a darn good time for all. CROW recognized the Attardo family with a short video of the unveiling of the new permanent Animal Ambassador Enclosures. CROW thanks Diane Neitzel, Chair, for her leadership and success growing the event.

CROW Classic Golf TournamentThe CROW Classic Golf

Tournament teed off on Saturday, October 5, at The Sanctuary Golf Club. Golfers enjoyed a beautiful day on the course and then were able to get up close with Animal Ambassadors Gigi, the Virginia Opossum; Sydney, the American Alligator; and Lola, the American Kestrel. We recognized top teams, contest winners, and other lucky winners with dozens of prizes. All players went home with CROW golf shirts courtesy of The Bait Box.

Returning with great participation and anticipation was the Helicopter Ball Drop thanks to Lee County Mosquito Control and their helicopter! Very exciting indeed! The Bait Box sponsored the prize - a Half-Day Fishing Charter.

This year, we welcomed some new sponsors to the event: Eagle Sponsor Sanibel Captiva Trust Company and Beverage

Cart Sponsor Jensen’s Marina & Cottages.

Special thanks to returning Hole-in-One Contest Sponsor, Scanlon Auto Group.

Birdie Sponsors included Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan PLLC, Huxters Market, Deli and Liquors, John Henshaw & Associates, Liberty Aluminum, Jason R. Maughan, and United Mechanical.

We greatly appreciate the support of the players and our many Hole Sponsors who made this year’s tournament a success!

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Best Appetizer: Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Sandollar

Best Vegetarian:Fusilli Primavera

Matzaluna

Taste of the Taste:Thistle Lodge

People’s Choice:The Clam Shack

Best Seafood (Tie):Lobstah Roll - The Clam Shack

Piña Colada Shrimp - Sandollar

Best Meat: Bone-in Braised Short Ribs w/

Cucumber KimchiThistle Lodge

Best Dessert:Stuffed Key Lime Cheesecake

Sanibel Fish House

2019 undraising EventsF

CROW’s Taste of the Islands was held Sunday, November 10 with more than 3,000 filling the Sanibel Community Park for fabulous food and music. Attendees also got a “Taste of CROW” meeting Animal Ambassadors and hearing Wildlife Programs in the Sanibel Community House!

Made possible by Presenting Sponsor Bank of the Islands/Edison National Bank, our signature fundraiser continues to be the longest-running – dare we say most-beloved - event on Sanibel.

CROW thanks Debi Neri, Volunteer Chair, for her great work managing the logistics, and the more than 150 volunteers who work so hard to make this

event a delicious success.We greatly appreciate the

participating restaurants, our many in-kind sponsors, and Executive Chef Sponsor The Silverman Organization, Sous Chef Sponsors Heidrick & Co. Insurance, Jensen’s Marina & Cottages, Dave & Jennifer Nichols, and Suncoast Beverage Sales, and Lead Media Sponsor Fox 4.

Our prestigious panel of judges awarded Thistle Lodge the Taste of the Taste and it was a “three-peat” for the The Clam Shack as the People’s Choice award, sponsored by Rosier Insurance. More than 30 tastes – each $6 or less - were offered by the thirteen restaurants.

2019 Winners

Clinic for the Rehabilitation of WildlifePO Box 150Sanibel, FL 33957

Visitor Education Center3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd.Sanibel, FL 33957(239) 472-3644

Open 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

January - April Monday - SaturdayPresentations daily at11:00 am & 2:00 pm

May - July Monday - FridayPresentations daily at 11:00 am & 2:00 pm

August - December Monday - FridayPresentation daily at 11:00 am

We hope to see you at theseupcoming 2020 events!

• Volunteer Appreciation Dinner - March 13• Annual Meeting - March 25• Southern Comfort on Sanibel - April 3• CROW Classic Golf Tourn. - October (TBD)• Taste of the Islands - November 8 (Tentative)

Laughing GullLaughing GullPatient #19-5018Patient #19-5018

Released on Released on SanibelSanibel