Matlacha Hookers getting ready for 11th Annual ‘Island Luau’ event Feb. 26

Outdoor fundraiser to be held at St. James City Civic Center

The Matlacha Hookers 11th Annual “Island Luau” event will be held Sunday, Feb 26, from 1-5 p m , outdoors at the St James City Civic Center in St James City. The rain date is March 5.

The Matlacha Hookers is a 501c3 woman’s charitable non-profit organization The organization has over 200 members from Matlacha and the Greater Pine Island area, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers and Fort Myers

This year the proceeds will be split between the Beacon of Hope and the St James City Civic Center The Beacon is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping the needs of the Greater Pine Island Community The 20+ recipients of Beacon Bites meals cost about $30,000 a year The Beacon also provides transportation to doctor appointments, helps those with financial needs, home repairs and much more

Over the past 10 events, the Matlacha Hookers have raised almost $76,000, and last year the Hookers increased the donation amount to $16,000 for the Beacon

The St James City Civic Association allows members to meet community members with shared interests This facility accommodates various events, groups, clubs and activities Due to Hurricane Ian, the building needs significant repairs to the roof, floors, kitchen and lanai

Join the Hookers for a fun outside afternoon, swaying to live music, and sampling punch, food, wine and beer Get out those tropical shirts, grass skirts, and mu-mu’s and plan to get “leid”!

Your ticket includes live music, exotic island punch, wine, beer tastings, “welcoming leis” and island food for guests Mark Dupuy, a musician who plays steel drums, trumpet, flute, keyboard and guitar, will perform calypso island rock and fun dance music

Guests can also participate in mystery wines, “Classy L a d y B o u t i q u e “ p r e - l o v e d a c c e s s o r i e s , ” M a t l a c h a Hooker merchandise and beautiful Silent Auction items

Tickets are $40 in advance as none will be sold at the event The event has sold out the previous two years, so purchase tickets early They can be purchased at the following local businesses on the island: Beacon of HOPE Thrift Store (Pine Island), Centennial Bank Drive Up (St J a m e s C i t y ) o r y o u c a n f i n d t i c k e t s o n l i n e a t Eventbrite Key Word: Matlacha Hookers Or ask your favorite Hooker Only 250 tickets are available to the public.