Matlacha Hookers — serving the islands for 25 years

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

DJ Ruscik is the Matlacha Hookers Madame; a job she does proudly This year, the volunteer organization will celebrate 25 years of serving Matlacha, Pine Island and surrounding areas

Over the past two and a half decades, Ruscik said, the Hookers have accumulated quite a history book, demonstrated on record in various laptops and accounts

“It’s hard to come up with an exact number, but, before this year, we’ve already put $227,000 in scholarships back into the community,” Ruscik said

Taking into account every fundraiser, derby, luau and donation, Ruscik estimates well over a million dollars having come through the Matlacha Hookers back to the island Although it would be difficult to pinpoint an exact duty for the organization, Ruscik said the best way to say it is that their mission statement is to make a positive difference and take care of what’s in their own backyard

“How do we do that? We are the largest supporter of our island food pantry We support education, through our elementary school and scholarships for higher education We support senior services on the island through the Beacon We have an outreach program to help individuals and families in need and we help other organizations achieve their goals,” Ruscik said

In addition to leaving fingerprints all over the island in service to others, the Matlacha Hookers organization remains a member in good standing with the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce The Hookers also host a quarterly blood drive, which is coming up Saturday, May 6, at Miceli’s Restaurant in Matlacha There is not a busi-

See MATLACHA HOOKERS, page 10