Lions club president Debi Almeida presents a donation for the Principal Fund to Sanibel School principal Chuck Vilardi
By Shannen Hayes
Special to the Lions Website
The Sanibel Captiva Lions Club recently provided support for the Principal Fund established by the Sanibel School Principal Chuck Vilardi.
” The Principal Fund allows me to recognize our students in various ways for awesome grades, academics and meeting their reading goals,” said Vilardi, who hosts pool parties and barbecues for the students. ” The Lions Club donation is specifically going to allow me to buy bracelets for the kids who earn these awards.”
Vilardi’s goal with the Principal Fund is to build the student’s self-esteem and make many fond memories of their school experience. The fund is additionally used to purchase “pick-me-up” items when a child loses a parent or is diagnosed with a serious illness. He says school is not just about reading, writing science or social studies; it’s about having another person believe in you.
“I’m not just there to celebrate their successes, but when they are down and out,” said Vilardi. ” The Principal Fund promotes a sense of belonging to these children and it’s crucial that students see this school as an extension of their family.”
The students consider Vilardi as their “school dad”, and he takes that responsibility seriously.
‘Our club members are delighted to make this donation, ” said Club President Debi Almeida. “It is important to partner with Principal Vilardi and the Sanibel School to strengthen our future generations.”
Lions clubs are a group of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. The San-Cap Lions are collecting used eyeglasses as part of the Recycle for Sight Program. Specially-marked donation boxes are located throughout Sanibel and Captiva. The annual Arts and Crafts Fair is coming in March, along with a complimentary health screening for diabetes, glaucoma, hearing and vision.
To learn more about the services offered by the club or to get involved, visit sanibelcaptivalions.org.