Pfeifer Realty On-going Community Service

Realtors sell real estate… sounds simple… but it's so much more!

Real estate represents being a part of something bigger, a neighborhood, and a community. On Sanibel and Captiva Islands we have a great community that is not just a series of neighborhoods gated and isolated from other neighborhoods, we are all neighbors here on the islands and it shows anytime you attend a community event.

Non-profits are the "warp" in the loom that holds our community "fabric" together. From F.I.S.H. helping fellow neighbors in need to CROW tending to animals in need, SCCF setting aside valuable conservation lands, the Ding Darling Wildlife Society promoting wildlife education and programs, The Sanibel Historical Village preserving our pioneer history, the Sanibel Sea School actively teaching ecology with hands-on study, and the Sanibel Community House providing a place for us to gather, or the Bailey Matthews Shell Museum educating us on the wonders of the mollusk world, to BIG ARTS providing the islands with cultural programs year-round. We are blessed to have these treasures in our own backyard! Our island community is preserved and enhanced daily by countless hours given in service by the great non-profits here.

Our community is OUTSTANDING because of the efforts of everyone involved in these organizations. Pfeifer Realty Group is proud to support them at every turn. Since opening our real estate brokerage in 2008, our goal was to donate $200,000 in community support. We exceeded that goal on 6-8-2021. Pfeifer Realty Group has donated to local non-profits diligently and after topping our 200K goal in June of 2021, we set our giving goal to $300,000 and achieved this goal on July 25th, 2022! And like the "energizer bunny" we just keep on going. Follow along below as we continue to celebrate and support the many organizations that make Southwest Florida so special.

As of April 22, 2025, Pfeifer's Non-Profit Donations Now Total $422,175:

Beer in the Bushes Sponsorship Benefiting SCCF $$1,375, April 19th, 2025
Cause for Conservation Pledge Benefiting SCCF $1,000, March 2025
Cause for Conservation Benefiting SCCF $500 March 8th, 2025
Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum 2025 Supporter $1,500 February 2025
F.I.S.H. Friends in Service Here 2025 Gala Supporter and Eric Pfeifer as Emcee $1,000
Sanibel Community House 2025 Gala Supporter $350 February 2025
CFI's 2025 Volunteer EXPO Presenting Sponsor $15,000 January 2025
Ding Darling 2024 Tarpon Tournament Gold Sponsor $1,000
Porch & Patio 5 Concert Happy Hour Series 24/25 Season $5,000
Catch-A-Lift Foundation $2,000
Sanibel School Fund 2024 Supporter $1,500
United Way of Lee County 2024 Support $1,000
F.I.S.H. Friends in Service Here 2024 Gala Supporter and Eric Pfeifer as Emcee $5,000
Beer in the Bushes 2024 Supporter to Benefit SCCF's Conservation Efforts $800
Go FISH 2024 Gala Support $350
Kiwanis 2024 Spaghetti Dinner Sponsor & Kiwanis Golf Tournament Sponsor $3,800
Community Housing Resources 2024 Gala for Below Market Rate Housing $2,500
Gold Sponsor Sanibel Captiva Islands Association of Realtors 2024 Officer Installation Dinner $900
SCCF's 2024 Cause for the Campus Presenting Sponsor for the Sanibel Sea School $15,000
47th Annual Patty Berg Pro-Am Invitational Hole-in-One Sponsor $1,000
Bailey Matthew's National Shell Museum and Mollusk Aquarium 2024 Support $1,000
Sanibel Historical Village and Museum 2024 Gala Supporter $2,500
Canterbury School Extravaganza Sponsor 2023 - $3,000 Donation from Wendy Kirschner & Eric Pfeifer
SCCF Pfeifer Fellowship - 3rd Year Supporting Water Quality Research $10,000
SCCF Wines in the Wild $600 & Mangrove Restoration $1,000
F.I.S.H. 10K Music Festival - $250
Coastal Watch Fundraiser - $300
SCCF Sea Turtle Program Donation in Memory of Carol Strange and her lifelong love of Sanibel
F.I.S.H 10k Run 2023 Sponsorship - $5,000
Captiva Civic Association Porch & Patio Music & Socials Sponsorship for 23/24 Season - $5,000
Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum Still Standing with Kevin Nealon Fundraiser - $2,500
Pfeifer's Flash Mob Friday Clean-up - Giving the Gift of our Team's Time

F.I.S.H. Support $10,000 After Hurricane Ian 2023 Donation
United Way of Lee County - $500
Sanibel School Fund $1,000 Gold Classic Golf Tournament 2023
F.I.S.H. - $350
Sam Bailey's 2023 Islands Night - $500
BIG ARTS - $250
F.I.S.H. of Sanibel & Captiva Food Pantry, 2 Cases of "Go Green" Reusable Bags
SCCF Native Landscapes and Garden Center - $500
Friends of Bailey's Waterline Wine Auction - $3,000 Post-Ian Support for Bailey's General Store
Community Housing Resources - $2,500 for post Ian rebuilds.
Sanibel Captiva Kiwanis Club - $1,000 for Youth Scholarships
Still Standing Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum 2023 Gala with Kevin Nealon - $8,000 sponsorship
Catch A Lift Chris Coffland Memorial Fund 2023 - Supporting Gym Memberships for Wounded Veterans - $500
Captiva Civic Association Porch & Patio Music & Socials Sponsorship for 22/23 Season - $2,500
FISH 10K Run Marathon Sponsor - $1,000
2022 Optimist Road Rally Sponsor 4th of July
VHS Girls Golf Tournament Sponsorship 4-19-22 $1,500
Beer in the Bushes 2022 Honorary Sponsor
CHR Community Housing Resources of Sanibel $700 for Eric Pfeifer to be Mud Bugs Guest Bartender
Community Housing Resources of Sanibel, $2,000 Manatee Madness Purchase of Lacy McClary's "Psychedelic Serenia"
Kiwanis Golf Tournament: King of the Rock, Crush it for the Kids - $2,500 Sponsorship
Community Cooperative Soup Kitchen: Sam Galloway Soup Kitchen - $1,000 Donation
Kiwanis Club of Sanibel & Captiva Islands - $1,000 Silver Sponsor of their 2022 Auction (Replacing Annual Spaghetti Dinner)
Bailey Matthews Night at the Museum Paddle Raiser Donation $1,000 February 12th 2022
United Way Fun-Raiser Day at the Sanibel Community House, February 9, 2022 - $500
Cheers to 95 Years - January 2022 Celebrating the Sanibel Community House and Association - $5,000
Live from Sanibel "It's Saturday Night" Supporter - Kevin Nealon live at the Sanibel Shell Museum - $2,500
Go FISH Gala 2022 Red Fish Sponsor - $3,000
Pfeifer Fellowship - $20,000 Donated towards 5-Year 50K Grant Commitment to SCCF & UF Water Research (22, 23, 24, 25 & 2026)
Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum - 2021 Night at the Museum - $1,500
Manatee Madness Sponsor 2021-2022 - Benefiting CHR - $5,000
Canterbury School ExtravaCANza Sponsor Oct. 2021 - $2,000
February 22nd, 2022 Sanibel Historical Museum Gala Gold Sponsor - $2,000
Sept. 24th, 2021 Bricks & Sticks Golf Tournament Sponsor
March 2022 Play for Pink Helicopter Ball Drop Sponsorship - $2,000
6-2-21 Sam Bailey's Islands Night 2021 Sponsorship
5-15-21 & 6-6-21 Gifts in Kind to help SCCF acquire 5 Parcels of Conservation Land
2-6-2021 Pfeifer Realty Group is a Red Fish Level Sponsor for F.I.S.H. of Sanibel & Captiva's Annual "Go Fish" Virtual Gala.
2-1-2021 Pfeifer Realty Group is honored to sponsor the Sanibel Captiva Rotary Club Golf Tournament to be held at the Sanibel Golf Club on February 13, 2021. Rotary International founded in 1905 adheres to the motto "Service above self and one profits most who serves best.
1-27-2021 Pfeifer Realty Group is proud to be the Putting Green Sponsor of the Play for PINK Golf Tournament to be held at the Dunes Golf and Tennis Club. The event will be held on March 27, 2021. Play for PINK supports Breast Cancer Research.
11-17-2020 Pfeifer Realty Group donates to both SCCF's Annual Fund Drive and New Land Campaign to acquire an environmentally valuable parcel on Sanibel that will enhance the island's wildlife corridor.
3-27-2021 Pfeifer Realty Group is a Producing Sponsor for BIG ARTS 2021 Annual Benefit
12-1-2020 thru 3-31-2021 Pfeifer Realty Group is proud to sponsor Manatee Madness to benefit Community Housing Resources
11-1-2020 Pfeifer Realty Group is proud to sponsor CROW's Taste of the Islands Reimagined.
10-24-2020 Pfeifer Realty Group is a proud sponsor of the Kiwanis "Crush it for the Kids" Golf Tournament for the third year in a row.
3-27-2020 Pfeifer Realty Group is a Producing Sponsor for BIG ARTS 2020 Annual Benefit
3-20-2020 Pfeifer Pledges Defender level sponsorship for Ding Darling's Evening with Michael Grunwald
3-10-2020 Pfeifer Pledges Gold level sponsorship for Ding Darling's Project Refuge
2-8-2020 Pfeifer Supports CHR's Marid Gras
2-5-20 Pfeifer Supports Zonta's Peek at the Unique Home Tour
2-3-20 Pfeifer Pledges Support for FISH GALA as a Gold Sponsor
1-20-20 Pfeifer Awarded the Sanibel Community Service Award for the 7th Year!
11-25-19 Pfeifer supports The Florida Economic Council
9-20-19 Pfeifer supports the Kiwanis 2nd Annual President's Cup Golf Tournament
5-3-19 Eric and Mary Ellen Pfeifer support SCCF's Wildlife Habitat Management Program
2-14-19 Pfeifer supports the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.
2-1-19 Pfeifer supports Ding Darling Wildlife Society's Woodring Exhibit
1-15-19 Eric Pfeifer appointed to the Sanibel Planning Commission by Sanibel City Council
10-31-18 Eric Pfeifer is a Celebrity Contestant for CHR's Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest, yes it's a Drag Queen Contest, Eric said yes he would help before he knew the details.
8-1-2018 Eric Pfeifer sponsors and helps plan Captains for Clean Water 1st Annual Golf Tournament at the Dunes Golf Course.
3-27-2018 Pfeifer Realty Group Sponsors the Gavin-Walker Legacy Documentary A Century of Sanibel's Black History.
3-4-2018 Eric Pfeifer Sponsors Go Fish and is their Live Auctioneer benefiting F.I.S.H. of Sanibel & Captiva.
2-23-2018 Pfeifer Realty Sponsors BIG ARTS Concert: Darlene Love "You Gotta Have Love"
2-3-2018 Eric Pfeifer is the Live Auctioneer for Under The Sea Benefiting the Shell Museum.
1-30-2018 Pfeifer releases their 5th and final Documentary: Postcards and Photos from Sanibel The Sequel

6-1-2017 Pfeifer Vintage Photo Collection begins and the Sanibel Public Library.
6-8-2017 Pfeifer Sponsors FISH 10K Run
3-20-2017 Pfeifer Supports Community House with 4th Documentary Postcards and Photos from Sanibel.

4-20-2016 Pfeifer Named Sanibel Captiva Citizen of the Year
2-15-2016 Pfeifer Realty Sponsors 3rd Historical Documentary Sanibel Before the Causeway

1-9-2016 Pfeifer Named Sanibel Captiva Realtor of Year
11-4-2015 Pfeifer Named President of the Sanibel Captiva Kiwanis Club.
10-10-2015 Pfeifer Agents Help Habitat for Humanity
10-10-2014 Pfeifer agents helped build a house for Habitat for Humanity.

Eric Pfeifer's Community Service From 2001 to 2014:

12-15-2014: Pfeifer's 2nd Film in Documentary Series: "7 Sanibel Artists"

The second film in the Pfeifer Documentary Series is now underway: "7 Sanibel Artists". Solely sponsored by Pfeifer Realty Group, each documentary is created by 7 time Emmy award-winning filmmaker David Carter. The film's premiere on March 5th, 2015 was accompanied by an art auction that raised more than $20,000 for island nonprofits. Each of the seven artists featured donated a piece of their art that was auctioned online. The highest bidder and winner of the auction designated where their bid amount was donated.

Sanibel & Captiva non-profits we support include:

The artists featured included:

Jim Sprankle - Wood Carvings specializing in Birds of Sanibel & Captiva
Myra Roberts - Painter Retro and Historical Works
Pam Boynton - Sailor's Valentine
Charlie Brown - Japanese Fish Painting Technique
David Ruhe - Oil on Canvas Dreamlike Realism
Katie Gardenia - Fabric and Mixed Media - Creator of the Bubble Room
Luc Century - Glass Etching - Vietnam Wall Memorial

12-3-2014: Pfeifer Guest Bartender - Realtors for a Cause: Eric Pfeifer joined several well-known Fort Myers Brokers and Realtors as a guest bartender on December 3rd at World of Beer at Bell Tower. All money raised by the Celebrity Bartenders in tips and sponsorships benefited "Brides Against Breast Cancer".

10-2-2013: Pfeifer Realty Creates Serving Sanibel LLC: Serving Sanibel was created by Pfeifer Realty Group as the Charitable Arm of this Sanibel Brokerage. Having launched the 100% Pure Sanibel Island Tee Shirt Campaign in 2011, and the Documentary Series in 2012 produced by Emmy Award-Winning David Carter, Pfeifer has been involved in giving back to Sanibel Island nonprofit organizations for years. Serving Sanibel LLC is making it easier for us to reach out to community members and visitors and help them join us in supporting many worthy Sanibel and Captiva causes. One tee shirt, one puzzle, one documentary, or art canvas at a time, it all adds up to Community Support.

6-10-2013: Pfeifer Sponsors Sanibel Documentary and Art Auction Benefiting Non-Profits:

Emmy Award-Winning Film Maker David Carter to Produce Documentary Titled Growing Up on Sanibel Island

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to grow up on Sanibel Island? Soon, a documentary on that very topic will begin production, which will have its premiere at BIG Arts on April 10, 2014.

The film will be produced by long-time Sanibel resident David E. Carter, who has won 7 Emmy Awards. His most recent work, titled “Dear Baseball: I Love You,” was also produced on Sanibel. That film was honored by the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. His earlier documentary for CROW was also nominated for an Emmy Award.

Growing Up on Sanibel will feature multiple generations of people who grew up on Sanibel. The film will feature some long–time Sanibel residents who either grew up here or who moved here in their early adult years, who and who raised families here. An additional focus will be on adults who grew up here and will take a nostalgic look back at their experience growing up here. Finally, current “Sanibel kids” will be featured, with glimpses into their island lives.

Sponsored by Pfeifer Realty Group, the documentary film premiered at BIG ARTS on April 10th, 2014. For more information, event registration, and casting, visit the Sanibel Stories Website.

The Sanibel Stories DVD also correlates to a series of Canvas works of art titled "Sanibel is..." that will be auctioned the night of the DVD premiere at Big Arts on April 10th. All proceeds of the 10 final works of art will benefit the nonprofit organizations on Sanibel that maintain and preserve the island.

3-8-2013: Eric Pfeifer Earns 2012 Sanibel Community Service Award 4th Year Straight: For the fourth year in a row, Eric Pfeifer, Broker of Pfeifer Realty Group was selected to receive the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Association of Realtors’ Community Service Award by fellow Honor Society Realtors and Brokers here on the islands.

Each year this award is presented to the Agent or Broker who actively volunteers their time and talents in many areas throughout the island community. Pfeifer’s dedication and commitment to Sanibel’s youth sports programs have benefited children throughout our community for many years. In 2003, Pfeifer started Sanibel’s first NFL Youth Flag Football League and he continues to coach and organize this sport today. After 10 years of coaching youth softball and baseball, Pfeifer took over as the Commissioner of Sanibel’s Little League program in 2009. In 2011 Eric donated his time and energy as a performer in "Dancing with the Island Stars" to benefit the Sanibel Community House. Pfeifer remains an active Board Member of the Sanibel Captiva Kiwanis Club, and the Shell Harbor Home Owners Association. Eric acted as the Guinness Book of World Records Grand Marshall helping to promote Shellabration and organize the Guinness Book of World Records "Sanibel Stoop" to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Shell Fair.

Pfeifer will continue his support of the islands with the launch of his 2013-2014 Documentary Titled "Growing Up on Sanibel" which correlates with an Ads as Art Campaign titled: "Sanibel is..." a 10-month advertising campaign that builds awareness of why we love Sanibel. Each Ad as Art one-of-a-kind canvas will be auctioned and all proceeds will benefit the island nonprofit organizations that support conservation and preservation.

2-2-2012: Pfeifer Leads Sanibel Stoop Guiness Book of World Records: Eric Pfeifer will lead a world record-breaking amount of Sanibel shellers as they attempt to set a Guinness Book of World Records for the most shellers doing the Sanibel Stoop at the same time. Sound silly? Well, it is. To set the world record, shellers gathered at Bowman's Beach donning the official Sanibel Stoop Tee Shirt, and on Pfeifer's cue, they all began searching for shells and doing the stoop. A helicopter flew overtaking several photos to get an official count for the record books. It was a crazy silly sight indeed! Drill Sargent, Pfeifer kept the orders coming as the helicopter circled overhead. The record books know how many people were doing the Sanibel Stoop, but how many shells were found that day?

1-10-2012: Pfeifer Earns 2011 Community Service Award - Third Year: For the third year in a row, Eric Pfeifer, Broker of Pfeifer Realty Group was selected to receive the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Association of Realtors’ Community Service Award by fellow Honor Society Realtors and Brokers here on the islands. Each year this award is presented to the Agent or Broker who actively volunteers their time and talents in many areas throughout the island community. Pfeifer’s dedication and commitment to Sanibel’s youth sports programs have benefited children throughout our community for many years. In 2003, Pfeifer started Sanibel’s first NFL Youth Flag Football League and he continues to coach and organize this sport today. After 10 years of coaching youth softball and baseball, Pfeifer took over as the Commissioner of Sanibel’s Little League program in 2009. In 2011 Eric donated his time and energy as a performer in "Dancing with the Island Stars" to benefit the Sanibel Community House. Pfeifer remains an active Board Member of the Sanibel Captiva Kiwanis Club, and the Shell Harbor Home Owners Association. This year, Eric helped to promote Shellabration and organize the Guinness Book of World Records "Sanibel Stoop" to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Shell Fair.

12-24-2011: Christmas Eve Service at Lighthouse Beach: Since 2004, Eric has spent Christmas Eve on Lighthouse Beach with extension cords, speakers, keyboard, tables, and more to make sure that at dusk on the night before Christmas hundreds of residents and visitors will enjoy a tradition that truly celebrates the season "Island Style" The preparation begins around 3 pm and ends well after dark as equipment must be removed from the beach, cleaned and stored for next year. "My family has learned that Christmas Eve dinner needs to be easy to make and eat on the run as I am not home most of the evening. The best perk is that I can set up 3 chairs upfront for my family to enjoy the service since they don't see much of me on Christmas Eve.

The Christmas Eve service on the beach is held by the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ and is open to all denominations. It is a lesson in carols and enjoyed by all ages. Bring your family and some beach chairs and start an island-style Christmas Tradition.

11-1-2011: Pfeifer Starts 100% PURE Sanibel Island - Donation Campaign: Give the gift that gives back! 100% PURE SANIBEL ISLAND Tees are Sanibel's souvenir that allows you to designate the recipient of your donation! PURE SANIBEL shirts are ONLY available at Pfeifer Realty Group! Stop by our Sanibel office located at 1630 Periwinkle Way, or give us a call. With every shirt purchased, a $10 donation is made to the charity of your choice. By January 1st, 2014 we raised $2800.00 for local charities, one shirt at a time! Stop by… the tradition continues.

3-28-2011: Pfeifer Family Hosts Open House for Bailey Homestead Acquisition: SCCF's Honoring the Past - Protecting the Future Campaign is working to acquire the 28 plus acres of the Bailey homestead to set aside in preservation. Eric, Mary Ellen, Darby and John Pfeifer enjoyed hosing an open house for friends and neighbors to learn more about this worthy campaign from SCCF Director Erick Lindblad, and Board Members Cheryl Giatinni and Paul Roth. Their open house raised more than $14,000 to help meet the goal.

1-15-2011: Pfeifer Awarded 2010 Sanibel Community Service Award: For the second year in a row, Eric Pfeifer, Broker of Pfeifer Realty Group was selected to receive the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Association of Realtors’ Community Service Award by fellow Honor Society Realtors and Brokers. Each year this award is presented to the Agent or Broker who actively volunteers their time and talents in many areas throughout the island community. Pfeifer’s dedication and commitment to Sanibel’s youth sports programs has benefited children throughout our community for many years. In 2003, Pfeifer started Sanibel’s first NFL Youth Flag Football League and he continues to coach and organize this sport today. After 10 years of coaching youth softball and baseball, Pfeifer took over as the Commissioner of Sanibel’s Little League program in 2009. Most recently Eric donated his time and energy as a performer in Dancing with the Island Stars to benefit the Sanibel Community House. Pfeifer remains an active Board Member of the Sanibel Captiva Kiwanis Club, and the Shell Harbor Home Owners Association.

1-22-2010: Eric Pfeifer Competes in Dancing with The Island Stars: Eric Pfeifer will be one of 5 Sanibel celebrity dancers to compete in this year's Dancing with the Sanibel Stars to raise money for the Sanibel Community House. Contestants undergo extensive training with professional dancers at Fred Astaire Studios to learn a competitive routine. Dancers are judged based on crowd favorite, and money raised. Good luck and thanks to all the dancers who have given up hours of time to support the Sanibel Community House.

1-15-2010: Eric Pfeifer Receives 2009 Sanibel Community Service Award: Eric Pfeifer, Broker, and Owner of Pfeifer Realty Group received the 2009 Community Service Award given by fellow Honor Society Realtors and Brokers of the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Association of Realtors. The award is presented annually to a Realtor or Broker who exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism throughout the island community.

10-18-2009: Sand Bars to Sanibel Premiere - Starring Mary Ellen Pfeifer: When Deb Gleason, an avid Historian for Sanibel's Historical Museum and fellow Realtor asks what you are doing next Tuesday afternoon, be careful how you answer her. When asked this very question, Mary Ellen Pfeifer didn't realize exactly what she was getting herself into when she did. Her long hair was ideally suited for the part, a film inspired by Sanibel pioneers.

What began as a single afternoon commitment evolved into several days of filming at the Rutledge Home in the Village, the Old Post Office in the Village, to the Sanibel Lighthouse, the causeway islands, the east end beaches, and the famous Bailey Mules that are brought down for the 4th of July parade every year.

The fictional narrative, “Sandbars to Sanibel” stars 49 of Sanibel and Captiva’s local residents. “Sandbars” a 30-minute film, showcases the pioneers and buildings of old Sanibel in the 1920’s. Filmmaker Rusty Farst takes viewers thru a few days in the lives of early pioneers. A special introduction by Sanibel Son and Island Pioneer Sam Bailey brings the film to life. "Having Mr. Bailey there on-site most days during filming was a special treat that I will remember and cherish. He loved to correct us set us straight and let us know how things really were. His stories were endless and always worth stopping and listening to. Sanibel history truly would come alive when Sam spoke about his days growing up, exploring, living, and working here." said Pfeifer.

Sand Bars to Sanibel premiered at 1:00 pm on Sunday, October 18th, 2009 at the Sanibel Island Cinema and again at BIG ARTS.

12-7-2008: Dick Muench "The Commish" to Retire Little League - Eric Pfeifer To Lead Sanibel Little League: The Sanibel Community House filled with Islanders gathered to honor the thirty-five years of generous service to the Sanibel Little League Program by Dick Muench. Current Sanibel Mayor Mick Denim, Former Sanibel Mayor Marty Harrity, current Major League & and former little league ballplayer Johnny Tellasano, Major League Pitcher and Master Carver Jim Sprankle, Glass Artist and local philanthropist Luc Century, Textile Printer Mary Irving, Film Producer Rusty Farst, and the new head of the Sanibel’s Little League Program Eric Pfeifer all joined their talents and time to roast and honor the retiring "Commish”.

Dick Muench inspired children with a love of the game and always a lesson in discipline, character, and manners. “Tuck in your shirt”…” I didn’t hear a please when you ordered that”, “Get off my fence”, “Get back in the dugout”, “ Turn that hat around”, “Get that dog off my field”, …..” Now PLAY BALL”. Muench embodies the Sanibel spirit of community and involvement. The island is a better place for all because of the efforts of one. Dick Muench we all thank you! Eric Pfeifer, you have some big shoes to fill!

3-1-2007: Pfeifer Helps Sanibel Sea School Octifest Fund Raiser: Newly formed, the Sanibel Sea School finds a way to tuck a great fundraiser into the already packed social calendar for Sanibel philanthropists. Mary Ellen Pfeifer enjoys being a part of the first planning year for the Sanibel Sea School as they create and bring to life Octifest. The Sanibel Sea School is a hands-on lesson on ocean ecology, and island marine studies in a field trip style setting. Director Dr. Bruce Neill enjoys sharing his love and knowledge of Marine Biology with all students young and old.

"As part of the fundraising committee, we had a great time finding the right theme and marketing the concept to build awareness of the Sanibel Sea School. I thought that involving a scavenger hunt built around Island history and nature would be a creative way to promote the event," said Pfeifer. For 8 weeks representing the 8 arms of an Octopus, a clue was published in the Island Sun that would lead to a physical clue in on the island. The first person to find the clue won a Luc Century etched vase with an octopus on it. It was a huge success with islanders of all ages waiting for the paper to go hunting for a clue hidden somewhere on the island or the surrounding waters. Yes, some clues were offshore underwater. Great fun, fabulous event, worthy cause. The Sanibel Sea School, where every day is a field trip.

2-02-2007: Pfeifer Brings Tampa Bay Buc's Running Back Earnest Graham to Trophy Night: Trophy Night for Sanibel’s youth Flag Football League ended with a grand surprise. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Running Back Earnest Graham stopped by the football fields to pass out the trophies and sign autographs. Earnest spoke to almost every player and parent for over an hour as 115 excited young football players waited to greet him. Graham is from Ft. Myers and played for the Florida Gators before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Most recently he is launching the Earnest Graham Foundation which is dedicated to helping children find their talents and develop their confidence and respect of self and others they reach for and achieve new goals. Sanibel’s Youth Flag Football League was started in 2003 by Eric Pfeifer. This is a coed sport for ages 6 to 14. For more details about the league visit www.sanibelflagfootball.com.

12-01-2003: Eric Pfeifer Starts Sanibel's NFL Youth Flag Football League: Growing up with a love of sports and in a family of 4 boys, Eric Pfeifer started Sanibel's NFL Flag Football League to allow Sanibel Island Kids to learn the fundamentals of Football in a friendly community environment. Sanibel Flag Football is a co-ed league ages 6 to 14 years old with a desire to play flag football on Friday nights at the Sanibel School fields under the lights. Parents are encouraged to be involved from coaching to concessions to referees.

6-14-2001: Mary Ellen Pfeifer Joins Children's Education Center of the Island Board: Prior to moving from Baltimore to their new Sanibel Island home, Mary Ellen Pfeifer fills the CECI Board position as Fund Raising Director for the Sanibel's Children's Center of the Islands. "Both of our children will be attending the school this year and I am excited to help in any way I can. We just recently held a fundraiser at our home in Baltimore for a friend who lost a battle with Melanoma and I felt that I could be helpful having learned so much in the process." The Children's Education Center of the Islands is a parent-run pre-school ages 2 to 5 located on Casa Ybel Road. Director Susan Peck has created a loving environment that fosters learning and playing in a safe tropical setting.