Lemon Bay Conservancy, the area’s only land trust, celebrated its annual fundraiser, Toast to the Coast at Palm Island Resort on Thursday, February 26.
Spirits were high in spite of the cool, damp weather as friends and supporters gathered for cocktails, dinner and lively bidding on the silent and live auctions.
All monies raised will go toward Lemon Bay Conservancy’s projects and programs that support our mission,
SEA: Saving land,
Environmental education, and
Advocating for sustainable environmental policies.
This year’s theme, “Hidden Island Treasures” refers not only to the latest LBC project at Hidden Lake on Thornton Key, but also to the Conservancy’s unsung heroes, our volunteers and supporters. Four local residents and their spouses were honored for their outstanding contributions to Lemon Bay Conservancy.
This Year Lemon Bay Conservancy had the pleasure of honoring a few of our loyal supporters
Walter and Jean Meanwell are long-time seasonal residents of Boca Grande and split their time between the island and their home in Madison, Wisconsin. Walter retired from Wells Fargo Securities. Walter has served on the boards of the Barrier Island Parks Society, the Pass Club and the Lemon Bay Conservancy where, since 2008, he has served as Treasurer. Jean is well known for her active participation on many local boards including the Friends of the Boca Grande Community Center and the Boca Grande Garden Club. The Meanwells were instrumental in securing funding for the purchase of Wildflower Preserve.
Loulie Mauran Groton and her husband Cal reside on Boca Grande and spend part of the year in Weekapaug, Rhode Island. She and her daughters founded the Maurania/Rainbow Fund to be able to give back to the community and support causes such as libraries, women’s services, medical research, land trusts, educational institutions, and theater. Loulie is one of the founding members of Lemon Bay Conservancy’s Wildflower Preserve and a committed environmentalist.
After vacationing in Florida for several years, Richard and Carol Flint bought their first Florida home in 1991 and have become increasingly active in Florida conservation matters. In the interest of preserving the natural areas he loves, Richard has contributed an enormous amount of pro bono legal time to various conservation organizations here and in his home state of Minnesota. He is one of the founders of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy. Richard retired from the law firm of Gray Plant Mooty in Minneapolis. Richard and Carol reside at the Placida Harbor Club. Richard was a leader in the efforts to preserve Wildflower from development, and the Flints were among Wildflower’s first donors.
Dean Beckstead and his wife Jamie reside on Palm Island where their focus is preserving the beauty and integrity of the island for future generations to enjoy. To this end, he and his brother Garfield donated the Thornton Key property known as Hidden Lake to the Conservancy to forever preserve and protect its unique habitat. He is an active supporter of Lemon Bay Conservancy’s water quality and fish habitat studies. Dean is co-founder of Charlotte Harbor Land Company and serves as the Chief Executive Officer. Dean and Jamie also spend time at their home in North Dakota where Dean is currently serving on the University of North Dakota Foundation Board.
Where would Lemon Bay Conservancy be without the fantastic Toast Committee? Thank you to all of our supporters!