Introducing one of the most intriguing and unique fundraisers of the current season. The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva invites you to help them empower women by taking part in “Peek at the Unique 2021 Repurposed,” a one-time event that replaces the club’s traditional, three-hour tour of island homes.
Working within COVID-19 guidelines, the club has designed an event featuring a virtual auction of re-imagined furniture and décor and new art donated by local artists, plus a rare opportunity to have your valuables informally appraised by local experts.
Painted chair by interior designer Marla Manning
The online auction begins March 1. Click here to view the Auction Digital Catalog and peruse the 30-plus items available. You’ll find a giclée titled “Jump for Joy” from the estate of beloved artist Ikki Matsumoto. You’ll see a wrapped canvas print titled “Nesting Cormorants,” the cover of last year’s “Peek at the Unique” program, by wildlife photographers Dick Fortune and Sara Lopez. You’ll want to bid on the hand hooked pillow from the renowned Katie Gardenia; and discover many other repurposed and unique items from talented local artists.
The auction runs March 1-10, and those with winning bids may pay securely online and pick up purchases on Saturday, March 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Sanibel Community House.
On the same day, March 13, plan to visit the new Blue Giraffe location in Beachview Estates (at the Sanibel Island Golf Club, 1100 Par View Drive). For your $100 donation, receive an in-person, 15-minute session with either Carlos Fernandez of Sanibel’s Congress Jewelers or H. Peter Curran, an expert in antiques.
Mr. Curran, a member of Appraisers Association of America, has extensive experience appraising American and European paintings, prints, silver and furniture from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. He toured for six years with Antiques Roadshow, worked behind the scenes for one year, pre-screening material. Mr. Fernandez, with Congress since 1998, is a diamond graduate of the Gemological Institute of America with over 30 years’ experience, specializing in antique and vintage jewelry, watches and signed period pieces. And while these appraisals will not be certified, both experts will offer a discount should participants need a formal appraisal later.
Reservations for both types of appraisal, with 15-minute sessions from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for up to three items, are now open and can be booked by clicking here. As always, all proceeds will be awarded in grants to organizations whose mission of empowerment mirrors Zonta’s own. Since 2002, the “Peek” home tour has enabled Zonta to distribute over $1million in grants to area non-profits.
“Zonta has enjoyed fabulous community support for the past two decades,” said fundraising chair Judy Langley, “and we hope this repurposed event will keep ‘Peek’ interest alive during challenging times. We remain hopeful that in future we will be able to return to the familiar home tour.”
Visit ZontaSanCap.org for more information about the club, the “Peek Repurposed,” and to donate.
