As hundreds in Southwest Florida known as “Peekers” are aware, the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva is renowned for its annual home tour, “Peek at the Unique.” A celebrated day out each March, the event raises essential funds to support area non-profits whose work seeks to empower women and girls. Since 2002, the “Peek” has brought in more money every year, culminating in proceeds of over $140,000 from the 2019 event, awarded in grants in January, 2020.
Last March, due to challenges and uncertainty about the coronavirus, which quickly grew into a pandemic, Zonta was obliged to cancel the 19th annual “Peek” just days before it was to take place. Though disappointed, generous sponsors and ticket-buyers allowed Zonta to keep their donations, ensuring that there would be funds for grant awards this January.
Meanwhile, how to adjust plans for the 2021 “Peek”? With CDC recommendations doing away with the traditional guided tour involving luxury buses to convey guests to four distinct island homes, a creative team is working on a “Peek Repurposed.”
“We remain hopeful that Zonta will return to the traditional guided tour for 2022,” said fundraising co-chair Judy Langley. “Until then, we want to ensure that we keep ‘Peek’ interest alive and provide a unique experience that will offer islanders and visitors the opportunity to support Zonta’s work.”
Current Zonta Co-President Joyce Ross, a bus guide for the 2019 Peek at the Unique, looks forward to the return of the traditional tour.
Based at the Sanibel Community Church and set for Saturday, March 13, the pandemic-observant event will take place largely online. It will feature a virtual auction of an eclectic and exciting exhibit of re-imagined and traditional furniture and artworks from local artists; socially-distanced, in-person appointments with local experts for informal appraisals on antiques, jewelry, collectibles, and more in the style of “Antiques Roadshow”; and opportunities to win prizes.
As always, all proceeds will be awarded in grants to organizations whose mission of empowerment mirrors Zonta’s own. For the upcoming grant awards, 17 organizations have submitted applications and the process of evaluating them and making recommendations now rests with a hard-working committee.
For information on all Zonta’s projects, including the “Peek Repurposed,” service and advocacy activities, or to donate, visit www.ZontaSanCap.com. Follow Zonta Sanibel-Captiva on Facebook and “like” Zonta Sanibel-Captiva (@zontasancap) on Instagram.
