Volunteer Directory

Arts & Culture, Attractions and Event OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

CAPE ST GEORGE LIGHT, KEEPER’S MUSEUM & GIFT SHOP (year round)

The Cape St George Lighthouse and Museum seeks volunteers to serve as docents to provide guided tours of the historic displays that tell the story of our lighthouse and its keepers. The Gift Shop offers lighthouse memorabilia, jewelry and other merchandise by local artisans, children’s items, and collectables unique to the coast. This iconic attraction is open every day except Thursday. Time required: docents typically work half day shifts on days they choose. The Lighthouse practices health safety measures, such as mask wearing and social distancing, for visitors and staff. Undergoing a major restoration of the facility this year, the Lighthouse Association is engaged in a key fundraising campaign

to pay for needed improvements and sustainability protections.

The Lighthouse Park, which surrounds the lighthouse facility and is county-owned, includes recreational facilities and restrooms and serves as a central gathering area for island tourists and Residents alike.

Contact Amy Hodson to volunteer at [email protected] and visit www.stgeorgelight.org for more information.

Forgotten Coast En Plein Air (early Spring event )

The Forgotten Coast Cultural Coalition is a regional nonprofit 501c3 in its 16th year of producing Forgotten Coast En Plein Air bringing internationally acclaimed artists and visitors to our area to document the people, places, history, and natural beauty of our coastal communities, from Carrabelle to St. George Island to Mexico Beach. Along with spreading the word about the beauty and heritage of our area, the underlying mission is to build relationships between people though volunteerism, strengthening the resiliency of all our communities in times of disaster and need. St. George Island will host demos and the popular QuickDraw event this year along with demos and artists painting all along the coast. Student Art Day, Plein Church, and Art Collector gatherings highlight the week, with new paintings hanging daily for sale at the WetRoom, which alternates between Apalachicola and Port St. Joe each year. 50% of the proceeds from painting sales stay in our area, to support local art education, outreach, and economic development. Volunteers are welcomed in all areas. Contact [email protected] or Susan Bassett at (850) 323-0092.

HISTORICAL FACILITIES – Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The State Park system offers volunteer opportunities at its two

Apalachicola parks: Orman House, a stately antebellum home with

botanical garden overlooking the Apalachicola River, and the historic John Gorrie Museum Grounds. Volunteering as docents or greeters

can select hours of service. Masks are required inside buildings.

Contact Melody Brennan at the SGI Ranger Station at 850-927-2111 or by email at [email protected]

ROCK BY THE SEA (Spring event)

Rock by the Sea is a nonprofit charity that raises funds through its unique combination of bringing live music and joy to the area. Its key events are the four night music festival in May, accompanied by the Rock by the Tee Golf Tournament, and Write by the Sea—a week-long musicians’ retreat culminating in a performance of music created during the retreat. Rock by the Sea sponsors are making plans to bring multiple smaller events to the area. To accommodate health conditions, managers have scaled back the size of the events, focused on open air venues, and encouraged appropriate social distancing and mask wearing. Since its inception 15 years ago, Rock by the Sea has donated more than $800,000 to its designated charities. The major charity is Pediatric Brain Cancer/Cancer Research, but the focus of Rock by the Sea has expanded to the include creation of the program “Music as a Secon Language,” the Summer Reading Program at the Franklin County Public Library, and other local entities. Time required depends on event and tasks. Rock by the Sea has a volunteer Board of Directors and NO paid employees. To learn more, check out the website: www.rockbythesea.org

CHILI COOKOFF – SGI Volunteer Fire Department & Emergency Responders – This annual major island attraction for visitors and islanders is scaled back this year. However, more than ever, community Volunteers can help by providing desirable and quality items for the ONLINE Auction. As the most profitable element in this critical fundraiser for the Fire Department, the ONLINE Auction can help overcome the losses in other revenues. Volunteers and local merchants can contribute moderate and big ticket items by contacting [email protected]. The Red Pepper 5K & One Mile Fun Run and the Chili Cook Off Golf Tournament will continue as scheduled. The Big Chili Sale will include to-go food sold in the Lighthouse Parking Lot. See St George Island Chili Cook-off - Florida’s Forgotten Coast.

SGI PAINT OUT (late Spring event)

The SGI Paint Out, a non-profit 501 C (3) organization, promotes art and businesses in Franklin County with the goal to make the beautiful “Old Florida” of the Forgotten Coast a premier art destination. During the week of May 1-7, 2021, the Paint Out will feature sixteen acclaimed artists painting outdoors in the four scheduled community areas of Apalachicola, Carrabelle, Eastpoint, and St George Island. The organization needs volunteers to “sit” with paintings on display in the “Wet Room Gallery,” and to distribute literature on the invited artists and Paint Out events, which include workshops, wine tasting and this year’s “Pat Gore Memorial Quick Draw” on Sunday, May 2. Time required: few hour shifts during event. Covid guidelines—wearing masks, using hand sanitizers, and practicing social distancing—will be observed. Contact: Valerie Williams (931)580-8110 or www.sgipaintout.com

SGI BREWFEST – Franklin County Humane Society (Date to be determined)

This major fundraising event focuses on bringing together local, regional, and national breweries to create the largest event of its type in the area. The event will be scaled down as the national breweries are not able to join us during the pandemic. Time required: few hours commitment day of event. All proceeds benefit homeless dogs and cats of Franklin County. Tickets & information available at www.sgibrewfest.com.

Pink Out – Franklin Needs, Inc

This annual event is held in October, the Friday of Columbus Day Weekend, on the island at Paddy’s Raw Bar on the bay. It raises funds through a silent auction, live auction, raffles, live music, food and fun for the non-profit Franklin Needs, Inc. This organization provides funds for free mammograms and certain medical expenses experienced by under-insured and uninsured Franklin County residents. Volunteers can assist with set up etc. on the day of the event. Contact: Sheryl at [email protected]

SGI LIGHTING OF THE PALMS & CHRISTMAS GOLF CART PARADE – SGI Civic Club and SGI Business Association (early December)

Weeks of decorating by volunteers lead up to the lighting of the palm trees that line the entrance to the island on Franklin Drive, culminating at the iconic SGI Lighthouse. Here Santa’s helpers deliver toys, treats, and hot dog dinners, and guide a walk down Santa’s lighted lane. Special children’s entertainment, depending on talents of volunteers, might include face painting, Santa’s letter writing, or outdoor games. All lighted golf carts are welcome to participate when creative minds compete for the brightest display of the year. Time required: 1. preparation for lighting and decorations (Thanksgiving week) and removal of lighting and decorations (January) can take several hours over a period of time. 2. Volunteering at event depends on role. Volunteer on the sgicivicclub.com website.

SGI Spooktacular Event - The SGI LIghthouse Association (end of October)

This Spooktacular Trick-or-Treat Trail celebrates Halloween. This safe, family-friendly Halloween event will be held in SGI Lighthouse Park. Multiple candy stations will be set up along the sidewalk “trail” with spooky decorations lighting up the park. Local businesses and residents are encouraged to set up a station to pass out candy. To get involved email [email protected] or call 850-653-6880.

SGI TOUR OF HOMES – SGI Lighthouse Association (early February)

With a blend of bayfront, center island, and beachfront homes, visitors get a glimpse of the finest in coastal living, from funky cottages to elegant homes. The TOH is a key fundraising event for the SGI Lighthouse Association, supporting the ongoing maintenance and repair of the Lighthouse. This event is now scheduled for February 13, 2022. Docents provide gentle guidance to tourgoers. Time required: 3 hour docent duties day of event.

For information: sgitourofhomes.com. Is your home ready for the Tour? Contact [email protected].