Tickets on sale now online and at Community & Housing Resources

Sanibel’s Community Housing and Resources(CHR), the island’s affordable housing program, begins a year-long celebration of the organization’s fortieth anniversary on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 with an “Exclusive Evening at Island Cinema.”

Sponsored by Bailey’s General Store,the cinema event will take place beginning at 5:00 PM in the island’s only theater, Island Cinema, located at 535 Tarpon Bay Road in Bailey’s Shopping Center. Prior to the movie, guests will enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cool refreshments, including wine and beer, provided by Baileys. The movie presentation kicks off at 6:00 PM starting with a short video presentation by CHR highlighting the history of the non-profit organization.

The featured movie for the evening is The Art of Racing in the Rain, starring Kevin Costner, Amanda Seyfried, Milo Ventimiglia, and a lovable golden retriever.  Based on the New York Times best-selling book of the same name, the movie tells the story of Denny Swift, an aspiring Formula One race car driver, and his dog, Enzo. Through his bond with his owner, Enzo learns that the techniques needed on the racetrack can also be used to successfully navigate the journey of life.

Guests can enjoy popcorn and soda throughout the movie, also provided by Bailey’s General Store, and included in the price of the tickets.

Longtime CHR supporters and owners of Bailey’s, Calli and Bailie Johnson, along with CHR Board Member Lena Brown, have been working closely with the CHR teamto coordinate festivities for the fun theater night. “We thought this would be a great way to kick off the year-long celebration of CHR’s fortieth,” said Ms. Brown, who is also a member of the Fortieth Anniversary Committee.

The committee was tasked with creating a comprehensive program commemorating the momentous 40 years that CHR has been helping island residents.  Along with CHR Executive Director Melissa Rice, the 10-member volunteer group has a total of four events planned over the next six months.  Additional events include an Eco Tour at Sanibel Island Golf Club (November 30), a fun Captiva Trolley Crawl to include three dining establishments (January 10, 2020), and a Rauschenberg Estate Tour (early April 2020).

Tickets for the first celebratory event, “Evening at Island Cinema,” are $40 and on sale now, with all proceeds benefiting CHR. To reserve your tickets, stop by the Community and Housing Resources offices located at 2401 Library Way or visit SanibelCHR.org   You can also call (239) 472-1189 or e-mail [email protected] reserve your spot.

The City of Sanibel will read a special proclamation in honor of CHR’s 40 years at the next City Council Meeting, taking place on Tuesday, October 1.  Just prior to the meeting, the City has planned a congratulatory pastry and coffee reception at City Hall (800 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel) beginning at 8:30 AM, which the public is welcome and encouraged to attend in support of CHR.

Established in 1979, CHR relies on the generosity of the community to fund the non-profit organization. Currently, CHR provides housing to an average of 150 people per year, including island full time workers, as well as retired and disabled residents. Additional information on CHR and each of the four anniversary events are available by calling (239) 472-1189or visiting https://SanibelCHR.org

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CHR (Community Housing and Resources, Inc.) was formed in 1979 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to address the growing need for affordable housing in the Sanibel community. In 1983, an ordinance was passed by the City of Sanibel that established the Affordable Housing Program and CHR was designated as the city’s housing foundation. Today, CHR owns 88 housing units in 11 locations on Sanibel, including 74 rental properties and 14 Limited Equity Ownership (LEO) homes.