Gidget’s leads five Village businesses to assist hurricane victims via T-shirts
By John Morton
Barbara Lancer knows all about helping others, and this latest endeavor fits her to the tee.
The owner of Gidget’s Coastal Provisions in the Village, whose history includes being a pharmacist at Davidson Drugs and president of both the local Make-a-Wish Foundation and Boys and Girls Club, sprang into action shortly after Hurricane Ian devastated Siesta Key’s neighbors to the south. A T-shirt with the slogan “Stronger than the Storm” with a heart where Siesta Key is located is what came to mind and quickly came to fruition.
“Something just clicked, and within 48 hours we had it done,” Lancer said. “There is such a great need. I had to act fast.”
And all the proceeds from the sales of the shirts — a shirt-sleeved one in blue ($20) and a long-sleeved one in charcoal gray ($25) — will go to storm relief through the Sarasota-based Patterson Foundation.
Already, $6,000 has been raised and a second printing of the shirt is taking place. Lancer expects a third.
The goal is $20,000.
“The community has been amazing,” Lancer said of the interest.
She contacted other businesses in the Village to participate, noting that every cent of the sales would be donated. Those who stepped up, and who also sell the shirts at their locale, are Sun Garden Cafe, The Hub Baja Grill, Beach Bazaar, and Daiquiri Deck.
The shirts’ design came from Logan McCleod, a graphic artist whose talents are on display on many items in Gidget’s, and printing was done by Glen Reith from Royal Tees in Sarasota.
Those who can’t pop into any of the businesses can have a shirt shipped. Call Lancer’s store at (941) 343-7646 to make arrangements.
Author: John Morton