Charity Pros announces Hurricane Ian "Heroes"

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Aug. 18, 2023 - PRLog -- Charity Pros recently announced its "Hurricane Heroes," a group of leaders in the Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach areas who stepped up in the wake of Hurricane Ian. The Heroes will be honored at the organization's Hurricane Heroes All-Star Concert on Oct. 7, which features a star-studded lineup including headliner Matchbox Twenty as well as Don Felder, Red Hannah, Jay Allen, Matty Jollie, Sheena Brook and more.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno and the Lee County Sheriff's Office were recognized as heroes for their efforts after Hurricane Ian, such as coordinating with outside agencies and search and rescue missions that took place after the storm's devastation.

Mayor Dan Allers of Fort Myers Beach has been named a hero for his work in the recovery of the beach. Allers was appointed mayor two months after Hurricane Ian and has led the island back to a state of recovery since. The mayor and Tim Ryan turned their business at 820 Buttonwood Drive into a location for people to drop off donations and supplies. The location now hosts Fort Myers Beach Strong.

Ed and Kim Ryan of Beach Talk Radio helped raise over $300,000 for Fort Myers Beach. They used the funds they had collected to purchase supplies for Ian's victims. They provided information to Fort Myers Beach residents throughout the storm.

Pastors Shawn and Mallie Critser of Beach Baptist Church were recognized for establishing their church as a central resource and a disaster recovery center for FEMA, then turning it into a long-term recovery resource center. The church still provides a variety of resources to those still in need as well as pastoral counseling and Sunday church service.

Doug Miller and Amy Eldridge of FK Your Diet have been named heroes for providing over 500,000 meals and truckloads of supplies to those affected by Ian. Their restaurants still welcome anyone needing a meal, whether they can pay or not. The restaurants continue to deliver groceries and supplies weekly to affected neighborhoods.

"There are so many stories and unsung heroes out there. We will try to honor all we can at the concert event," said Charity Pros' Co-Founder Brad Maloney. "An event like this takes an entire community coming together. Our goal is to make the public aware that Hurricane Ian relief efforts are ongoing, and this isn't over, so many folks still need help."

The honorees will be highlighted during the concert at 6 p.m. on Oct. 7 at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. Proceeds will help support Music Alive SWFL, the Tabarrini Children's Outreach Foundation and the Charity Pros "Megan's Wish" program.

For more information, visit www.TheCharityPros.org. Attendees are encouraged to wear yellow to show support for Hurricane Ian survivors and those who lost their lives.