St. Boniface Story of Resilience

In summer of 2024, Sarasota was hit by three back-to-back hurricanes (Debbie, Helene, & Milton). St Boniface was devastated by storm surge in all buildings (4-16" of salt water flooding), some roof & soffit damage, and decimation of the landscaping. Only the church sanctuary was spared from water damage. Thanks be to God!

Despite flooding and wind damage, St Boniface's mission and ministries continue:

worship services, formation classes, musical programs, outreach and social events!

Additionally, just prior to the hurricane season, St Boniface was hit by a lightning strike which damaged many electronical components around campus. To that end, multiple insurance claims have been initiated with The Church Insurance Company. Now, we are in the process of cleaning up and building back. We need your help to make this happen. Our greatest need is cash to help off-set our sizable deductibles. Yet, as our rebuilding projects continue, we will need volunteers to help restore some furniture and furnishings and to reset rooms.

The Future

In the immediate aftermath of the hurricanes, a remediation company (referred by the insurance company) assessed the damages to all buildings. They determined that two-foot cuts of dry wall were necessary in all rooms with the exception of the church building itself. Additionally, removal of flooring and damaged furniture and furnishes were made on a room-by-room basis. The executive committee of the vestry and the staff oversaw these early projects. Volunteer groups gathered daily to help with tasks such as throwing away water-logged desks and chairs, wiping down & salvaging other equipment, and collecting sheet metal littering the campus.

New visions and creativity: demolition to rebuilding, St Boniface will rise again!

The next task was to obtain bids from contracting companies to engage in the rebuild. Through the connections of long-time parishioners, we have retained the services of an excellent local company who won the bid. The vestry voted to begin basic tasks of checking the electrical and plumbing systems, reinstalling dry wall, and identifying flooring surfaces to install. Obviously, many more visioning conversations will need to take place to determine how spaces will be used in the future and how to "harden" the campus from future storms.

Financial Picture

The contour of adjustor reports, insurance claim payments and our rebuilding budget are still being examined by the vestry, the building and grounds team, and the staff. As soon as the definitive financial obligations are determined, all the facts, figures, and charts will be displayed here.

Contributors

Richard & Cynthia Sand

Marion Larsen

Nelson Rose

Bob & Kay Goodman

Wanda Alder

Suzanne Barksdale

Diocese of SW Florida

Kathy Hayes

Katherine Johnson

Lynn Wright

Ellen & Michael Condron

Ann Hardcastle

Linda & Bill Tiffan

Becky Trotsky

Mr & Mrs Timothy Comin

Priscilla Nugent

Jane Swabb

The Rev Reid Farrell, Jr

Carol Gilchrist

Pam Kuhn

Dr Lisa Paxson

Ron Shafer

Martha Helen Smith

Dick & Amanda Smoot

Jim Thompkins & Norma Lynn Ha

Trudi Williams & Anne Quarles

Bob Woody

Willy & Brenda Wolter

Ken & Lois Iselhart

John & Jeri Lawrence

Bevie Parker

Larry Patton

Dr Ron Kar

The Rev Jeffrey Hamblin, MD

Reid & Holly Harvey

Dr & Mrs Fred Moffat

Doug & Jenifer Parker

Judy Stickler

Bob & Sandy Bristol

Br John Brendan Filkins & Lea Elwood-Filkins



Jamie & Meg McLane

Rita Stratton

Mark Archer

Gary Eastlund

Ellen Wilson

Doug & Helen Francis

Joyce Snider

James Smith & Kate Graham

Sharon Gillen-Davis

Charles & Janet Kiblinger

The Burruss Foundation

Lynn Wright

Lynn Kerber

Mark & Susanne Allen

Mark & Linda Johnston

Peter & Carolyn Manley

Paul & Mary Neuhauser

Martha Helen Smith

Gisele Pelaprat

To make a donation for Hurricane Rebuilding efforts, click the button above.

Note "Hurricane Rebuilding" in the memo line.