A successful AngelFISH Society project that put air fryers into the homes of local seniors and families earlier this year is finding its way into the classroom with the donation of an air fryer to The Sanibel School.
The air fryer will be used by Home Economics Teacher Kelly Sigfrids to teach middle school students new recipes and cooking techniques during classes held twice each week. The appliance may also be useful during school luncheons, according to Cozetta Kelly, Sr. Administrative Assistant to Principal Dr. Tom Millins.
The donation grew out of the AngelFISH Society’s 2026 project, which provided air fryers to selected seniors and families served by FISH of SanCap. Recipients also participated in cooking classes where they learned how to safely use the appliances, prepare different foods and make the air fryer part of cooking at home. The project proved to be a success that continued after the classes ended. Many recipients have stayed in touch and shared what they are cooking, recipes they have tried and new ways they are using their air fryers.
“When the 2026 project started, the goal was to give people more than an appliance. AngelFISH wanted them to feel comfortable using it and give them ideas they could take home and make their own,” said Linda Uhler, AngelFISH Committee Chair. “Seeing people continue to share what they are cooking long after the classes ended has been wonderful. Donating an air fryer to The Sanibel School gives that project another life and introduces those same skills to students.”
The AngelFISH Society is a philanthropic group of women committed to making lasting change and is part of the FISH of Sanibel-Captiva Foundation. The Foundation is a standalone Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation created to raise and manage an endowment supporting the long-term financial future of FISH of SanCap. Separate from FISH’s day-to-day operations, the Foundation focuses on building resources to help sustain the social services organization for years to come.
Contributions through AngelFISH are divided equally between the Foundation’s endowment and an annually selected FISH program addressing a current community need. The Society also gives women opportunities to learn more about needs on Sanibel and Captiva and become directly involved in projects connected to the program they support.
More than 60 women are currently connected to AngelFISH. Through the Society, they help build the FISH Foundation endowment while also seeing a portion of their contributions put to work in the community each year.
“The women connected to AngelFISH care about finding ways to make their support useful in the community,” continues Uhler. “Putting an air fryer in Kelly’s classroom gives students a chance to learn, try something new and build skills they can use outside of school. AngelFISH was happy to make that happen.”
AngelFISH is also looking ahead to its annual luncheon on Nov. 9 at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa. The luncheon will bring together women currently connected to the Society and prospective participants interested in learning more about AngelFISH, the FISH Foundation and how their support can help address needs today while also investing in FISH’s future.
For more information about The AngelFISH Society, contact Linda Uhler, Committee Chair, at luhlersanibel@gmail.com. For more information about FISH of SanCap and its programs, visit fishofsancap.org or call 239-472-4775
Group Photo: Left to right: Kelly Sigfrids, The Sanibel School Home Economics Teacher; Audrey Stewart, FISH of SanCap Board of Directors; Dr. Tom Millins, The Sanibel School Principal; Nitza Lopez, FISH Director of Social Services; and Linda Uhler, AngelFISH Committee Chair.
