FISH of SanCap invites the community to its next Friendly Faces Luncheon on Tuesday, May 12 beginning at 11:00 a.m. The monthly gathering brings neighbors together for a shared meal, conversation, and connection, with a focus on reducing isolation and helping people stay engaged and supported.
Please note the change of venue for the May event. For May, the luncheon will be held at Sanibel Community Church, Fellowship Hall, located at 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
FISH will be providing lunch from the Sanibel Café. The organization will also offer a do-it-yourself sundae bar with goodies from The Shack.
This month’s guest speaker is Billy Kirkland, a longtime Sanibel business owner whose life story reflects persistence, service, and steady work over time. Born in rural Georgia and raised in a home without running water, Kirkland learned early what it takes to get by and keep going. At 18, he joined the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam as a combat engineer. After returning home, he worked in construction and welding before moving to Florida in 1976. What started as a short-term plan shifted into a decades-long career in coastal recreation and tourism on Sanibel.
During the luncheon, Kirkland will speak openly about the path he has taken, including the setbacks that shaped his decisions and the progress that followed. His story reflects the realities many face, including starting over, adapting to change, and staying focused through uncertainty. His perspective connects with the mission of FISH, which centers on helping neighbors move forward when life becomes difficult.
Friendly Faces is open to all and is held in a welcoming setting where attendees can meet others, share a meal, and spend time in conversation.
Erika Arnowitz, Senior Services Director at FISH, said the program continues to grow because it meets a real need. “We hear it often. People want a place to go where they feel comfortable and can spend time with others. Friendly Faces gives them that. It is a chance to sit down, share a meal, and be part of something.”
The luncheon takes place on May 12 at 11:00 a.m. Those interested in attending can RSVP at this link, https://friendlyfacesmay2026.rsvpify.com, or reach out to Erika, erika@fishofsancap.org, to reserve a seat.
