Photo provided by Nancy Koucky One of the fish to be auctioned off at the Nov. 7 event.

On Saturday, Nov. 7, the Olde Fish House Marina is teaming up with the Matlacha Menagerie to host the “Adopt a Fish” fundraiser and live auction at the Olde Fish House to benefit the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce.

“The fundraiser is benefiting the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce,” said current Chamber President Larry Solinger, “but also it’s going to benefit the Pine Island/Matlacha area first responders.”

The seating and fish preview will begin at 3:30 p.m. with opening introductions following at 4. Jason Bonham will be playing live at 4:15 and continue to play after the adopt a fish auction at 5. There will also be a 50/50 drawing.

According to Solinger, island firefighters will be provided 10 meals a day, for three days, for one shift each. Sheriff’s deputies will receive 10 meals, on two consecutive days.

“The least we can do is reach out and give them a small token of our appreciation,” he said, adding that a total of 50 meals will be offered.

The chamber suffered quite a financial setback when MangoMania was cancelled due to pandemic restrictions. Solinger said as a result of these restrictions there have been no opportunities for the chamber to do fundraising of any kind for the whole of summer.

“We’re just trying to stay productive and continue to represent community businesses,” said Solinger. “We’re trying to keep the building open on a part-time basis.”

Although the building is not as beneficial as it once was with the services it offers, Solinger said the location is unbelievably good and they are trying to keep membership reasonable.

A seven-member board, he said, is currently running the organization, strictly on a volunteer basis. They are focused on trying to reach a new normal, complete with administrative help in the near future.

“This is just an event to try to come back out and make a little money for the chamber. We’re opening again soon and hoping to get some volunteer support.”

The 20 decorative fish, handcrafted by local artists, will be auctioned (for adoption) are 30 X 30-inch treated styrofoam figurines that can be displayed in or outdoors.

Prebids will be accepted by email prior to Nov. 7 at info@pineislandchamber.org or in person at the auction. To ensure social distancing guidelines can be followed, reservations are encouraged.

Please call 239-282-9577 to make reservations.

The Olde Fish House Marina is at 4530 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha, FL 33993.