The Matlacha Hookers’ Tenth Annual “Island Luau” Tasting Event will be held Sunday, Feb. 27, from 1-5 p.m. at the St James City Civic Center, at 4th Avenue and Lemon Street, in St. James City.

The rain date is March 6.

The proceeds are donated to The Beacon of Hope’s Senior Programs, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping the needs of the Greater Pine Island Community. Last year, this Matlacha Hookers-hosted event, donated $8,000 to this charity. Let’s see if we can make it $10,000 this year!

Join the Hookers for a fun afternoon outside; swaying to live music; and sampling punch, food, wine, beer and C.W. Fudge’s wonderful confections. Get out those tropical shirts, grass skirts and muumuus and join the fun.

Your ticket includes live music, exotic island punch, wine and beer tastings, “Welcoming Leis,” island food for the guests to enjoy. Mark Dupuy , who plays steel drums, trumpet, flute, keyboard and guitar, will be performing calypso island rock and fun dance music.

Guests can also donate for mystery wines, “Chic Boutique featuring pre-loved accessories,” Matlacha Hooker merchandise and silent auction items will also be available.

Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the event. In 2021, the event sold out, so please purchase your tickets early. There are only 250 tickets available to the public.

Tickets can be purchased at the following local businesses on the island: Beacon of HOPE thrift store (Pine Island), Centennial Bank Drive Up (St James City), C.W. Fudge (Matlacha), or you can find tickets online at Eventbrite Key Word: Matlacha Hookers. Or, ask your favorite Hooker.

The Hookers will be adhering to the CDC protocols. The event will be held outdoors with Dupuy on stage and social distant seating into the shady moss trees. Food and wines will be single served in areas to maintain social distancing. The silent auction, raffles and mystery wines will also be on display in a safe environment. As with all SJCC events, all participants will be required to wear a mask indoors if you are not vaccinated when not seated with your group.

If the event has to be cancelled, ticketholders can either make a donation with the ticket money or request a refund. Discussions will continue as the COVID-19 situation changes and evolves.

The Matlacha Hookers is a 501c3 woman’s charitable non-profit organization. The organization has members from Matlacha, Bokeelia, Pineland, St James City, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers and Fort Myers.

For more information about the Hookers, please visit www.MatlachaHookers.org