Rosie's Cafe & Grill Sanibel Hurricane Ian Help

After two years of Donna, Bill, Amber, and Shaun taking care of all of us, it's finally time for all of us to help them. The amazing family that owns Rosie's Cafe on Sanibel Island is facing yet another devastating setback due to the damage caused by Hurricane Ian. Although the full extent of the damage is not yet known, the unprecedented flooding and ensuing destruction are certain to be prohibitively costly to repair. They are also facing a complete loss of income for what is sure to be a lengthy rebuilding period for the restaurant and Sanibel as a whole.

Donna, Bill, Amber and Shaun are the most genuinely kind and hardworking family you will ever meet. Despite taking ownership of Rosie's the week after COVID hit in 2020, this wonderful family maintained a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone was treated as family. Staff shortages did not keep them from greeting all of us with a smile, a place to relax, good company, and an incredible meal.

On a personal level, despite being complete strangers at first, the four of them basically adopted our family when we were at our lowest and provided respite each and every time we went to Rosie's. They even recently renamed their chocolate chip pancakes "yum yum cakes" on their menu in honor of our son. Without knowing it, their family gave us a lifeline. Although not related by blood, they have become family to us. Knowing that we are not the only family they have "adopted," it is my hope that the Sanibel community will embrace and support them now in their time of need.

Rosie's is more than a restaurant; it is one special family that embodies the essence of Sanibel. Now is our chance to begin rebuilding the indescribable magic and serenity of Sanibel by supporting this remarkable family as they rebuild Rosie's.

All proceeds from this fundraiser will be given directly to Donna and her family.

*My name is Erin Sheffer and, although they are not family, I now know Donna and her family well and have their blessing to start this fundraiser in their honor. I have been visiting Sanibel since I was 6 years old and, in the past few years, have started bringing my own children to the serenity and safety of Sanibel. This, my fellow Sanibel lovers, is a place worth saving and a family worth supporting.*