Then in 2004, Hurricane Charley hit Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Hard. Business came to a standstill as vacationers and winter residents stayed away from scarred remains — but there was no white flag of defeat from Stilwell. Instead, she took the lesson to heart and diversified — opening her first off-islands venture, the Sunshine Grille in South Fort Myers, with SS Hookers now her second. As if running nine businesses aren’t enough, Sandy Stilwell is a passionate advocate for her community. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to give back,” she states. And give back she does. Her generosity in Southwest Florida primarily focuses on improving the lives of young people through health and education. Stilwell has earned the prestigious Apex Award for Women in Business given by the Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and has been named Humanitarian of the Year, as well as Men and Women of the Year. President of the board at PACE Center for Girls, Stilwell helped to spearhead the fundraising and transition to an improvedschool facility, andtodayraises scholarships for vocational training and higher education. She sits on boards for Florida Gulf Coast University Resort and Hospitality School, Hodges University and the Florida Rep Theatre. Her volunteer work as a trustee of the annual Southwest Florida Wine Fest benefits the capital campaign to build the new Golisano Children’s Hospital. At the Soup Kitchen, her work helps
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