Hurricane Ian made landfall on September 28th, 2022 just short of a Category 5 hurricane, bringing record wind and causing an estimated $67 billion in damages to Southwest Florida. By wind speed, Hurricane Ian was the fifth most powerful storm to ever hit the country.
The destruction of property and consumable goods left most of our community without power, shelter, and clean water. Members and employees immediately stepped in and provided help to our community, even as they too were recovering from significant storm damage to their homes. They organized Members from the Brooks to go to the Preserve to help the residents most affected as well as assist in whatever was needed at the time, generators, extra hands, warm food, and clean water.
Club employees assisted several residents who were foundering in the immediate aftermath of the storm. Every day, employees volunteered for hours after work at the Preserve, providing residents with help such as clearing debris from their homes. Brian Bartolec, Eric Ruha, and Phil Pellerito provided hands-on help clearing debris, pumping water from homes, and cutting down dangerous trees. Once power was restored to the main Clubhouse, Brian offered to deliver food and water to The Preserve Members.
The Shadow Wood Membership recognized that many of our employees were impacted by Hurricane Ian. Numerous members contacted the Board and management team asking how to help the employees who had been affected by the hurricane. Shadow Wood is grateful to the Members who generously contributed funds to assist our employees who suffered significant storm damage. To date, our Members have donated close to $250,000 to our employees!
The South Course and Tennis Courts opened on Monday, October 2nd, the Clubhouse reopened for lunch and dinner service on Tuesday, October 3rd, and the North Course opened on Friday, October 7th. Power was restored to the Preserve Clubhouse on Saturday, October 15th, and the Preserve Course and Clubhouse opened on Tuesday, October 18th.
Hurricane Ian Club Preparation
Shadow Wood employees prepared over 150 to-go turkey dinners and pizzas for members who were preparing for Hurricane Ian.
The team worked to secure the clubhouse, courts, and courses for storm impact by removing sail shades on the terrace, storing all Sunset Terrace furniture in the Lakeside room, preparing windscreens and tennis court fences, removing furniture from the terrace, securing patio furniture at the tennis courts, & emoving patio furniture at the Preserve.
Hurricane Ian Recovery
Employees were back to work on Friday, September 30th preparing the Club to reopen!
Employees not only showing excellence in helping at the Club but also helping Members and fellow coworkers at their homes.
Mr. & Mrs. Marcus raised money throughout the SWCC community and surprised our employees with a pizza party, cake, and cash to lift our team’s spirits after Hurricane Ian.
