Sanctuary on 8th gets fresh look, funds from local marina
The 8th Street side of The Sanctuary received a new coat of paint and new window inserts, thanks to volunteers from The Marina at Ortega Landing
When IGY Marinas – the management company for the Lakeside-based Marina at Ortega Landing – sought a local nonprofit for its worldwide service day project, one of its boating clients recommended The Sanctuary on 8th Street.
Leslie Jones, a longtime San Marco resident and realtor, was on the founding board of the Springfield-based nonprofit, which provides afterschool, summer school and homeschool programs. A slip holder at the marina for her 42-foot catamaran, Now & Zen, which offers sailing charters on the St. Johns River, Jones suggested the Sanctuary to Cam Melangton, the marina’s general manager.
Once a post office, The Sanctuary’s 88-year-old building needed a good sprucing up on the exterior, so Melangton and 14 others – including five staff and nine volunteers from the marina’s boating community – power washed the building and sidewalk, repainted the front of the building in lavender and green, and installed tropical-themed stained-glass vinyl graphics on boarded-up windows. Fresh mulch was also placed around trees at the “Giving Day” event.
“June 9th was a day that IGY Marinas all came together to support a greater cause in their communities, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to help The Sanctuary on 8th Street improve the charity’s branding and curb appeal,” said Melangton. “It was amazing to hear the cars honking and people yelling to thank us while we were working – it just gave everyone such a great feeling.”
In addition to nearly 100 manhours in volunteer labor, the Marina at Ortega Landing donated nearly $3,000 in paint, mulch and window graphics, plus a check for $500 to fund summer school supplies at The Sanctuary.
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