Submitted By: Donna Lizotte
The Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA), Lehigh Community Services, and Lehigh Acres Senior Center are excited to announce the return of the “Our Community, Our Seniors, Our Water” Rain Barrel Painting Contest! The purpose of the program is to promote water conservation while simultaneously providing art therapy to senior citizens within the community. The theme of this year’s contest will be, “Water…Make Every Drop Count!”
The program will run during the month of May, with painting taking place on the 16 th and 17 th at the Lehigh Acres Senior Center. The contest will conclude June 5th, “World Environment Day”, with a final judging and awards luncheon to be held at The Majestic Golf Club, Lehigh Acres. Prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 winners!
There are 20 barrels available for this year’s contest. Before the painting can commence, each barrel will need to be cleaned, sanded, and primed, which can be a difficult and time-consuming process. “We are thrilled to have William Roseberry, SFC, US Army (Ret.) with the East Lee Leadership Academy, Jr. ROTC cadets donate their time to the program as they will be helping to prep the rain barrels ahead of the contest. Rain barrel prep will take place on Saturday, April 29 th at FGUA’s Booster Station, located at 925 Bolivia Drive in Lehigh,” Donna Lizotte, Community Service Representative on behalf of the FGUA.
Once the artists have completed painting their barrels, they will be on display at the Majestic Golf Club. The painted rain barrels will be auctioned off with all proceeds raised going towards assisting seniors who are struggling with their water utility bills through a program administered by Lehigh Community Services.
Local seniors wishing to participate in the program or businesses who would like to be a sponsor can contact:
Donna Lizotte, Community Service Representative on behalf of the FGUA
office: (239) 368-1615, Ext. 1211 or email to: donna.lizotte@fgua.com.
Signup sheets are available at the Lehigh Acres Senior Center. Registration for the event must be completed by May 12 th .
The number of barrels is limited to 20 this year, and artists may work alone or in teams (limited to 3 members per team), rain barrels and art supplies will be provided. We also have sponsorship opportunities available and are accepting donations from businesses interested in participating in this amazing event.
