The Numbers Add Up at Shell Point’s Open House As Thousands Tour Community During 12th Annual Event

“Our community is known for large exciting events, but when it comes to big events the open house is the granddaddy of them all,” said Lynn Schneider, assistant vice president of marketing for Shell Point Retirement community.

According to Schneider, Shell Point’s annual open house is held early each year to capitalize on the expanded winter population of Southwest Florida.  This year, perfect weather and an intriguing theme brought out even more people than usual.

“Special events have to be just that – something special,” said Schneider.  “Our special events team, led by Jessica Clark, spent months working on this event.  The theme was designed to capture the imagination and evoke fond memories for seniors as they were invited to take a ‘Stroll through the Decades.'”

The community, which is comprised of three neighborhoods, was decorated to reflect the different eras of the last century.  Among the eras depicted were early 1900s as portrayed in a recreation of the St. Louis World’s Fair set up in the community’s waterfront park.  This area showcased several items that were featured or introduced at the 1904 World’s Fair such as a Ferris wheel, floral clock, and a perfume fountain, as well as free pontoon boat rides, and tours of the resident gardens and orchid house.  The theme was also carried out by staff who were dressed as Gibson girls and turn-of-the-century newsboys who guided guests through the exhibits.

Shell Point’s newest neighborhood, Eagles Preserve was the site of the 1930s Old West with a chuck wagon of refreshments and country music.  Additionally, there were nods to the Roaring Twenties; the Big Band era of World War II, the Hollywood Glamour of the early 1940s, and even the big hair and bell bottoms of the 1970s.

The Woodlands neighborhood featured the sock-hopping 1950s with poodle skirts and leather jackets, and an ice cream soda fountain staffed by young soda jerks who served up Root Beer and Coke floats all day long.  Outside along the boardwalk overlooking the lake, visitors enjoyed a rock and roll water ski show presented by a local team of show skiers, Southern Extreme, while a group of Olympic-trained synchronized swimmers, the Dolphinets from Miami, performed at the swimming pool in a style that reminded many in the audience of the talented Ester Williams.

Classic cars from every era were found throughout the entire community, and each section also featured live music and entertainers.  A health fair with free medical screenings, plus specialty services, such as free mini-massages, added to the fun things to do and see.

Visitors had the opportunity to tour several models in all three neighborhoods – The Island, The Woodlands, and Eagles Preserve – with retirement counselors on hand to answer questions.  During their visit, they could also step into one of the many informational presentations offered to learn more about the products and services available at Shell Point including information about the community’s new refundable contract and financial incentives.

Although it was difficult to determine exactly how many people attended this free event, the number of people was estimated at well over 4,500 based on the number of cars parked throughout the day, and the number of registration forms filled out by visitors.

“This open house went well above our expectations for participation and we are very pleased that so many people had the opportunity to come out and see what this community has to offer,” said Schneider.  “Shell Point is such a unique place to live, with so many services and amenities, and the open house was a perfect way for senior adults to visit the community and enjoy the lifestyle firsthand.”

Shell Point Retirement Community is located in Fort Myers just off Summerlin Road, two miles before the Sanibel causeway.  Shell Point is CCAC accredited and is a nationally recognized leader in the retirement industry.