The Garola family—Rob, Mandy, and their three children, Cade (21), Cora (18), and Clara (15)—have called Isle of Hope home for more than two decades. With a yard full of animals, a boat in the water, and neighbors who feel like family, their life here reflects everything they cherish: togetherness, tradition, and time spent outdoors.

Originally from Argentina, Rob always envisioned settling near the coast. Mandy, a Southern Indiana native, fell for Savannah’s charm after college. When house hunting in 2001, the couple drove through Isle of Hope and knew immediately—it was home. They’ve since lived in three different houses on the island, raising their children and even drawing extended family to join them nearby.

Rob teaches Spanish at Oglethorpe Charter School and is rarely without a fishing rod or garden shovel. Mandy, a former elementary teacher, is now the Vice President of CURE Childhood Cancer’s South Georgia operations—a role close to her heart since Cora’s childhood battle with leukemia. Their nonprofit work includes leading the neighborhood effort for CURE’s annual September flag campaign, raising awareness and support for families in treatment.

Cade, a Georgia Southern student studying construction management, is happiest with a fishing pole and a boat key. Cora, also at Georgia Southern, is pursuing a degree in interior design and loves the beach. Clara, a rising sophomore, is drawn to the stage and cheerleading and dotes on the family’s many pets.

Those pets include two energetic pups, Bourbon and Doris; two senior cats, Tiana and Alice; a fluffy rabbit named Chowder; and a brood of chickens whose eggs are often shared with neighbors.

The Garolas celebrate holidays with family gatherings, festive decor, and home-cooked meals. They’re regulars at Driftaway Café and Cutter’s Point and have fond memories of summers spent biking to the Bluff, wading through the marsh, and cooling off at the Isle of Hope pool before they built one of their own.

For the Garolas, Isle of Hope isn’t just where they live—it’s where they’ve built a life. “We raised our kids here,” Mandy says. “We were held up by neighbors during hard times, and now we want to do the same for others. It’s not just a place—it’s a village.”