Gulfshore Business November 2024

Safeguard your legacy

The current federal lifetime estate and gift tax exemption amounts, absent further legislative action, are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. Are you taking full advantage of today’s higher exemption?

Assessing how these changes may impact your plan will involve in-depth conversations with your wealth management team and estate planning attorney. Any adjustments will require meticulous document preparation.

The holistic, team-based approach at Commerce Trust, consisting of financial and tax planning, investment portfolio management, and trust administration, is designed to guide you toward achieving your family’s goals while safeguarding your legacy.

Connect with the Commerce Trust team at commercetrustcompany.com/estatetax to safeguard your legacy.

Why Estate Planning Is Important

By GUY HOCKERMAN, CPA, CFP®, Financial Planning Manager, Commerce Trust

Estate planning can involve topics that are difficult to acknowledge, but a solid, current estate plan acts as a blueprint for safeguarding assets and adequately providing for loved ones. This article highlights the benefits of proactive estate planning strategies and emphasizes the value of professional assistance.

ESTATE TAX LIABILITY

Failing to plan for the transfer of your estate can mean diverting assets to cover estate taxes. Proactive steps like identifying available deductions, evaluating gifting strategies, and establishing a trust can take time and effort.

The IRS allows assets included in an estate and taxable gifts made during the decedent’s life to change hands tax-free up to a certain amount. Any amount over this lifetime exemption is subject to estate taxes.

The future of the federal estate and gift tax exemption is uncertain. Absent legislative action, it could be reduced substantially as soon as 2026. The top tax rate for estate taxes is 40%, highlighting the importance of seeking professional help to minimize your tax liability.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPACT ON LOVED ONES

It is important to consider the emotional impact on loved ones charged with handling the tasks associated with the estate holder’s passing. Unfinished planning often falls to the decedent’s closest family members, introducing potentially difficult conversations regarding the distribution of assets and other legal matters.

Resolving estate planning tasks before the estate holder’s passing allows family members to focus on what matters most to them versus attempting to retroactively address administrative responsibilities.

THE PROBATE LEGAL PROCESS

Your wealth management team and estate planning attorney can also help you identify and implement strategies to avoid probate. Probate is a court proceeding that legally validates the distribution of assets to beneficiaries as outlined in the decedent’s will.

Generally, the more time the probate process takes, the more expensive it will be. Taking proactive steps to shorten or avoid the probate process could save a significant amount of time and money.

UNINTENDED DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS

In a case where no estate planning has been done, dying without a will means a person has died “intestate.” For estates that end up in a condition of intestacy, the decision of which beneficiaries will inherit assets is removed from the decedent and is instead mandated by a state court.

Developing a comprehensive estate plan allows you to decide who receives your assets. By engaging in proactive estate planning, you ensure that your assets are distributed according to your instructions.

CHANGES IN YOUR PERSONAL SITUATION

Revisiting your plan to account for changes is considered a best practice for estate planning. Even if an estate plan is in place, alterations may be needed when circumstances change.

An outdated estate plan could unintentionally expose your beneficiaries to risks like higher taxes, asset disputes, and the possibility of lengthy administration in your absence. Preparing early and reevaluating often can help secure the legacy you envision.

COMPREHENSIVE ESTATE PLANNING AT COMMERCE TRUST

The importance of developing an estate plan early, and updating it often, cannot be understated. Commerce Trust provides a range of in-house private wealth management services to ensure you are connected to resources that inform a personalized estate plan.

Whether you need to secure an executor, establish a trust, or prepare for estate taxes, contact the Commerce Trust team today to initiate estate planning discussions.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP ® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

The opinions and other information in the commentary are provided as of April 12, 2024. This summary is intended to provide general information only, and may be of value to the reader and audience.

This material is not a recommendation of any particular investment or insurance strategy, is not based on any particular financial situation or need, and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified tax advisor or investment professional. While Commerce may provide information or express opinions from time to time, such information or opinions are subject to change, are not offered as professional tax, insurance or legal advice, and may not be relied on as such.

Commerce Trust does not provide tax advice to customers unless engaged to do so. Commerce Trust does not provide legal advice to its customers. Consult an attorney for legal advice, including drafting and execution of estate planning documents.

Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

Commerce Trust is a division of Commerce Bank.

Investment Products: Not

WHERE LEARNING LEADS TO life-saving.

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• 5 simulation rooms

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• 2 fully functional operating rooms

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Visit NCHsimulation.org or scan the QR code to learn more.

• Moulage room

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• Actors’ green room

Immersive education.

We invite businesses, first responders, healthcare professionals, students, and production crews to put our high-tech, versatile center to work. Email Simulation@nchmd.org to see how we can bring your vision to life.

Horsepower

Wellness

Allergies rising, but a new hope for treatment

The well-designed joy of the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i 114

Unwind

Happy birthday, Mr. Bond 110

Backstory

How grounding plans for an airport saved the Everglades

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POSTMASTER:

“IncredibleBank has been supporting the Cape Coral Animal Shelter through their Foundation since they came to our community, and we are grateful for their commitment to the animals of Cape Coral and helping our organization thrive!”

Liz McCauley Executive Director, Cape Coral Animal Shelter

FROM THE EDITOR

GREETINGS, SEASON

You might not need a calendar; one look at the brightly clad beachgoers and bustling restaurants—and streets that are, shall we say, busy—is enough to know immediately that season is upon us. For many local businesses, especially those depending at least partially on the tourist trade, it’s the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year.

Because the tourism business is booming. As Tim Aten details in “Overnight Growth” on page 32, new hotels and resorts are open, being finalized or under construction all over Collier County and the larger area. Family fun with plenty of amenities including a massive waterpark at the new Great Wolf Lodge; poolside tiedyed relaxation at the Jimmy Buffett-inspired Compass by Margaritaville; a private club that promises to be exquisitely stylish atop the upcoming Carnelian boutique hotel … there are options for all kinds of tastes, and those are just a few of the soon-tobe starring stopovers for travelers. There’s every reason to suspect that

the seasons to come will be busier— and more flush with tourist tax dollars—than ever.

One place that isn’t bursting with growth, though, is Sanibel Island— and that’s by design. As the city prepares to celebrate its golden anniversary this month, Artis Henderson talks with some of its prominent citizens and longtime residents about the community’s spirit of separation and continued commitment to natural preservation. The Sanibel Plan, as she describes in “Island State of Mind” on page 46, has been a means of conserving the island’s identity while keeping its charming atmosphere intact across the decades. Restricting

development has protected its aura as a natural oasis, and the deliberate exclusion of many large chains or big box retailers has kept a focus on small, local businesses.

For all of us, November is a time to pause for reflecting on our many reasons for gratitude, and perhaps on avenues for sharing our resources. Giving back takes deserved focus this time of year, and in “Philanthropy for the Future” on page 24, Therese McDevitt looks at some shining examples of local support for health care organizations. Naples Comprehensive Health and Healthcare Network in Naples have seen rapid expansion in facilities and services over the last few years thanks to transformative gifts from major donors … and even for those among us who don’t have the financial wherewithal to become the namesake of a new wing or laboratory, this kind of giving at any monetary level is beneficial. After all, good health care is vital for the community as a whole in addition to everyone in it, and it’s always a good time to share our gratitude with Southwest Florida. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

HEIDI RAMBO CENTRELLA EDITOR IN CHIEF

In the239

NEWS BITES / TRENDLINES / MAKERS / ECONOMIC COMMENTARY / PHILANTHROPY

MAKERS

SKILL TO SOAR

Hawk Wing Leather goods are crafted to last p_18

By Justin Paprocki

$1.5B INVESTMENT

Lee Health plans to invest more than $1.5 billion in capital improvements through 2028, according to a study from economic development consulting firm Camion Associates. The report states the investment is poised to create a significant one-time economic impact, generating 6,536 jobs, nearly $500 million in earnings and $1.3 billion in sales within Lee County. Improvements include $1.02 billion allocated for construction and $500 million earmarked for routine capital expenditures.

NewsBites

ENTREPRENEURIAL ADVICE

“When you’re an entrepreneur, it’s all sink or swim. That’s what attracts me, more than the money.”

—Coastal Carts CEO Jerry McTear

COMING NEXT MONTH

Join us next month as we take a look at family-owned businesses in Southwest Florida that have carried on through multiple generations. Some have stayed small, some have expanded across the state, region and continent. They’ve all weathered changes and growth in Southwest Florida, but each started simply with a hope and a dream.

LEE COUNTY

COLLIER COUNTY / LEE COUNTY / CHARLOTTE COUNTY

SANIBEL’S 50TH

City of Sanibel kicks off the 50th anniversary of Sanibel Island’s incorporation as a city with 13 months of island-wide celebration beginning Nov. 5, the official date of incorporation. On that day, the city will host a free Time Capsule Opening starting at 4 p.m. at City Hall. The time capsule and kickoff commemorate the grassroots movement to block overdevelopment by protest, and finally, a majority vote to separate from county governorship in favor of home rule. Read more about Sanibel’s history on page 46.

DECREASING MORTGAGE RATES

While mortgage rates don’t necessarily mirror the Federal Reserve’s action, local experts are hopeful that the 0.5% rate cut in September will have a positive effect on the local housing market. As of Oct. 7, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in Florida was 6.44%, according to Zillow. Naples Area Board of Realtors President PJ Smith believes many buyers who were priced out of the market because of insurance costs and mortgage rates could reenter the market. Tom Lytton, executive vice president and chief credit officer at FineMark National Bank & Trust in Naples, thinks there could be stabilization with mortgage rates potentially ending up between the 5.5% and 6% territory in the next 17 months.

NEW CFO

Sharon Ralston was promoted to chief financial officer of Collaboratory after serving as the Fort Myers-based organization’s controller for the past two years. Ralston has 35 years of international accounting and management experience, developing and implementing controls that safeguard assets. Originally from Manchester, England, she has worked with large multinational corporations in industries ranging from health care to manufacturing in the U.K., the U.S. and Canada. She is a Chartered Management Accountant and a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

LEE COUNTY

NewsBites

SHERIFF’S

FACILITY APPROVED

Construction on the Collier County Sheriff’s forensics building project in East Naples is expected to begin by the end of this year after approval to more than double the cost to $68.2 million. The new building, fully funded by sales-tax dollars, will be built off City Gate Drive on about 29 acres of a 344-acre parcel the county acquired in 1999. According to four bids received in July, construction is expected to cost $58 million. The building will house the Crime Scene Investigation lab, office space, the evidence bureau, garage bays, the Criminal Investigation Department offices and administrative support.

NEW ROUTE AT PGD

TRANSITIONAL CORPORATE HOUSING

North Naples-based medical-device manufacturer Arthrex plans to build transitional corporate housing in North Naples to make it easier to attract and retain employees. Planning commissioners unanimously recommended that a 2.06-acre site at 208 Palm River Blvd. be rezoned and to amend the county’s Growth Management Plan to allow up to 41 furnished rentals for Arthrex employees. Arthrex, which employs 4,500 in Southwest Florida, has 3,800 employees in Collier County, where there are 200 employment vacancies.

Allegiant Air will have a new service from Punta Gorda Airport to Savannah, Georgia, starting Nov. 14. The seasonal route to and from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport will operate on Sundays and Thursdays until Feb. 9, 2025.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

HERE TO HELP

By Justin Paprocki

Nonprofit organizations are a vital part of Southwest Florida’s economy.

About 1,500 nonprofits employ more than 19,000 people in Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties, according to a 2023 report by the Florida Nonprofit Alliance. For comparison, that’s more jobs than the manufacturing industry (~13,000) in the region.

The types of organizations range from groups supporting the arts to those providing health care to those advocating for the environment. About one-third of those nonprofits are categorized as relating to a public of societal benefit (such as Empty Bowls or The Immokalee Foundation), according to the alliance.

TRE NDLINES

The nonprofit sector’s employment numbers

$127,305,363 $379,932,643 $78,155,352

$1,409,241,415

$1,022,286,218 $90,947,820 $156,765,613

$17,641,791

$548,039,642

$121,017,950 $2,154,035,128 $1,555,262,779 $3,830,315,857

$38,219 $67,045 $47,319 $50,861

$423,981,475 $1,057,217,351 $290,836,587 $1,696,444,919 $2,925,368,753 $52,517,019 $2,306,074,588 $81,272,393 $1,793,954,632

$973 $2,144 $514 $4,097 $5,744 $79 $4,711 $173 $4,198

$167,266,052 $515,261,059 $105,810,122 $1,596,587,169 $1,566,228,419 $94,359,568 $852,163,029 $32,749,219 $1,050,118,509

MAKERS

SKILL TO SOAR

Hawk Wing Leather goods are crafted to last

By Justin Paprocki

William Ward started working with leather when he was 11 years old, as a way to pass the time while growing up on a 6,000-acre farm in Clewiston.

Now, at age 19, he’s building his own leather crafting business, Hawk Wing Leather Co. He makes all his goods by hand; no power tools involved. “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset,” he says. “Why not make a business out of something I love?”

Hawk Wing Leather makes everything from belts to wallets to even some more distinctive custom creations, such as diaper bags or Croc straps. One of his most popular items is the leather feather. It started from a custom request from a hat maker, who wanted to incorporate a bit of leather into her designs—but numerous people have bought one to hang on their motorcycles or display on their Thanksgiving tables.

Kevin Bires

As a way to entertain himself while growing up on a farm in Clewiston, William Ward started working with leather when he was 11 years old. Now, at 19, he is building his leather business, Hawk Wing Leather Co.

MAKERS

William Ward recently moved to Fort Myers from rural central Florida to grow his business, and he hopes to one day have his own retail shop where he can craft and sell.

Kevin Bires

Ward has traveled the state selling at street fairs and craft shows, and sells on Etsy, as well, but his goal is to one day have a retail shop where he could craft and sell. He recently made the move from rural central Florida to Fort Myers. “It was a bit of a culture shock,” he says, “but it puts me closer to my customers. It’s a better place to grow my business.”

He said his goods are the antidote to the cheaply made, quickly worn-down products found at big box stores. And he’s found that there’s a demand from people who are willing to pay a little bit more for the durable, handcrafted goods he makes. “I really like creating something that isn’t just mass-produced; it isn’t so disposable,” he says. “I really like creating something that lasts.”

ECONOMIC COMMENTARY

PHILANTHROPIC FISCAL WOES

Inflation’s grip on spending hurts charitable giving, too

By Victor V. Claar

I don’t need to tell you that inflation has been a menace over the last five years. Comparing the Consumer Price Index for 2019— the year before the pandemic—to current estimates, prices have risen for Americans by a whopping 23%. And unless your hourly wage or salary has risen by the same 23%, you’ve lost financial ground.

Things are even worse here in Southwest Florida, where we have outpaced the national average.

Housing costs have grown much faster in Florida than in most of the country due to surging demand, limited supply due to housing regulations and rising insurance costs.

“Shelter” is the index’s biggest category because that’s where most of us spend the majority of our monthly budget. Groceries, gas and rent consume the largest

part of household budgets, and those items have seen some of the biggest cost increases in the last five years.

That leaves less money in the pocketbook, which has serious consequences on philanthropy. For starters, when people reduce spending to make ends meet, many consider cutting charitable donations. Giving generously is important, but making rent has more immediate consequences than making a donation to a worthy cause.

According to a recent report from Giving USA, individuals’

charitable donations make up about 67% of all contributions. And individual philanthropy tends to be even more important at the local level. Bill Gates may be eradicating polio somewhere, but he’s likely not helping your local soup kitchen. According to the same report, and despite cutbacks by some individuals, charitable giving nevertheless rose a slight 1.9% in 2023. But, after adjusting for 2023’s 4.1% inflation rate, the real value of those donations actually fell by 2.1%. And though inflation may have cooled somewhat, it doesn’t mean those prices are ever going back down. It just means the hikes are a little less hefty each year, with an estimated inflation rate of 3.2% in 2024.

Inflation makes people poorer, so they donate fewer dollars. Inflation also erodes the value of dollars they do contribute. All of this makes budgeting a guess-

ing game for nonprofits, which also struggle to retain good workers facing the same cost-of-living increases as everyone else.

What’s the solution? Well, ideally, we’d live in a world with a steady, predictable annual inflation rate. It’s hard to budget for next year if you don’t know what stuff will cost.

Any economist will tell you that U.S. inflation didn’t get really bad until we cut loose the dollar from convertibility to any precious metal in 1971. But

we’re likely not going back to the gold standard. A second-best approach to taming inflation would be for the Fed to make inflation its primary focus rather than to try to manage inflation and unemployment simultaneously. As we have seen, the “dual mandate” seems to fall short in practice.

But if the Fed can’t keep inflation low and slow, then charities need to do what the rest of us do as prices climb: Be careful with a buck and ask for a raise. In the case of local charities,

“asking for a raise” may mean writing an annual appeal making it clear that last year’s $100 gift needs to increase to have the same budgetary effect this year. Inflation isn’t the organization’s fault, but that’s its reality.

It may be a tough sell to donors already feeling pinched by inflation, but it’s a truth that needs sharing.

Victor V. Claar is an associate professor of economics in the Lutgert College of Business at Florida Gulf Coast University.

While inflation affects everyone, it makes it especially difficult for nonprofits to make ends meet. According to a Giving USA report, in 2023 it appeared charitable donations rose 1.9%, but once adjusted for 2023’s 4.1% inflation rate, the values of those donations actually fell 2.1%.

PHILANTHROPY

PHILANTHROPY FOR THE FUTURE

The inherent promise in giving to local health care organizations

By Therese McDevitt

Residents of Southwest Florida are known far and wide for their philanthropic endeavors; their willingness to give to causes close to their hearts; their desire to invest in the future of not only their corners of the community but the community as a whole.

In the health care arena, this level of giving ensures provisions for future residents, and also provides world-class care right here, where we call home. It’s an investment that keeps the region growing, and reduces the need to travel for elevated care.

More than 30 years ago, Joanne Wyss and her Swiss-born husband, Karl, began spending more time in Southwest Florida. She, a longtime communications executive with McKinsey Consulting in New York, and he, a retired business executive, had also lived in Zurich and London before they decided to call Naples home.

Karl suffered from heart disease, and after surviving multiple life-threatening scares, the Wysses became personally motivated to invest in the future of health care, specifically heart, stroke and vascular care. This dedication resulted in committing more than

$3.5 million—so far—to the Naples Comprehensive Health capital campaign for its heart, stroke and vascular center.

Joanne Wyss credits NCH for saving Karl’s life on “a number of occasions”—and, she says, “We wanted to make sure that people could continue to get first-class treatment here in Naples.”

Karl fell victim to heart disease and died in 2022, but Joanne continued her dedication to ensuring the best possible care is available for all residents of Southwest Florida, and giving people the confidence to settle here with the assurance of outstanding health care as they age in place.

“It used to be that many people, if they had some serious illness or were facing a very challenging health situation, would go back up north to Mayo Clinic or wherever they had come from,” Wyss says. “But increasingly, as the quality of health care has improved, people have their primary care here—and they want to make sure that health care is as advanced and state-ofthe-art as it can be.”

Wyss is not alone in her story.

Julia Van Domelen, who serves on the board of the Naples Chil-

Karl and Joanne Wyss felt it was important for them to invest in the future of NCH’s heart, stroke and vascular care as Karl was being treated for heart disease. After Karl’s death in 2022, Joanne continues her philanthropic efforts to ensure the best possible care is available.

Karl and Joanne Wyss NCH donors

The Wyss Foundation; Studio+

The R.M. Schulze Family Cardiovascular and Stroke Critical Care Center has a philanthropic goal of $200 million, and recently passed $135 million in dontions. It plans to break ground on the paraking garage in 2025 and the facility in early 2026, according to NCH.

PHILANTHROPY

dren and Education Foundation, said she sees high-quality health care as one aspect of community that can help attract and retain new residents, as well as keep the community thriving economically.

Van Domelen and her late husband, Bill, a retired entrepreneur who died in 2015, focused their philanthropic efforts three ways: health care, housing and education, shifting the focus each year to where there appeared the greatest need. “But health care is so badly needed, in particular in Collier County,” Van Domelen says, “because our demographics have changed so drastically.”

Through the Bill and Julia Van Domelen Foundation, help is made available to those most injured by the pains of poverty. And organizations such as Healthcare Network and NCH are among those where Van Domelen said she feels she can make the greatest difference.

As for other health care priorities, Van Domelen says, “we’re not done.”

To date, the foundation has given more than $22 million to NCH programs, including women and children’s health, and heart and stroke care. The foundation provided seed money for NCH to bring the OB Hospitalist Group to Collier County, ensuring that every patient in need of emergency OB services is seen immediately, regardless of time of day or their physician association.

“I think if you’re a young professional and you’re a bright mind, with children, you want good

Julia Van Domelen, board member of the Naples Children and Education Foundation, and her late husband focused their philanthropic efforts in three categories: health care, housing and education. Van Domelen’s plans in the future include a continued push for more pediatric care.

Brian Tietz

PHILANTHROPY

GROWTH CLOSE TO HOME

Both Naples-based health care systems— NCH and Healthcare Network—have seen rapid expansion in facilities and services thanks to transformative philanthropic gifts, and the Neighborhood Health Clinic, which is funded 100% by philanthropy, has almost tripled in size since 2017.

For Naples Comprehensive Health, four lead gifts of $20 million each have been received since 2022 in support of the upcoming orthopedic Hospital for Special Surgery (Patty and Jay Baker), the NCH Wingard Stroke Institute (Don and Diana Wingard), the NCH Rooney Heart Institute (Francis and Kathleen Rooney) and the R.M. Schulze Family Cardiovascular and Stroke Critical Care Center (Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation). The system’s largest capital campaign to date is ongoing to raise the remaining funds for each project.

NCH President and CEO Paul Hiltz said the health care system has high aspirations to be “at the top” in the country, and he thinks that lends a level of excitement toward giving, despite the rate of hospitals closing across the country.

“Here in Naples, we’re bringing in the world’s No. 1 orthopedic partner and will be opening that hospital in April [2025],” Hiltz says. “It’s driven by philanthropy, like our heart, vascular and stroke institute.”

The Rooney Heart Institute is already on track to becoming a top heart hospital in America, and the new facility will be icing on the

cake in making that happen, Hiltz says. “Again, driven by philanthropy. Those projects would not happen but for very generous donors.” Healthcare Network, a Naples-based Federally Qualified Health Center, has added two new primary care clinics since 2015 named for lead donor Jerry Nichols, along with two mobile units dedicated to providing dental and primary care services in underserved communities, thanks to support from the Bill and Julia Van Domelen Foundation. Philanthropists such as Nichols and Van Domelen “want to help

close the gaps in health care and the things they have that other people do not have,” says Jamie Ulmer, CEO of Healthcare Network.

“I would say that many of the donors in Southwest Florida are deep-rooted in the health and well-being of the entire community,” he says. “And what they realize is that it leads to a stronger and more vibrant region.”

Neighborhood Health Clinic, which fulfills its mission to deliver care to low-income, working but uninsured Collier County adults, uses a professional volunteer medical staff and accepts no government funding—including Medicare and Medicaid. A capital campaign that finished two and a half years ahead of schedule grew the Goodlette-Frank Road clinic from 11,000 square feet to more than 32,000. That includes the Van Domelen Education and Wellness Building,

funded by the Bill and Julia Van Domelen Foundation.

Keith Maples—chief development officer for the clinic that was founded in the late 1990s by Dr. Bill and Nancy Lascheid, and is now run by their daughter, Leslie Lascheid—said its donors value seeing the immediate effects on the community.

“There are so many people in our community who have the means to contribute and be a part of something, and they see the great work that is being done here,” Maples says. “I think people realize that we’re very fiscally responsible and that their dollar does so much more … I want donors to come through our front doors and walk through our clinic and see how they’re impacting our patients. I tell donors every day, ‘I want you to see whose lives you’re changing.’”

Donors have made it possible for health care facilities in the area to expand, including NCH’s Hospital for Special Surgery, Wingard Stroke Institute, Rooney Heart Institute, R.M. Schulze Family Cardiovascular and Stroke Critical Care Center, and Healthcare Network’s two primary care clinics and mobile units.

health care and good education systems,” she says. “If we want to attract the best and brightest, we need to have top-notch health care, education and housing.”

Van Domelen’s plans moving forward include a continued push for more pediatric care. “I’m very up front about it; I want the very best for my southern hometown.”

The tremendous need in a community with such wide economic disparity is among the chief reasons John Costigan and his wife, Emily, fuel philanthropic efforts through a donor-advised fund at Collier Community Foundation.

“Organizations like Neighborhood Health Clinic fill an important need, providing free health care for people who are working as hard as they can, but they simply can’t cover their insurance needs,” says Costigan, a CCF board member emeritus.

Among the many draws to Neighborhood Health Clinic is its medical staff being 100% volunteers. “When an organization is willing to volunteer their time to help people, you know that they are really committed to it, and they’re going to put their heart into it, as well as their time,” Costigan says.

Neighborhood Health Clinic in Naples provides free health care to low-income, uninsured Collier County adults. The clinic’s medical staff is 100% volunteer, and philanthropic gifts are what make facilities like the clinic possible.

Major philanthropic gifts such as these promise a better future for the health care landscape of Southwest Florida. With donors investing in hospital systems and clinics that have goals of providing worldclass care to residents across all economic strata, it becomes clear that health care philanthropy is an investment in the overall future of the community.

OVERNIGHT

NEW HOTELS GREET TOURISM IN COLLIER COUNTY

By Tim Aten

GROWTH

OVERNIGHT GROWTH

If it isn’t already obvious that tourism is the leading economic driver in Collier County, the abundance of hotels newly opened, under construction or being planned in the Naples area serves as towering proof.

The new construction and plans follow hotels that notably opened within the last year in the Naples area, which remains a popular spot for vacation getaways. These include Great Wolf Lodge South Florida, a 500-key, family-friendly resort with a 92,000-square-foot indoor water park that launched in September at 3900 City Gate Blvd. N., on 20 acres between Paradise Coast Sports Complex and the massive Uline distribution center in the City Gate commerce park. Even out of the water, amenities at the only Florida location for Midwest-based Great Wolf Resorts include five restaurants and a 62,000-square-foot indoor adventure park with a bowling alley, miniature golf, rope-climbing course, an arcade and more.

The resort has already seen a tremendous booking demand for its convention meeting space, and Great Wolf’s management “pack” knows its 22nd location stands out from the rest. The resort expects to see stays beyond the twonight average nationwide, said Jason Bays, general manager of Great Wolf Lodge South Florida.

“What we know from our guests coming here, while we have a lot of things to do at our resorts with the water park and the restaurants and everything, we know that they’re going to go out in the community, they’re going to visit the restaurants, they’re going to enjoy the beach-

Great Wolf Lodge opened its 92,000-square-foot indoor water park in September on City Gate Boulevard North in Naples.

Liz Gorman

OVERNIGHT GROWTH

es and take in all the things that are unique and special about the community here,” Bays says. “We actually think we’ll have a longer length of stay here because there are so many great things about this area that make Collier County and the surrounding region a unique and desirable place to stay.”

Another colorful property with a laidback theme celebrated its Naples launch this spring with poolside margaritas and Landshark lager. TPI Hospitality, the Minnesota-based developer and hotel management company behind the expansive Margaritaville Resort on Fort Myers Beach, converted the former Staybridge Suites Naples into a new Jimmy Buffett-inspired Compass by Margaritaville. The 119-suite hotel launched at 4805 Tamiami Trail N. with a 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill and other fun amenities with an island vibe.

The four-story Hampton Inn & Suites Naples South also launched this fall at 5146 Tamiami Trail E. in East Naples. The 124room Hampton by Hilton hotel enjoys upscale company, abutting the new Lamborghini Naples dealership and The Isles of Collier Preserve luxury community.

The three-story, 150-room AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue by Marriott opened last December on the corner of Goodlette-Frank Road and Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples. The Naples Square property at 455 12th St. S.—a short walk from the new Gulfshore Playhouse—includes Limón Rooftop Bar and restaurant, as well as a ground-floor cafe and 2,500 square feet of event space. South Carolina-based OTO Development developed and manages the hotel.

AC Hotel Naples, a three-story, 150room hotel by Marriott, opened last December on the corner of Goodlette-Frank Road and Fifth Avenue South.

The new resorts and hotels that have recently opened bring new options and variety into the market, and provide great fits for families and couples that might be coming to Florida’s Paradise Coast for the first time,

OVERNIGHT GROWTH

said Sandra J. Rios, public relations and communications manager for the tourism division of the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“Since many of the new accommodations are located either downtown or in more central locations, they complement the resort offerings that are in close proximity to the beaches. Visitors can experience our great culinary scene, shopping and downtown activities,” Rios says. “Great Wolf Lodge, as an example, is truly dedicated to family fun, while the AC Hotel Naples allows guests the ability to step outside and enjoy walking to Fifth Avenue South.”

Under construction

The Perry Hotel Naples plans to launch before the end of the year on more than 6 acres next to The Bay House restaurant in North Naples. The seven-story hotel at 805 Walkerbilt Road will have 160 rooms, distinctive food-and-beverage venues and an eight-slip marina on the Cocohatchee River. Tigress Rooftop Restaurant & Bar will serve Asian fusion cuisine in an open-air venue with panoramic views. The hotel will also include a poolside tapas restaurant, a coffee bar, ground-level and rooftop pools, a fitness center and a two-story lobby.

First finding success by developing The Perry Hotel Key West, FOD Capital saw lodging opportunities in Naples.

“The area has become increasingly desirable for travelers due to its proximity to nearby beaches, golf courses, world-class shopping and other areas for outdoor recreation,” says Matt Strunk, CFO of FOD Capital. “The Perry Hotel Naples will be a wonderful destination hotel for travelers and locals alike.”

Local developers and builders Andy Ho-

The Perry Hotel Naples (top) and The Hotel on Bayshore (bottom), previously announced as The 239 Hotel, are both currently under construction.

man and Mike Whalen with his New Era Construction LLC are behind the creation of The Hotel on Bayshore, previously announced as The 239 Hotel, at 3467 Bayshore Drive in East Naples. The contemporary, mixed-use building will have eight hotel suites, a rooftop pool and bar, a 155-seat restaurant and retail/ office space on the ground floor.

“We’re scheduled to open second quarter of ’25,” Whalen says. “We also acquired the property to the east of us, which will have 12 bungalows. We call it The Resort on Bayshore.” Behind the hotel, these garden villas on Areca Avenue will be available as extended-stay accommodations. “The property went through Hurricane Ian, so we are refurbishing it up to our hotel specs,” Whalen says.

The hotel’s restaurant tenant has not been named yet. “We have several people in the running, but we have not selected anyone yet,” Whalen adds.

The same development team also has three model homes under construction for The Grove Bayshore, a nearby 32-home residential community. Its new developments fit into the growing evolution and popularity of the Bayshore Arts District.

“We’re seeing extremely good interest in the area and great feedback from the public on our projects,” says Whalen.

Construction began in late August on the ECHO Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham Naples at 3670 Income Lane, near Collier Boulevard and Interstate 75 in the booming City Gate commerce park where the Great Wolf Lodge launched this fall. Initially proposed as an Extended Stay America location, the new 124-suite, four-story hotel by Wyndham will target guests for long-term stays of seven-plus nights with suite amenities, such as stovetops, microwave ovens, full-size

Casaconde

The Village School of Naples

6000 Goodlette-Frank Road N., Naples FL 34109 (239) 593-7686 | www.TVSNaples.org

MISSION: To provide an environment that EMPOWERS and INSPIRES students to think and CREATE solutions to challenges in an ever-changing world.

Celebrating 25 Years of Growth and Achievement

In 2025, The Village School of Naples (TVS) will proudly celebrate 25 years of delivering exceptional education. Beginning as a preschool established by North Naples Church, we have remained committed to fostering intellectual curiosity, moral character, and leadership skills in our students across all divisions— Early Childhood Education (ECE), Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School.

An Educational Legacy in Southwest Florida

The Village School is a beacon of academic distinction in Southwest Florida, offering a nurturing environment where intellectual rigor meets holistic development. Our school believes every child deserves a well-rounded education that blends innovative teaching with a strong sense of community.

Prestigious Academic Achievements

Recently, we received the College Board Honor Roll

Advanced Placement (AP) Platinum Award for the second consecutive year, an honor given to only 6% of high schools nationwide. This recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and rigor.

A Seamless and Connected Curriculum

From Early Childhood Education to Upper School, The Village School offers a connected curriculum that promotes lifelong learning and personal growth. Our Christcentered education nurtures spiritual, social, and emotional development, encouraging students to model core Christian values, which we call TVS Christ Skills. These include perseverance, caring and responsibility, which are integrated into all aspects of school life, including weekly chapel services.

Preparing Students for the Future

Led by Dr. Dennis G. Chapman, Head of School, we offer a dynamic blend of academics, athletics, and

arts, preparing students for the future. TVS believes that academics, athletics, and the arts should function in balance and harmony with one another and with Christ as our moral compass. We value community connections and continuously seek to enrich our students’ lives through partnerships and service opportunities beyond the classroom.

Empowering Students to Give Back

The Village School is a community-driven institution that equips students with the skills to make meaningful societal contributions. Through programs like Quest College Success and Upper School Internships, we instill the importance of giving back and making a difference.

Join Our Mission

Join us in empowering the next generation of leaders. Visit our website to learn more or support our mission.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 2000

Annual revenues

(most recent fiscal year): $14M

Total number of employees: 130

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S): Southwest Florida, located in Naples

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

The Village Fund

The Knight Gala

The Knight Golf Classic

LEADERSHIP:

Mr. Kenneth Krier

Chair

NNC Board of Stewards

Did You Know?

For 2023-24, TVS graduates received $6.5MM in merit scholarships. TVS is a Platinum AP School, with 70% faculty holding Master’s degrees, and five with Doctorates.

Mrs. Nikki Sweeney

Mrs. Jane Badger Director of Advancement

Dr. Dennis G. Chapman Head of School

Tim Aten

Compass by Margaritaville, a Jimmy Buffettinspired, 119-suite hotel, celebrated its Naples launch this spring.

OVERNIGHT GROWTH

refrigerators and dishwashers. The hotel is expected to be ready for its first guests by the end of 2025.

DeAngelis Diamond recently started vertical construction on the Old Naples Hotel, a 109-room property being redeveloped by the Camalier family and Delray Beach-based Ocean Properties on the footprint of The Plaza on Third Street, a retail center demolished in late 2020.

Plans show a boutique hotel with a courtyard, cafe/bar, fitness center, spa, sundry shop and other amenities. The three-story development includes about 3,755 square feet of retail space on the ground floor along Third Street South. A launch date is not available yet.

The much-anticipated Four Seasons Resort at Naples Beach Club has been taking shape for an opening targeted in 2025 at 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. N. in Naples. The 216-room property is part of the redevelopment of the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, which closed in 2021 after a historic run of more than 70 years. The new five-star resort will have nearly 100 fewer rooms than the historic hotel it replaces, but it’s destined to be a trend-setter for Naples.

“The new resort openings on the horizon will continue to bring additional luxury units into the marketplace and broaden the options for our guests in the future,” Rios says. “Tourist development taxes generated from overnight stays in our area fund a number of services and operations in our community, such as beach renourishment, refurbishment of parks and recreational facilities and funding for the Paradise Coast Sports Complex and our county museums, which offer free admission to residents and visitors. Tourism is one of the top three employers in our coun-

Four Seasons Resort at Naples Beach Club (top) is taking shape and expected to open in 2025 on Gulf Shore Boulevard. The Ellington (bottom), with plans to be a 10-story mixed-use development, is projected to have a 125-key hotel, as well as luxury condominiums above restaurants, retail space and parking.

The Athens Group; P6NT LLC; Brian Tietz

ty, with almost 29,000 individuals employed in the industry.”

Work in progress

Among the many other hotel destinations planned in Collier County, ground was recently broken on The Ellington, a mixed-use project proposed at the 1.92-acre point of the Gateway Triangle, the redevelopment area created where U.S. 41 East and Davis Boulevard intersect in East Naples. The 10-story mixed-use development is projected to have a 125-key hotel, as well as luxury condominiums above restaurants, retail space and parking.

The Ellington’s plans abut the hundreds of luxury multifamily dwellings at Metropolitan Naples, already under construction behind it in the 15-story Ascent and Aura towers, which also will feature restaurants and other commercial uses on 5.35 acres. The project changes the local horizon and elevates expectations immediately outside the city limits. Likewise, just outside the city limits on the northern edge of Naples, The Carnelian luxury boutique hotel is proposed at the site of the former longtime Bowland Beacon bowling alley that closed in August ahead of the redevelopment project at 5400 Tamiami Trail N. in North Naples. Plans for the six-story hotel by Naples entrepreneur Phil McCabe and his sons, Joseph and Philip, include 70 suites, two upscale restaurants and a rooftop private club, Sterling’s.

“On top of The Carnelian hotel is a gem. It will be quite special, a special place,” McCabe says. “That’s not just something that’s special for Naples; we’re bringing something that’s special on the world stage.”

Following the success of his TownePlace Suites Naples, which opened in early 2020 and quickly became a top-performing property for

OVERNIGHT GROWTH

the extended-stay brand by Marriott, Naples resident Joseph Toole plans to build another hotel next door to it in North Naples. Tru by Hilton is the new 92-room hotel winding through the permitting process for the vacant 1.59 acres at 5433 Juliet Blvd., across from Walmart Supercenter.

“I certainly think we would be breaking ground by the first of the year,” says Toole, general partner of hotel developer Lynwood LLC and president of Toole Companies, a family business that owns and operates hotels in Massachusetts and Florida. The new six-story hotel is targeted to open in the first quarter of 2026.

“I think it’s going to be an attractive alternative to area midscale hotels. This will be a little more value-oriented concept,” Toole says.

The latest plans for a JW Marriott hotel proposed across U.S. 41 East from Metropolitan Naples have been downsized from what was originally planned on East Naples acreage best known as the former home of the Little Italy and Checkers restaurants. Hotel developer Columbia Sussex now plans a 351-room, full-service hotel with a restaurant, ballrooms and meeting rooms, a fitness center, an outdoor pool on its third level and an attached parking garage. The redevelopment project remains in planning and permitting stages.

The 18-suite Aquarius Hotel is another redevelopment project expected to begin construction after the season ends in 2025. The three-story, boutique hotel is proposed to replace the U.S. 41 retail strip in Naples bookended by Liki Tiki BBQ and Pastrami Dan’s restaurants. Property owner Goran “Gordon” Stojkoski, who also owns and operates Liki Tiki BBQ, plans to relocate his Aqua restaurant and bar from Fifth Avenue South to a 7,000-square-foot space in his new hotel.

Still in its planning and permitting stages, JW Marriott (right) is expected to be a 351-room, full-service hotel with a restaurant, ballrooms and meeting rooms, a fitness center and outdoor pool. Aquarius Hotel, an 18-suite, boutique hotel, is expected to start construction at the end of 2025’s season.

ISLAND STATE OF MIND

SANIBEL MARKS GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY WITH CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO PRESERVATION

By Artis Henderson

ISLAND STATE OF MIND

For the last 50 years, Sanibel has leaned into an isolationist stance when it comes to the island’s commerce. And that’s served local business just fine.

This November, Sanibel marks 50 years since its incorporation. The island paradise has made a name for itself as an environment-focused sanctuary, distinct among the overly developed tourist hubs of this state. Compared to the chaos and noise of local unregulated tourism—before Hurricane Ian, nearby Fort Myers Beach routinely made lists for top spring break destinations—Sanibel has remained a tranquil haven. Its secret is that the island has kept its distance from big business and sprawling development, maintaining a focus on preservation.

“From a business standpoint, Sanibel has thrived because of this isolationist mindset,” says John Lai, president and CEO of the Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce. “There are very few places where people can find what we have, and this has played very well into the worldclass destination we’ve become. We’re not just another Florida beach.”

A Land Apart

For decades after the first homesteaders put down stakes in the late 1800s, Sanibel remained a hard-to-reach barrier island off the coast of Lee County. Visitors arrived by private boat, and the majority of the island’s population was made up of year-round farmers who grew crops, such as grapefruit, watermelon and key limes. But when a pair of devastating hurricanes in the early 1920s wiped out the island’s agriculture industry, tourism quickly

John Lai Sanibel and Captiva Chamber

of Commerce CEO

For decades Sanibel remained disconnected from the mainland, but in 1963 the Sanibel Causeway was built, and the population grew so quickly that the locals became the minority.

filled the void. A regular ferry service began running to Punta Rassa in 1928.

Still, life on Sanibel felt worlds apart from the mainland. There was just one shop—Bailey’s General Store—where residents and visitors would stock up on groceries for the week. Though most of the properties had well water, the sulfurous rotten-egg smell made it a bear for brushing teeth. Most families bought their drinking water at the store, too.

The island’s image as a sanctuary with an emphasis on unspoiled nature continued for several decades—but trouble lurked on the horizon. The surrounding areas were increasing in popularity, and developers were eager to transform the Florida landscape. As long as Sanibel remained separated from the rest of Florida, then it could preserve its island oasis feel. That abruptly came to an end in 1963 with the building of the original Sanibel Causeway, which connected the island to the mainland. Developers were eager to plant high-rise hotels and condominiums along Sanibel’s pristine shores, and the pro-growth Lee County Commission approved Sanibel for high-intensity urban development, including a four-lane expressway. The island’s population threatened to skyrocket.

“Almost overnight, the population changed so rapidly that the locals became a minority,” says Ty Symroski, president of the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village, whose family has been coming to the island since before ferry service started. But that minority was powerful. “We have a strong history of collaboration on this island,” Symroski says.

ISLAND STATE OF MIND

In the wake of the causeway’s construction, members of the Sanibel community banded together with a singular intention: to protect their sanctuary island from the grips of overdevelopment. In 1974, they were successful. The island incorporated, becoming its own city, capable of writing its chosen destiny. “We’re a community that knows how to work together,” Symroski says. “That’s part of what makes Sanibel so special.”

The Sanibel Plan

The first act of the newly incorporated city was to create the Sanibel Plan, a revolutionary land-use plan for governing the development of the island. The plan went into effect in 1976, putting nature at the center of all future plans and limiting development to a third of the island.

Despite accusations otherwise, the creators of the plan weren’t ignoring good business sense. In fact, they were dictating their own version of it. “Sanibel’s economic fortune is directly related to the viability of its natural systems,” the plan states. “Sanibel’s appeal as a pleasant place to live or visit is based upon vital wildlife, open beaches and a tranquil ambiance.” The plan’s authors knew that, in order for Sanibel to thrive, it would need to protect what made the island unique.

The Sanibel Plan was remarkable for its time, nearly unheard of in a state whose commercial history has depended on ceaseless land sales. Even more impressive, that plan has stayed intact over the last 50 years. Thanks to the plan, over two-thirds of the island has remained in conservation today. The key to its enduring success?

“It’s the personality of Sanibel,” says Thomas Ankersen, a professor emeritus at the Uni-

Ty Symroski Sanibel Historical Museum & Village president

After the causeway’s construction, Sanibel residents joined together to protect the island from overdevelopment. It incorporated in 1974 and created the Sanibel Plan, which limits development to only one-third of the island.

Nick Shirghio

versity of Florida Levin College of Law, and director emeritus of the Coastal Policy Lab at UF’s Center for Coastal Solutions and the Florida Sea Grant Legal Program. He served as the first Pfeifer Conservation Fellow at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, and he lectures regularly on the Sanibel Plan. “The population on the island has a basic love for nature, and they want to maintain this place as a natural sanctuary. That has transferred from one generation to the next here, and even after the disruption of Hurricane Ian, it persists.”

McSpoiler Alert

But that’s not to say that the plan hasn’t gone unchallenged, or that Sanibel’s isolationist policies haven’t been put to the test. One of the biggest of those tests came in the early 1990s, when McDonald’s sought to build an eatery on the island. Local residents rose up in protest, and anti-McDonald’s bumper stickers appeared all over the island with the slogan “McSPOIL: No McDonald’s on Sanibel.” A Dairy Queen already existed on the island, and a Subway had managed to gain a foothold. But McDonald’s was going too far, local residents agreed.

By keeping big chains out, the island has allowed small, locally owned businesses to thrive. French bistro Bleu Rendezvous has gained a loyal following since it opened on Sanibel in 2015. Before that, the fine dining restaurant was located in Fort Myers under the name Bleu Windows Bistro in the space currently occupied by Harold’s. Husband and wife owners Mari and Christian Vivet dreamed about moving their white-tablecloth establishment to one of the local islands, either Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel. Ultimately, Sanibel won, in large part because of the island’s isolationist approach to com-

ISLAND STATE OF MIND

merce. “Business-wise, it made more sense,” Mari Vivet says. “It has that exclusivity.”

This fall, after nearly a decade on the island, the Vivets sold Bleu Rendezvous to a French couple. As they work to create a seamless transition to the new ownership, they are optimistic about the restaurant’s continued success. This optimism stems from the way Sanibel businesses countered the devastation of Hurricane Ian. Bleu Rendezvous was one of the first restaurants to reopen after the storm. “We worked our butts off to get this place opened,” Vivet says. And they weren’t alone. “The storm brought the island businesses together for the common goal of getting people back on the island.” That kind of unified front was possible because many of the businesses on the island were owned by locals such as the Vivets. Going forward, they believe this will continue to serve the new owners well.

“This is a great time for businesses on the island,” Vivet says. “Sanibel is coming back. It won’t happen overnight—the hurricane was devastating for all of us—but there’s a momentum on the island.” And the new owners, she says, are motivated. “They want to carry on the traditions we started here.”

A Bright Future

Since Hurricane Ian, the Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce has seen a remarkable outpouring of support for the island and its business community. But challenges still remain.

“Our biggest challenge is the wait for the return of most of our lodging units. We are currently sitting at just over 26% on Sanibel and 61% on Captiva with a combined 36.6% of our pre-Ian inventory,” says Lai. “That’s truly

Sanibel Library; Nick Shirghio

Harry Bailey (top left), who started Bailey’s General Store with his brothers, sits with his son in the Bailey House on Periwinkle Way. The original Sanibel Schoolhouse (top right) was once the only school on the island. Mari and Christian Vivet (bottom left) moved their restaurant, Bleu Rendezvous, to Sanibel nearly a decade ago. Built in 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse (bottom right) was one of the first lighthouses on the Gulf Coast.

ISLAND STATE OF MIND

The Sanibel Plan’s authors put nature at the center of all future plans, knowing that in order for Sanibel to thrive, they would need to protect what makes the island unique.

Nick Shirghio

ISLAND STATE OF MIND

amazing, as we know that each unit is now in brand-new condition, but when you compare the inventory of hotel rooms pre-Ian at 30% and the number of nonaccommodation businesses reopened at 83%, we know that the off-seasons will be our biggest hurdle for the next couple of years.”

Businesses on the island have had to become more resilient over the past 50 years, Lai said. “In the past eight years alone we’ve seen several hurricanes including a direct hit by a Category 5, a red tide/blue-green algae event and a pandemic. However, in those same eight years we’ve seen record visitation, the end of just one peak season and a younger, more diverse resident base that spends more time on the island. Businesses that thrive tend to understand that we are not only a world-class vacation destination, but also that Sanibel is and shall remain a barrier island sanctuary. The Sanibel Plan is our playbook that outlines a lot, but specifically that roughly 68% of our land remain in conservation, that our beaches shall remain natural and that formula retail is not allowed— which keeps the focus on small, locally owned businesses, and needs to be embraced. It truly sets us apart from any other vacation destination in our state.”

Despite the setbacks, Lai remains optimistic. He believes the future is incredibly bright for Sanibel’s island community. “In two years, based on the economic outlook that we have partnered with Florida Gulf Coast University and Charitable Foundation of the Islands to execute, our lodging units will be over 85% back online and every unit will be brandnew,” he says. “That rising tide will inevitably float all boats. We will see increased real estate transactions, plus retail, restaurants and attractions will thrive. We will be a community that is built back stronger than ever from every aspect.”

Sanibel is different from other vacation destinations in Florida, in part due to the focus on small, locally owned businesses that embrace their island as a sanctuary.

Nick Shirghio

Welcome

From Our Sponsors

Fifth Third Bank

Guadalupe Center

L.E.A.D. – Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida

Boys & Girls Club of Collier County

Champions For Learning Collaboratory

Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida

Holocaust Museum & Education Center

Lee Health Foundation

Meals Of Hope

NAMI Collier County

Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Cancer Advisors

RCMA

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

STARability Foundation

The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center

The Immokalee Foundation The Naples Players The Salvation Army Fort Myers

Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida

Grace Place For Children and Families

Gulf Coast Symphony

Harry Chapin Food Bank of SWFL

2024 GIVING GUIDE BUSINESS GIVES BACK

J. RENSTROM Associate Publisher Gulfshore Business

Welcome

“When

we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” –Maya Angelou

Welcome to the third annual Gulfshore Business Giving Guide!

Businesses in Southwest Florida have a long history of giving back to our community and investing in culture, education, healthcare and social services. With so many deserving nonprofits, it’s sometimes difficult to discern and prioritize business and corporate giving.

Once again, the Giving Guide provides area nonprofits with the opportunity to spotlight their organizations, define their missions and present their programs so that businesses can better understand how they can contribute.

We hope that our readers will find this to be a useful annual resource to inform and connect them with our participating nonprofits who work so tirelessly yearround to support our region through their caring and commitment.

The Giving Guide’s profiles feature a variety of area nonprofits and contain information on their various missions, programs and boards of directors, as well

as giving and volunteer opportunities. This content will also be available digitally year-round at Giving Guide: Business Gives Back - Gulfshore Businesss.

Everyone at Gulfshore Business is proud to be part of such a giving business community and we are especially grateful to our presenting sponsors—Fifth Third Bank and L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Dugs & Violence)—for their support and to all of our nonprofit partners for their participation.

During this time of Thanksgiving and well into the coming New Year, the impact of business and corporate giving will touch countless lives and help enrich our overall community.

CHRISTIAN

2025 GIVING GUIDE: BUSINESS GIVES

From Our Sponsors

Improving the lives of our customers and the prosperity of our communities L.E.A.D. Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence

The purpose and promise of Fifth Third is to help improve the lives of our customers and communities through sound banking principles and superior service. This unwavering vision remains at the heart of everything we do today.

Locally, we have been supporting the Naples community since 1991. Our employees have contributed numerous volunteer hours and serve on many local boards throughout the South Florida community.

As the Regional President for South Florida, the Bank is honored to partner and support such an elite group of organizations that share the same mission as the Bank when it comes to our communities.

I’d like to thank our employees and customers, who continue to serve and give back all while striving to improve the livelihood of our communities.

On behalf of myself and our employees, we continue to look forward to deepening our community partnerships and make our communities the best they can be for years to come.

Now in its 10th year, L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence) is the fastest-growing drug abuse and violence prevention program offered in schools by law enforcement agencies. And we need your help to reach more kids!

In 2014, L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence) was created to provide the leadership, resources, and management to ensure law enforcement agencies have the means to partner with our educators, community leaders, and families. We succeed by providing proven and effective programs to deter youth and adults from drug use, drug related crimes, bullying, and violence. We are committed to reinforcing the mutual respect, goodwill, and relations between law enforcement and their communities.

After working with law enforcement agencies in Florida for three years, we are proud to expand our vision by opening a new flagship office in Naples. Our new office serves as the center of our National Philanthropy Division in the heart of Collier County, the home of the largest and most rapidly expanding L.E.A.D. program in the United States.

We need support in Southwest Florida to grow with our increasing demand. Together, we can create safer, healthier communities free of drugs, bullying, and violence. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse, 1 in 8 teenagers abused an illicit substance last year. Drug use increased an astounding 61% among 8th graders between 2016 and 2020. We need to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices and avoid drug use.

Through grants, donations, and support from the community, we are able to offer cost-free training to law enforcement officers and education professionals so they can administer the fun, engaging, and effective Too Good for Drugs and Too Good for Violence agebased curricula to local students. We look forward to continuing our mission to provide law enforcement with the resources they need to empower our youth throughout the country.

Thank you for joining us in our mission.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Green Regional President

South Florida Fifth Third Bank

Sincerely,

Nicholas R. DeMauro Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director

Community is the commitment we make to each other

When a community is strong, it's more than a collection of streets and buildings—it's a place that helps its residents thrive.

That's why we're committed to building stronger communities in Southwest Florida.

Fifth Third Bank

999 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples, FL | www.53.com

VISION: Our Vision is personal. It’s about showing our customers that we provide something different, something of value. Every single day, every one of us creates connections that build value and trust.

At Fifth Third Bank, we pride ourselves on our community involvement. We have more than a 165-year history of helping others and being a source of value and trust for our customers, communities, employees and shareholders—and we will never stop doing what’s right for those we serve.

Locally, we have been supporting the Naples community since 1991. In Naples, we have 16 branch locations totaling to more than 35 branches across Collier and Lee County. Our employees have contributed

numerous volunteer hours and serve on many local boards in the community.

Fifth Third also has several educational programs we deliver to the community. We understand that lives are improved when people have the knowledge and tools to make wise financial decisions. Fifth Third’s L.I.F.E “Lives Improved Through Financial Empowerment®” programs deliver financial education to people at all ages and stages of life. We provide interactive financial empowerment with the Fifth Third Young Bankers Club®

ABOUT US

Year established: 1858

serving 4th–6th grade, Fifth Third Finance Academy serving Junior and High Schools students, and our Fifth Third Financial Empowerment Mobile® (eBus), that features full internet connectivity and brings financial access and education directly into communities, especially underserved areas.

Thank you to our community partners, customers and employees for continuing to improve the communities that we serve.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

Stephanie Green Regional President of South Florida

Julio Ramirez Market President, Southeast Florida | Commercial Banking Executive, SFL Region

Craig Watson Managing Director of Private Bank

You’re Invited!

There are many wonderful ways to make a REAL impact for the students of Immokalee by getting involved with Guadalupe Center. Consider partnering with us through sponsorships, volunteering, mentorship, in-kind donations, and more. Your support helps us create opportunities for learning and growth. We can’t wait to make a difference together!

Holiday Gift Shop – Toy Collection

November 8 – December 6, you can share the magic of Christmas by donating unwrapped gifts at one of our many drop off locations. Check our website for collection sites!

Seeing the Bigger Picture

Hob Nob, 5th Ave. South Naples

With a focus on FUN, enjoy a night out with friends while supporting students in Guadalupe Center’s programs. We will have light apps, signature drinks, a DJ that will keep you moving, and a silent auction with exclusive items you won’t want to miss!

Wear RED to show your support!

Gift of Giving : Shop for Education

Visit Kendra Scott, Lilly Pulitzer, and Veronica Beard, for your holiday shopping and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Guadalupe Center.

Elevate the Dream Gala

The Ritz-Carlton Naples Tiburon, 2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples

Attend an evening renowned for its fun atmosphere and great entertainment, offering a gourmet dinner, a live auction, and the opportunity to make on-the-spot donations in support of education for students in Immokalee.

Golden Circle Luncheon

The Club at the Dunes, 310 Dunes Boulevard, Naples

Join us for a private luncheon and guided conversation with Golden Circle members. The Golden Circle members are changemakers motivated and intentional in their desire to solve problems and effect change. Each year, they designate a specific initiative to champion.

Celebration Dinner

Twin Eagles Country Club, 11725 Twin Eagles Boulevard, Naples

One of the most heartwarming events of our year. We celebrate Tutor Corps students graduating high school alongside their families and their mentors.

Guadalupe Center

509 Hope Circle, Immokalee, FL 34142 (239) 657-7711 | www.GuadalupeCenter.org

MISSION: Breaking the cycle of poverty through education for the children of Immokalee

For 40 years, Guadalupe Center has transformed Immokalee, evolving from a soup kitchen into a vibrant hub of opportunity that empowers families to break the cycle of poverty through education.

The core of Guadalupe Center’s mission is a powerful belief that education is the key to prosperity. Higher levels of education unlock access to better-paying jobs, enabling families to secure essential needs, like food, housing, health care and transportation.

A generation ago, half of Immokalee adults lacked high school diplomas. Today, the landscape has dramatically changed. Over 250 Guadalupe Center alumni have earned college degrees and are thriving as doctors, nurses, teachers, business owners and public service leaders.

A recent survey found that Guadalupe Center graduates are 55% more likely to earn college degrees compared to peers from Immokalee High School and are 25%

more likely to earn at least $70,000 annually, testaments to the transformative power of education and community support.

Each year, Guadalupe Center serves 2,000+ students from infancy through college across four educational programs:

• Early Childhood Education (pre-school)

• After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment (elementary school)

• Tutor Corps RISE (middle school)

• Tutor Corps (high school)

Additionally, Guadalupe Center offers a Smart Start family literacy program and early learning services through Immokalee’s Teenagers as Parents Program.

OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE AN IMPACT

Of Guadalupe Center’s operating budget, 70% comes from philanthropic support and grants. Supporters enjoy social events and fundraisers throughout the year.

Every gift – no matter the size – creates a lasting impact.

Guadalupe Center’s Golden Circle boasts an impressive group of women who dedicate their time and resources to a cause that matters to them – education. These changemakers create meaningful solutions, like establishing a Behavioral Health Specialist position to help students discover academic, social, behavioral and emotional success.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Corporate partners who integrate giving into their culture certainly fuel success, but businesses also create impact through team-building volunteer days and in-kind contributions.

Volunteers offer expertise as career day presenters and guest speakers and serve as special event chairs, Buddy Day volunteers, committee members and lend their time and talents at the Guadalupe Resale Shop.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 1984

Annual revenues (most recent fiscal year): $14.1 million

Total number of employees: 334

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA(S): Immokalee

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Naples Children & Education Foundation

Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation

Collier Community Foundation

United Way of Collier and the Keys

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Rich Monaghan Board Chair

Joseph Baughman Immediate Past Chair

William Dempsey Vice Chair

Gloria Bessinger Treasurer

Tom White Secretary

“ “Every dreamer needs a champion, and together we can be that support. All students have the potential to become the leaders of tomorrow, and it’s our collective responsibility to empower them with the tools and resources they need to pursue their most audacious dreams.

-Dawn Montecalvo, President & CEO

Dawn Montecalvo President & CEO

L.E.A.D.

(Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence)

1100 5th Ave South, Suite 208, Naples FL 34102 (L.E.A.D. Florida Headquarters) (609) 259-2500 | www.leadrugs.org

MISSION: We provide the leadership, resources and management to ensure law enforcement agencies have the means to partner with our educators, community leaders, and families. We succeed by providing proven and effective programs to deter youth and adults from drug use, drug related crimes, bullying and violence. We are committed to reinforcing the mutual respect, goodwill and relations between law enforcement and their communities.

L.E.A.D. is strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and communities nationwide. With the program’s “In the Classroom” services, L.E.A.D. instructors teach school children the dangers of drugs and violence and help them solidify their goalsetting, decision-making and communication skills.

L.E.A.D.’s “In the Classroom” program has trained over 4300 instructors in 44 states with its proven and effective anti-drug and anti-violence curricula.

The 10-week course educates students K-12 about how to make smart decisions without the involvement of Alcohol, Drugs, and Violence.

The L.E.A.D. “Too Good for Drugs” and “Too Good for Violence” curricula, provided in partnership with the Mendez Foundation, utilizes age appropriate social and emotional learning to work through fun and interactive lessons, building the selfconfidence young people need to make healthy choices and achieve success.

Too Good for Drugs and Too Good for Violence promote positive, pro-social attitudes and behaviors, while fostering

healthy relationships, resistance to substance abuse and conflict, and resistance to negative peer pressure and influence.

The L.E.A.D. program uses evaluation studies conducted by third-party researchers using randomized treatmentcontrol group designs (pre-test/ post-test, 20-week post-test, or one-year follow-up). The researchers examined pretest equivalence between treatment and control groups, potential bias of loss of student data over time, quality of program implementation, and estimates of reliability and validity of assessment tools. By conducting this research, L.E.A.D. ensures that instructors have the most tested, proven and effective, anti-drug and anti-violence curricula available.

Finally, L.E.A.D.’s “On the Street” program provides Digital Threat Assessment® training through its partnership with Safer Schools Together. The training helps schools put measures in place to look for harmful signs on popular social media platforms that could help prevent violent events from

occurring. The assessment, which is being adopted by schools nationwide, teaches participants practical, ready-to-use skills to identify and respond to concerning behavior on social media.

GOALS

In support of our mission and vision, L.E.A.D. is committed to growing our evidence-based model to every state in the union, educate 1.5 million students as to the dangers of drugs, related crimes and bullying, develop and initiate a community awareness programs that bring together law enforcement with the local citizens and engage in 501(c)(3) fundraising in order to provide the necessary resources to execute our mission.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

L.E.A.D. offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities including a National Drug and Violence Conference, and Leadership & Community Solutions Summit, L.E.A.D. FEST Carnivals and “Battling Drugs and Violence”, a radio show on AM 970 The Answer in New York City.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 2014

Total number of employees: 25

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S): United States

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Private Donations

Government Grants

Clothing Recycling Program

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Kevin Haney Board Chairman

William Schievella Vice Chair

Sheriff Kevin Rambosk Second Vice Chair

Colette Balaam Third Vice Chair

Mayor Timothy McDonough Secretary

Craig Dugan Treasurer

Joseph J. Grano, Jr. Non-Executive President

Jay Bloom

Jim Robertson

Gary Sabbitino

Dr. Richard Bozza

Chief Steve Casstevens

Chief Paul Cell

Lloyd Levenson, ESQ.

Dottie Herman

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

1590 Goodlette Road, Naples, FL 34102 (239) 262-5409 | www.napleszoo.org

MISSION: To inspire people of all ages to respect, value, and help conserve wildlife and our natural world.

For over 100 years, this 43-acre zoo and garden in the heart of Naples has been a dynamic and evolving resource for the Southwest Florida community and visitors to the area. Naples Zoo is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that welcomes more than 400,000 visitors annually. The Zoo is constantly adapting and improving, seeking innovative ways to connect people of all ages with animals and nature and to inspire them to help conserve and protect.

For over 20 years, the Zoo has maintained accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the organization that sets and enforces the highest standards for zoos and aquariums. Only 10% of all facilities nationally have achieved AZA accreditation.

In March of 2024, Naples Zoo completed their ambitious 10-year masterplan and $25 million capital campaign

investment that dramatically improved and transformed the Zoo’s commitment to animal care and welfare, educational programming, conservation, and guest experience.

Significant new and improved exhibits, a new animal hospital and commissary, a major new education and volunteer center, and a new Zoo entrance and visitor complex are major components of the completed master plan and capital campaign investments. Naples Zoo is in the process of finalizing its next 10-year master plan, designed to further grow the Zoo and meet its commitment to continual improvement. Naples Zoo will need philanthropic support to achieve its next 10-year master plan. The Zoo’s unique financial position allows it to direct and restrict all philanthropic support to capital improvements and educational programming as the Zoo’s earned revenues fully fund its annual operating

budget.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Zoo Gala, November 21, 2024 Zoobilee, February 7, 2025

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Are you interested in learning new things, being around amazing animals, and contributing to conservation efforts across the globe? Join Naples Zoo’s Volunteer Herd! www.napleszoo.org/volunteer

GOALS

Our goal is to be the best possible resource for the Southwest Florida community for wildlife education and conservation. The Southwest Florida community is one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation, in response to this growth, Naples Zoo developed a forward-thinking masterplan designed to meet the needs of the Southwest Florida community and visitors to the area for generations to come.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 1919 Garden; 1969 Zoo

Annual revenues (FY2022/2023): $6,955,288.

Total number of employees: 95

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S): Southwest Florida

TOP FUNDING SOURCES: Earned Revenues

Individual/Family/ Private Philanthropy

Corporate/Foundation Support

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Denny

Immel

Lavender

Mary Babson

Kevin Bell

Greg Debski

Nikkie Dvorchak

John Fisher

Stephanie Green

Jeanne Guglielmi

Nancy Hamill

Jay Hartington

Susan Hassan

David Hoffmann

“Heidi Huizenga

Kathy Marinello

Jennifer McCurry

Philip Morgan

Charlie Mueller

Mike Neal

Thomas Oliveri

Mark Rometty

Ann Scott

Michael Ullmann

Nina Van Arsdale

Sheliah Wall

lack Mulvena, President and CEO

Naples Zoo is proud to welcome Collier County residents to the Zoo free of charge on the first Saturday of each month. Through “Free Saturdays” we give back $1 million annually to the nearly 50,000 Collier County residents who take advantage of the program. Most importantly, we are able to provide access to so many children and families who might not otherwise be able to afford the Zoo or other local attractions —Jack Mulvena, President and CEO

Next time you visit a local McDonald’s restaurant, ask to Round-Up for RMHC! Your donation directly contributes to supporting families with ill and injured children.

Next time you visit a local McDonald’s restaurant, ask to Round-Up for RMHC! Your donation directly contributes to supporting families with ill and injured children.

When you place your order at McDonald’s—whether at the kiosk, front counter, or drive-through—you can make a big difference with just a small gesture. Simply select the “Round-Up for RMHC” option at checkout, or let the cashier know you'd like to round up your purchase. By rounding up, you’re helping relieve the stress and financial burdens of families in Southwest Florida, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: being with their children during challenging times.

When you place your order at McDonald’s—whether at the kiosk, front counter, or drive-through—you can make a big difference with just a small gesture. Simply select the “Round-Up for RMHC” option at checkout, or let the cashier know you'd like to round up your purchase. By rounding up, you’re helping relieve the stress and financial burdens of families in Southwest Florida, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: being with their children during challenging times.

Learn more at rmhcswfl.org or scan the QR code below.

Learn more at rmhcswfl.org or scan the QR code below.

House®

Ronald McDonald Family Room®

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® Program

Ronald McDonald House®

Ronald McDonald Family Room®

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® Program

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida

16100 Roserush Court, Fort Myers, FL 33908 239-437-0202 | www.rmhcswfl.org/

Southwest Florida

MISSION: Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida (RMHC® SWFL) provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare. We believe nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing their child—not the cost of travel, accommodation, or food. RMHC SWFL offers three core programs to support families during their most challenging times.

Ronald McDonald House®: Our 12-bedroom House, located adjacent to Golisano Children’s Hospital, provides families a comfortable place to stay close to their child’s medical team. Families can focus on their child’s care while we take care of the essentials— meals, laundry, and a peaceful environment.

Ronald McDonald Family Room®: This comforting space inside Golisano Children’s Hospital provides a respite for families, steps away from their child’s hospital room. The

Family Room offers a place for families to rest, recharge, or enjoy a meal without leaving the hospital. Cozy seating, snacks, coffee, laundry facilities, and more ensure families have the support they need during extended hospital stays.

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®: Partnering with healthcare providers, our Care Mobile delivers dental services directly to underserved communities in Southwest Florida. The 40-foot mobile clinic helps children receive the vital care they need, especially those without easy access to healthcare services.

Of the 40 RMHC Care Mobile programs worldwide, we proudly have two to serve our community.

GOALS

Our strategic priorities for 2025-2027 are:

• Serve more families, better

• Drive engagement

• Enhance collaboration

• Prioritize people

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Planned gifts, multiyear gifts,

named gifts to honor and recognize a loved one, please call us to develop a meaningful gift to meet the needs of the families we serve (239-437-0202).

Our 2024-25 signature fundraising events include:

• Parisian Tea Party on 11/21/24 at the Naples Women’s Club

• Golf Tournament on 12/13/24 at Fiddlesticks Country Club

• Storybook Ball on 2/22/2025 at Sanibel Marriott

• Sporting Clays Tournament on 3/28/2025

To learn more or purchase sponsorships or tickets, visit rmhcswfl.org/events

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

• Ronald McDonald House Monday- Sunday: morning, afternoon, evening shifts

• Family Meal Program

Ongoing daily dinner program

• Ronald McDonald Family Room Monday-Friday: morning, afternoon, evening shifts Saturday – Sunday: morning and afternoon shifts

ABOUT US:

Year established: 1996

Annual revenues (FY2023): $1,353,019 (gross)

Total number of employees: 6.5 FTEs

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S):

Southwest Florida (Collier, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties)

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Private & Corporate Donors

Special Events

Community Partners (McDonald’s)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Stephanie Wardein President & CEO

Richard DeStefano

Board President

David Koester Vice President

Deana Homsi Vice President

Gabriele O’Boyle

Secretary

Michelle Macias Treasurer

Carey Randall Parliamentarian

Susan Ryckman Past President

“

My kids were able to eat and read in the morning. I was able to create a routine while going to the hospital. RMCH was our rock. I’ll never forget.

—Ruth

Morency

“

Boys & Girls Club of Collier County

7500 Davis Blvd., Naples, FL 34104 (239) 325-1700 | www.bgccc.com

MISSION: To empower all young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Boys & Girls Club of Collier County annually serves almost 3,500 children and teens, ages 6 to 18, through after-school programs and full-day camps during school breaks. Our Clubs are located in Naples and Immokalee, along with seven schoolbased sites. The Clubs’ six core program areas include academics, college & career development, character & leadership, health & life skills, the arts, and sports & recreation.

Boys & Girls Club provides a safe place for young people to learn, grow and develop ongoing relationships with adult mentors who support their education, emotional, physical and social development they need to become successful adults. For many of our young members, the Club is a place for learning, friendships and fun. It’s our privilege to be a part of this journey, providing a safe and supportive out

of school time environment that encourages each child to dream big. Our dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that every child who walks through our doors feels valued, empowered, and inspired. We are not just an after-school program; we are a place where lifelong friendships are formed and where futures are shaped through mentorship, guidance, and educational enrichment.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS / OPPORTUNITIES

We have two signature events: Fore-the-Kids Golf Tournament and the Great Futures Gala & Youth of the Year Awards. Additional events include an annual open house luncheon; Pouring for a Purpose, shop/ dine & share events with local business partners, Ross Dress For Less-in store fundraiser, GL Homes & Boys & Girls Club of Coller County Holiday Drive, and a back to school drive. Sponsorships

are available for all fundraising events.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

We value the contributions volunteers make to the wellbeing and development of our members. Opportunities include:

• Refresh and update classrooms

• Share expertise on a specific subject

• Sponsor and serve Thanksgiving meals to families

• Host a fundraiser, toy, or school supply drive

• Help at events

• Judge Youth of the Year or other youth competitions

• Mentor or coach

Together, we are building a brighter future for the next generation, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive and develop their full potential.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 1997

Annual budget: $7.5M

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S):

Collier County

STAFF: 135

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Individuals

Family Foundations

Private Foundations

Businesses

Florida Department of Education/ Health

LEADERSHIP

TRUSTEE MEMBERS

Domenic Ferrante

Mary Pat Hussey, Vice Chair/Secretary

Joel K. Lipman, M.D., Treasurer

BOARD MEMBERS

Alise G. Bartley, PhD

Sheree Druskin

Greg Faulkner

Flint Lane

Mary Osborn

Emma Osborne

Manuel Peña, M.D.

“Audrey Pengelly

George Phillips

Joe Pignatano

Max Press

Ashley Smith

Charles E. Weinrich

Together, we will expand our reach, innovate our programs, and ensure that every child who walks through our doors has the opportunity to succeed. –Megan McCarthy Beauvais

Megan McCarthy Beauvais President & CEO

Susan Bass Bolch Chair

The Education Foundation of Collier County Champions For Learning

3606 Enterprise Ave, Suite 150 Naples, Florida 34104 (239) 643-4755 | www.championsforlearning.org

MISSION: Serve as a catalyst for educational success by investing in Collier’s students and educators.

The Education Foundation of Collier County—Champions For Learning’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for educational success by investing in Collier’s students and educators. Our Student Programs are designed to equip and prepare students for their future learning and career goals. Our Educator Programs are designed to value, empower, and support educators to experience professional success. Recognized as the education foundation serving Collier County by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, Champions For Learning serves a unique role as a conduit for students, educators, principals, schools, and the community to ensure student and educator success.

GOALS

Our work is designed to achieve several goals. Students are educated and empowered to choose and navigate their own path to

success. Educators have support and resources to experience professional success. Champions facilitates constructive conversations and partnerships to foster school success. These goals shape our mission to serve this county’s students and educators.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Night for Champions is the signature fundraising event which aims to increase awareness of how education is the most powerful investment in our future and the foundation of our community. This elegant evening to remember will be held on February 15, 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner, a fund-a-need auction, and live music and dancing. The Golden Apple Celebration showcases our Collier County educators’ high impact practices that excite students about learning and increase

student achievement. The Golden Apple Celebration will be held at Naples United Church of Christ on April 5, 2025.

For information on sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets for these events, contact Wyatt Blatt at wblatt@ championsforlearning.org.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Champions For Learning is a volunteer driven organization. Of the 428 people who volunteer with us each year, over half dedicate two to four hours of their time to our organization every week. With dedicated volunteers and a committed administrative team, Champions For Learning embodies the belief that education is everything! Champions For Learning offers numerous volunteer roles to complement your interests and schedule. Visit championsforlearning.org/ changemakers to learn more.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 1990

Annual revenues (most recent fiscal year): $4,081,446

Total number of employees: 17

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA: All of Collier County

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Private Foundations and Grants

Individuals and Family Foundations

Corporate and Organizations

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Martha Rozman Board Chair

William Lutz

Immediate Past Chair

Dr. Bruce Mousa

Vice Chair

Denise Murphy

Secretary

Roger Lipitz

Treasurer

Stephanie Lucarelli CCPS School Board

Representative

Jerry Brown

“Barbara Evans President and CEO

Dr. Della Burt-Bradley

Corky Carlsen

Tim Cawley

Serge Ecityan

Janet Perna

Gary Personette

Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli

CCPS Superintendent

Dr. Jesse Roberts

Carol Windfeldt

I have seen first-hand how the work of Champions For Learning transforms the learning experience for our students, our educators, and our schools. Champions For Learning’s investment in education has far-reaching effects for our entire community, and I am grateful for their trusted partnership –Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli, CCPS Superintendent

“

Collaboratory

2031 Jackson St, Fort Myers, Florida 33901 | 239.274.5900 | www.collaboratory.org

MISSION: Collaboratory is a Community Foundation committed to bringing Southwest Florida together to solve all of our major social problems by 2040.

Collaboratory is a Community Foundation. Originally founded as the Southwest Florida Community Foundation in 1976. Since then, we’ve granted more than $120 million to individuals and organizations in our community and have helped them increase their ability to improve life for everyone in Southwest Florida.

Building on that legacy of service, our evolved mission is to convene, facilitate and support community coalitions in order to coordinate the solving of Southwest Florida’s major social problems by 2040.

WHAT WE DO GRANTMAKING

We aid organizations helping to solve the problems our donors and the community have identified as priorities in support of our collective 2040 goal.

FUND DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT

We specialize in developing and managing a diverse range of fund types, including donoradvised funds, scholarships,

designated funds, and field-ofinterest funds.

We also collaborate with professional advisors to support their clients in achieving their charitable giving goals, both now and through estate planning. For those interested in discussing philanthropic objectives or community support through giving, we encourage you to contact us at give@collaboratory.org

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

We furnish community leadership to bring diverse stakeholders together to address regional issues. In this role, we resource, engage, and coordinate regional coalitions aligned around shared goals to change regional outcomes.

CAPACITY BUILDING

We offer training and resources to regional partner organizations to strengthen our collective ability to solve problems together.

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP

Working alongside our donors

and our community partners, we connect and leverage our region’s resources to address ongoing social problems by upskilling our workforce, increasing access to affordable housing, and enhancing health and wellness for all. Because these are complex social problems, they require coordination to ensure we are all working together, and that every generous donor achieves the biggest impact with their funds.

A MODEL OF SUCCESS GUIDES OUR WAY

Building on our proven FutureMakers Coalition—a regional alliance of hundreds of organizations and individuals that has greatly improved lives through education and employment opportunities we’ve launched two new coalitions: the Home Coalition and the Health and Wellness Coalition. Two additional coalitions are in the wings: Environment, focused on our natural ecosystems; and Place, centered on our built environment.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 1976 (originally Southwest Florida Community Foundation.)

Total Assets: $168,867,659

Distributions for FY 2023: $14,268,566 (grants, scholarships and program support)

Total Number of Employees: 32

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA(S):

Southwest Florida (Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties)

LEADERSHIP

Gary Griffin Vice Chair and Secretary/Treasurer

TRUSTEES:

Malike Adigun

Dale Reiss

Fred Moon

Harrison S. Knight

Julie Ben-Susan

Khandyce Mosely

Lillie Rentz

Rosemary Filori

“Sally Jackson

Suzanne Boy

Lauren Drasites

Karen Watson

Damon Romanello

William M Blevins

Clay Motley

I believe every one of our residents and neighbors deserves the opportunity to live, work and flourish in this paradise we call home. And if we come together, we can make that a reality. Whether you’re an individual looking to give back, a local organization seeking support, or a business ready to engage in community driven solutions, we need you and we are ready to listen and engage with you.

Gail Markham, Collaboratory Board Member, Professional Advisor, Fund Holder, and Legacy Society Member

“

Gail Markam Chair Dawn Belamarich CEO

Collier Community Foundation

1110 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 200, Naples FL 34108 (239) 649-5000 | www.colliercf.org

MISSION: Working with donors, we inspire ideas, ignite action, and mobilize resources to address community needs in Collier County. Informed giving. Powerful results®

The Collier Community Foundation (CCF) has been a catalyst for collaboration for almost 40 years. We bring together the right people to address community needs and create the most significant impact. From funding innovative programs and organizations that enhance the quality of life in Collier County and beyond to fostering charitable legacies for individuals, families, and businesses, we proudly serve a unique and essential role in making more good possible.

We manage over 850 funds, work with hundreds of nonprofits, holds over $295 million in assets, and have granted over $362 million in our history to nonprofit agencies for community programs and scholarships for secondary education and specialized training.

GOALS

We received $5 million in commitments for the Collier Housing Impact Investment Fund, which provides

short-term, low-interest loan capital to nonprofit and for-profit developers. Repaid loans are reinvested into new initiatives to create sustainability. Our first $1.3 million loan enabled the opening of the Ekos Allegro housing development for fixed-income seniors. Learn more at colliercf.org.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS/ OPPORTUNITIES

By 2032, an estimated $34.8 billion of Collier County wealth will pass from local baby boomers to their children, grandchildren, and loved ones. If 3% of this wealth transfers to CCF, it could result in a $1 billion endowment, potentially generating $50 million in annual grantmaking supporting our community needs forever!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

CCF receives thousands of applications from Collier County students for scholarships based on merit,

community service, and financial need. Volunteers evaluate applications online at their own pace. Contact Laura Bidireanu at LBidireanu@colliercf.org to learn more.

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

We formed Disaster Ready Collier County, a COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) dedicated to disaster response that enhances communication, coordinates resources, and streamlines immediate and long-term recovery efforts following a hurricane or disaster—making it easier for residents to access resources in real-time and navigate the recovery process.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 1985

Annual revenue: $49.8 million in FY 2024

Total number of employees: 15

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S): Collier County, FL

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Contributions from private donors—99%

BOARD OF TRUSTEES:

Rob Funderburg Chair Eileen Connolly-Keesler President and CEO

2024-2025 BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Brad Galbraith

Chair-Elect

Allyson Richards, Secretary

Jeff Diermeier

Treasurer

Jim Morey

Immediate Past Chair

Bill Barker

Marcie Charles

Betty Frank

Ray Guerin

Judy Jorgensen

Kathy Ludwig

Bob Mathers

Vladimir Mathieu

Tom McCann

Thomas Oliveri

Giselle Wagner

Jack Whitaker

“ “

Collaboration and support through the Collier Community Foundation has been critical for us to achieve our mission of unifying community stakeholders to create attainable housing solutions.

–Michael Puchalla, CEO and Executive Director of The Housing Alliance

Conservancy of Southwest Florida

1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, FL 34102 (239) 262-0304 | www.conservancy.org

MISSION: The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is working to protect our water, land, wildlife, and future through environmental education, scientific research, government advocacy, and wildlife rehabilitation.

For 60 years, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has worked to protect our water, land, wildlife, and future. From the freshwater Everglades to the coastal beaches, the herons to our hearts, we are all connected in this magical environment that we live in.

The Conservancy has a long and distinguished history of advocating for solutions that balance the needs of our growing community and the preservation of our natural resources. It is when the public stands alongside trusted environmental advocates who pursue science-based policy, that together we can shape our future to the benefit of all.

GOALS

We believe the more we can connect people with

nature, the more willing they are to protect it, so we host educational events throughout the year. Our free annual Earth Day festival, the biggest community celebration of the year, includes live animal encounters, Kid Zone activities, electric boat tours, food trucks, nature walks, learning adventures, local exhibitors, and more.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS/ OPPORTUNITIES

Magic Under the Mangroves is one of the area’s top fundraising events that has raised over $21 million for Conservancy programs in 20 years. Attendees at the often-sold-out event held every year in March enjoy a reception, silent auction, dinner, and live auction held inside a multiple-tented structure

at the Nature Center. The annual RedSnook Catch and Release Charity Fishing Tournament has been held for 15+ years to benefit the Conservancy’s commitment to water quality protection, as well as the preservation and enhancement of local fisheries.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

A variety of fun and meaningful volunteer opportunities are available for those with outstanding people skills and a love for nature. Share your time, talent, and abilities by interacting with diverse people, learning new skills, and enhancing and sharing your knowledge about the environmental issues facing Southwest Florida.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 1964

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S): Collier, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties

TOP FUNDING SOURCE:

Magic Under the Mangroves annual fundraiser

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

“Help us protect our water, land, and wildlife, and in so doing, protect our future and our community. Together we can help ensure we balance a growing community with the need to protect an environment that sustains our quality of life.”

-Rob Moher, President and CEO of

the Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Charles Mueller Chair

Rob Moher President & CEO

Nancy Anthony Vice Chair

Tom Watkins Treasurer

Kimberly Leach Johnson Secretary

First Tee - Naples/Collier

1370 Creekside Blvd., Naples, FL 34108 (239) 825-4851 | www.firstteenaplescollier.org

MISSION:

To positively impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

Since 2007 First Tee has reached more than 17,500 young people in Collier County. The First Tee believes all young people should have access to safe places and caring adults who help them grow socially, emotionally and academically. While teaching the fundamentals of golf, our character education programs provide a fun, active environment for young people in schools, at youth centers and on the course. Through the Life Skills Experience we help every child become better equipped to make good choices on and off the golf course. The First Tee is focused on growth and inclusivity ensuring all kids in our community have an opportunity to participate in our year-round programming.

Ranked #1 in program participation throughout the First Tee Network.

Once again Ranked #1 in the First Tee Network Peer Group.

Annually reaching over 1,000 youth in Collier County ages 7 - 18 years old.

$650,000 in College Scholarships have been awarded to our graduating seniors since 2018.

GOALS

To have each young person leave our program with the self-management, goalsetting and conflict resolution skills necessary to compete and contribute in their respective communities.

FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES

Be a part of our vision and help us “Build Game Changers” by supporting our fundraising events.

Events like these help First Tee create unique educational opportunities so we can continue to expand our programming into underserved communities. Your donations, whether through sponsorships, naming opportunities or general donations, supports our mission and helps make First Tee available to all children in Collier County.

First Tee Ambassador Invitational at Calusa Pines December 2, 2024

“Swing Fore the Future” $10 Million Capital Campaign 2024-2025

Building Game Changers

ABOUT US:

Year established: 2007

Non-Profit 501(C)3

Total number of employees: 5

Volunteers: 100

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S): Naples/Collier County

TOP FUNDING SOURCES: Private Donors

Corporate Donors

Ambassador Club Grants

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Cindy Darland Executive Director Ann Bain Board Chairman

Paul Greenberg

Vice President

Dennis Nally

Treasurer

Dave Spartin

Secretary

Sudhir Bajaj

Ann H. Benjamin

Michael Benson

Morty Cohn

Nathan Gingrich

Lois Juliber

Kathy Klindera

David Legus

Bob Minyard

Rosa Pohlmann

Danny Schmieding

Fun Time Early Childhood Academy

3003 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 201 Naples, Florida 34103 (239) 228-7363 | www.funtimeacademy.org

MISSION: To provide safe, quality, affordable education and care for children from low-income working families and to prepare them for kindergarten, ready to read and ready to learn.

Fun Time Early Childhood

Academy is a nonprofit organization committed to delivering high-quality, affordable early childhood education and care to children from low-income working families in Naples, Florida. Operating across four locations—Downtown, Golden Gate, Poinciana, and Santa Barbara—we serve nearly 400 children, offering a nurturing environment.

Our mission is to prepare children for kindergarten and future academic success through a comprehensive curriculum. Fun Time Academy utilizes researchbased programs aligned with Florida State Standards, including The Creative Curriculum to monitor progress using Teaching Strategies Gold and the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking. Our five-star rated programs are recognized by the Early Learning Coalition and designed to foster a love for learning, encourage critical

thinking, and to ensure each child is ready to read, learn, and succeed.

At Fun Time Early Childhood Academy, student academic, social-emotional and physical development are assessed and monitored. In addition, students are screened for vision, hearing, and dental well-being. Families benefit from more than just affordable, quality childcare.

FUNDRAISING/EVENTS

Your generous donation enables us the ability to provide quality care and education for young learners in our community, preparing them for kindergarten. Together, we can make a lasting impact on their lives.

Our annual event sponsorships are available for “Once Upon a Time: A Storybook Gala” at Grey Oaks Country Club on February 20, 2025. Donate online at www. funtimeacademy.org.

VOLUNTEER

Reading to children contributes to the growth of verbal skills while allowing them to bond with a caring adult. Our children love interacting with volunteers to read stories and complete academic activities. Please consider getting involved so we can continue to positively impact families in our community. Early education is vital in preparing children for kindergarten. Fun Time Early Childhood Academy needs volunteers to read books with preschool-aged children once a week to further their learning experiences. We provide volunteers the books, props, lesson plans, and any other materials needed.

GET INVOLVED

To learn more about Fun Time Academy, take a tour, volunteer, donate, or purchase tickets for the Annual Fundraising Event, please visit our website www. funtimeacademy.org.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 1961

Annual revenues (most recent fiscal year): $4,266,010

Total number of employees: 69

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S): Collier County

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF)

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation

Collier Community Foundation

Christ Child Society of Naples

United Way

Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida

Individual Donors

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Secretary

Linda

Treasurer

Kris Pfaehler

Immediate Past Chair

BOARD MEMBERS

Cindy Babka

Alexis Barkis

Tom Gayer

Pam Heffernan

Karen Hopper

Don Lawson

Bob Polizzotto

Lisa Sanchez

Kelly Saylor

Roger Schorr

Collier County has approximately 17,000 children under 5, with fewer than 1,000 accessing preschool programs. From birth to five years old, a child’s brain develops rapidly. Positive learning experiences during these formative years can profoundly impact brain development and future learning. High-quality early learning allows children to develop critical social and emotional skills, giving them the tools to successfully navigate challenges in school and life.

Jessica Campbell

Executive Director

Karen Lutz Board Chair

Fran O’Sullivan

B. Carter

Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples

15080 Livingston Rd., Naples, FL 34109 (239) 514-0084 | www.cmon.org

MISSION: To provide an exciting, inspiring environment where children and their families play, learn, and dream together

Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON) is where learning and fun come together in an unforgettable way. We’re more than a museum–we’re an immersive experience that sparks curiosity and fuels a lifelong love of learning.

As the only interactive, play-based learning space in Southwest Florida, CMON has welcomed nearly 1.7 million explorers of all ages. Visitors have blasted off as astronauts, cooked up a cultural delicacy as a chef, and battled blazes as brave firefighters. They’ve experienced life on the farm, witnessed the changing seasons, and ventured into the wilds of the Everglades. Our exhibits have taken them around the world – from racing as mechanics to creating fashion, from building towers to painting masterpieces, and reading countless stories along the way.

In the 12 years since we opened our doors, a generation of kids has grown up in our museum, daring themselves to new heights. Yet one thing has remained constant: the power of play, learning, and dreaming. Every child is welcome here, no matter their circumstances. No family is turned away due to financial hardship, and nearly all of our programs are designed to include children with physical or developmental disabilities.

FUTURE/GOALS

Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited to expand our commitment to early childhood education with the launch of our new early learning center. This state-of-the-art facility will offer high-quality Pre-K education to 90 young minds, setting the stage for a bright future.

FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES

This impact is only possible through the incredible generosity of our community. Admissions and memberships cover less than half the cost of running the museum. We rely on individuals and businesses who share our belief that every child deserves the thrill of discovery, the pride of learning something new, and the joy of creating something beautiful. For just $150, you can provide a membership to a family in need, while $1,000 offers a week of kindergartenreadiness classes to children who wouldn’t otherwise have access to preschool.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 2002

Annual revenues (most recent fiscal year): $4M

Total Number of Employees: 40

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA(S):

Southwest Florida (Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties)

TOP FUNDING SOURCES: Private Philanthropy

Government Grants

Private Grants

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

There are so many ways to make a lasting difference in the lives of children. Together, we can ensure every child has the chance to play, learn, and dream.

Laua Alexander Board Chair

Jonathan Foerster CEO

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc.

5100 Tice Street, Fort Myers, FL 33905 (239) 995-2106 | www.goodwillswfl.org

MISSION: Committed to serving people with disabilities and disadvantages by offering life-changing opportunities to achieve independence. ABOUT US:

COMMUNITY IMPACT

In 2023, we helped 22,459 individuals locally through our four main areas of service: Employment Services, Disability Services, Small Business Development, and Accessible Housing.

Our seven Community Resource Centers (CRCs) provide individual assistance to those in need. With fully trained coordinators, we provide free classes in computer literacy, English as a Second Language, and Employability skills. We assist with resume preparation, interviewing skills, online job search, and much more. Most people have several barriers preventing them from moving forward. Our Opportunity Accelerator program uncovers barriers so our coordinators can navigate individuals toward getting the resources they need.

If transportation is a barrier, Goodwill’s Mobile CRC brings needed services into underserved communities. It’s equipped with six computer workstations that have internet

access, and a wheelchair lift for accessibility.

Our Disability Services currently serve over 100 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We offer several programs to support this community: PTO, PTW and Disability Navigation. Our programs work on milestones that help individuals gain more independence and community integration.

Our MicroEnterprise Institute, or small business program, has helped launch or strengthen more than 660 local businesses. This program helps low-tomoderate income aspiring entrepreneurs start new ventures and grow small businesses.

We are also the largest provider of accessible housing in the state of Florida. Barrier-free living for persons with physical disabilities provides low-cost, independent living to enhance the overall quality of life. Additionally, we offer housing for income-sensitive seniors at The Hatton B. Rogers Retirement Community.

GOALS

To help people prepare for longterm success through workforce development and placement, digital skills training, upskilling; disability advocacy and navigation; and small business development.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS/ OPPORTUNITIES

Event sponsorships, naming rights, and scholarships.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Holiday gifts for our seniors, event help for our Life Skills Development Program, Golf Tournament and Festival of Trees. Organize a donation drive, help with mock interviews/ resume review, or volunteer to teach a computer class.

ADVOCACY

Goodwill is a nonpartisan nonprofit. We advocated for public policies that provide for job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs that focus on upskilling individuals for today’s workforce. Goodwill.org/action.

Year established: 1966

Annual revenues (most recent fiscal year): $64,865,684

Total number of employees: 1,104

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S): Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades & most of Charlotte

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Goodwill Retail Stores

United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades

Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation

Golisano Foundation

Lee County Human & Veteran Services (LCHVS)

City of Cape Coral Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The League Club

Karpus Family Foundation

PNC Bank

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

“ “

Catherine Speer Vice Chair

Robert Arnall Treasurer & Secretary

John Nadeau President, CEO Goodwill SWFL

Michael Sullivan Chairman

It is often in the darkest skies that we see the brightest stars. –Richard Evans

Grace Place for Children and Families

4300 21st Ave SW, Naples, FL 34116 239-255-7200 | www.graceplacenaples.org

MISSION: Grace Place puts faith into action, providing pathways out of poverty by educating children and families.

Grace Place, located in the heart of Golden Gate City, has been committed to enriching the lives of students and families for 20 years. With five core programs, it offers a family literacy learning approach to break the cycle of poverty.

The nationally recognized Bright Beginnings program focuses on getting preschoolers ready for kindergarten while educating parents in literacy, English, and parenting classes.

The Academy of Leaders after-school program for K-8 students, and L.E.A.D. after-school program for high schoolers focuses on academic improvement and leadership skills, as well as work-based learning, college readiness, and scholarships.

The Adult Education program equips adult students with language and life skills for workforce participation, while a weekly Food Pantry supports hundreds of foodinsecure families each week.

THEIR HISTORY

Founded in 2004 as a small homework club, Grace Place has grown into a multi-faceted organization supporting education across all ages. Over the last 20 years, it has expanded from its humble beginnings to become a vital resource for students and families in Golden Gate City. Its mission remains rooted in the belief that education changes everything, evolving into a comprehensive support system for the community.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

The 20th Anniversary Celebration of Grace: A Night in Emerald City will take place on Saturday, December 7th, 2024, at Elite Jets Hangar. Learn more at grace20th.givesmart.com.

A Swing of Grace golf tournament, May 2025.

Dodge for a Cause dodgeball tournament, June 2025.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteers are essential to our mission, we have fun and impactful opportunities to tutor, mentor, assist in classrooms, and help with various programs and events. Your time and skills can make a significant impact on our community. Get involved at graceplacenaples.org/ volunteer.

“ “ABOUT

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S):

Golden Gate City

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Children & Education Foundation

Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation

Schoen Family Foundation

For school year 2024, students who participated in Grace Place performed substantially higher in English Language Arts and Math than their peers who did not participate.

Golden Gate Middle School is committed to continuing and expanding its collaboration with Grace Place to serve the underserved students in Collier County.”

Dr. Knutowski, Golden Gate Middle School Principal

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Lära Fisher CEO Michael McGrath Board Chair

James Bosscher

Deborah Mathews Finch Vice Chair

Brian Miller Treasurer

Rev. Craig Goodrich Secretary

Karen Bach

Patrick Cassidy

Ken Ewell

Cynthia Lammert

Moira Lardakis

Dennis Letham

Ken Rapp

Cesar Taveras

Mario Valle

Tina Wheeler

Gulf Coast Symphony

PO Box 60878, Fort Myers, FL 33906

(239) 277-1700 | www.GulfCoastSymphony.org

MISSION: Creating Community Through Music! To contribute to the cultural enrichment of Southwest Florida by producing and presenting a diverse, innovative and balanced season of community and educational projects, events, and performances that reach the widest possible audience.

Now in its 30th Anniversary season, the Gulf Coast Symphony (GCS) is the secondlargest non-profit performing arts organization in Lee county. It was founded by its current music director and CEO, Dr. Andrew Kurtz. The Gulf Coast Symphony endeavors to challenge convention—with its rich tradition of unique and innovative collaborations across multiple genres and disciplines, high-quality dynamic musical performances, active community engagement, and commitment to social change through arts education. Our ultimate goal is to use music and the arts as a vehicle to unite and strengthen our community. The Gulf Coast Symphony is one of the cultural jewels of Southwest Florida and one of the most dynamic orchestras in the United States.

The GCS comprises the Gulf Coast Symphony, the Gulf Coast Jazz Collective, the Southwest Florida Theatre Company, and our Music & Arts Community Center (MACC) which opened in January 2021. This year over 150

performances will be offered that present the best in classical music, jazz, world music, dance, opera, and musical theater. The Symphony will perform 15 shows at the 1850-seat the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, with the bulk of our performances at our more intimate 300 seat theater at the MACC. Additional outreach and run-out concerts take place throughout Southwest Florida.

The MACC serves as a creative hub for our community. We offer classes in art and music for all ages; MusicWorks! –an El-sistema inspired, daily after-school string program for grades 2-6; two youth jazz ensembles, a youth orchestra, and summer camp programs. A New Horizons Band offers opportunities for adults who want to participate in an ensemble, but may have limited or no playing experience.

The Gulf Coast Symphony’s orchestral fellowship program, with participants selected following a highly competitive audition process, provides graduates of top music

programs an opportunity to grow personally and artistically in a professional environment. We seek to develop in participants the full complement of skills and qualifications required of musician leaders and agents of change.

FUND RAISING EVENTS

The GCS major annual fundraising event will be held in March 2025 and be a celebration of our 30th Anniversary. Fundraising is critically important to the Gulf Coast Symphony, as only 40% of its budget is achieved from ticket revenues. The Symphony relies on the generosity of its many donors, including individuals, corporate sponsors, and foundations to allow us to meet the need of our community.

One of the GCS greatest assets are our volunteers. We have a core of musicians who perform as members of the Gulf Coast Symphony. Volunteers assist by serving as ushers, housing our many guest artists, help with office tasks, at special events, and our community outreach.

Year established: 1995

Annual revenues (most recent fiscal year): $2,066,803

Number of Employees: 16

Number of Orchestra Members & Paid Performers: 80

Number of Volunteers: 80

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S): Southwest Florida

TOP FUNDING SOURCES: Earned Revenues

Individual/Family/Private Philanthropy

Corporate/Foundation Support

LEADERSHIP

Our vision is to be a pillar in the arts in Southwest Florida. We create opportunities for our community that inspire, educate, entertain and motivate.

Julie Carver Music Director, Southwest Florida Theatre Co.

Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz President & CEO/ Music Director

Paul Gavin Artistic Director, Gulf Coast Jazz Collective

Bob Cunningham Chairman of the Board

Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida

(239) 334-7007 | www.harrychapinfoodbank.org

MISSION: The mission of Harry Chapin Food Bank is to lead our community in the fight to end hunger. Our vision is that no one has to go hungry in our community.

In the heart of Southwest Florida, where sun-drenched beaches often mask the growing needs of our community, Harry Chapin Food Bank has been a steadfast lifeline for nearly four decades. Named after the beloved humanitarian and folk singer, the food bank serves as a beacon of hope for children, families, and seniors across Collier, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties. In Collier County alone, the food bank distributed over 12.6 million pounds of food last year, including 4.7 million pounds of fresh, nutritious produce. Altogether, the food bank distributed an astounding 39.5 million pounds of food across its service area, ensuring that no one goes hungry in our community.

Our programs are not one-size-fits-all; they are thoughtfully crafted to meet the diverse needs of those

we serve. In Collier County, our Care and Share Senior Feeding Program supports low-income seniors with monthly kits filled with easyto-prepare, nutrient-rich meals. Where grocery stores are scarce, our Fulfill Mobile Pantry and In-School Pantry Programs bring essential groceries directly to families, including 12 schools in Collier County alone. Additionally, our Fresh Force Mobile Experience tackles transportation barriers by delivering fresh food right to people’s doorsteps in food deserts and underserved areas.

None of this would be possible without the heart of our organization—our volunteers. In 2024, more than 5,000 generous community members donated over 75,000 hours of their time. Their efforts, alongside our dedicated staff and over 170 agency

partners, allow us to serve 250,000 people each month, including thousands in Collier County. Together, we are not just feeding people; we are restoring hope, dignity, and resilience.

Harry Chapin Food Bank invites you to be part of this vital mission. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or advocate, your support helps ensure that Collier County and Southwest Florida remain places where everyone has enough to eat.

Visit us at www. harrychapinfoodbank.org or call (239) 334-7007 to make a lasting difference today.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 1983

Harry Chapin Food Bank, a proud Feeding America partner, is the largest hunger-relief organization in Southwest Florida. Through a variety of food distribution programs, we rescue surplus food that would otherwise go to waste and distribute it to over a quarter of a million people each month, including children, families, and seniors facing hunger.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Raymond Schmitt

Treasurer

Linda Stuart

Secretary

BOARD MEMBERS

Precious Gunter

Maura Matzko

Michele

Hylton-Terry

Jane Enos

Bill Dillon

Scott Bass

Janet Pogar

Every meal is a chance to nourish hope and fuel brighter futures. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Daniel Frate Chairperson

Richard LeBer President and CEO

Carolyn Tieger

Vice Chairperson

Kayla Richmond Miller

Healthcare Network

1454 Madison Avenue West, Immokalee, FL 34142 (239) 658-3000 | www.healthcareswfl.org

MISSION: To provide quality healthcare accessible to everyone in our community.

Since 1977, supporters have made it possible to improve access to healthcare for all residents of Collier County, regardless of income, insurance, or background.

Because of community generosity, today we have over 450 doctors, nurses, dentists, behavioral health providers, pharmacists and support staff to serve the community. We provide accessible, affordable, quality and culturally appropriate care to more than 55,000 patients annually, including half of the children in Collier County.

With a full array of primary care services, including dental, medical, x-ray, lab and access to prescription medications, our patient outcomes exceed averages.

Also, by providing integrated mental and behavioral health services, our team can more easily and

seamlessly address overall health concerns at one visit, resulting in better outcomes.

MOVING FORWARD

It comes as no surprise that our community is rapidly growing. And with this growth comes the need for more affordable and inclusive healthcare options. In response, we are building a new health center in the Orangetree community. We have added Convenient Care to our services. We expanded access to Medication Assisted Treatment for substance use disorders to decrease usage, mitigate adverse behaviors and enhance quality of life for the community.

FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES

In May, we broke ground for the construction of the Orangetree Health Center in the north-central region of Collier County. We

continue fundraising for the $15-million, two story medical complex, which will ensure that more than 41,000 residents in the Orangetree area, including Golden Gate Estates—a “healthcare desert” without any health clinics or medical centers—will have access to high-quality medical care.

A gift to Healthcare Network helps us provide an abundance of essential health services, cultivating a healthy and thriving community from the ground up.

For more information on how to support the Healthcare Network mission, please visit HealthcareSWFL.org or contact Antonello Castaldi at acastaldi@healthcareSWFL.org.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 1977

Annual revenues (most recent fiscal year): $62,000,000.

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S): Collier County

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Grants and Philanthropic Support

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

We are a nonprofit organization that operates under the direction of a patient-majority governing board. As a result, we are an organization created by the community for the needs of the community. At least 51% of our board members receive services through Healthcare Network, or they have children who do.

Dennis Brown

Treasurer

Maria Munguia

Secretary

Kerri Ervin

Quality Committee Chair

Harris M. Domond

Edward “Ski” Olesky

Rev. Jean C. Paul

Doug Campbell

Ilia Echevarria

Alejandro Castaño

Dr. Raymond W. Phillips

“Recognizing that healthcare needs to be accessible, affordable and comprehensive, our commitment to our community as Collier County continues to rapidly grow, is to be innovative in the ways we reach at-risk populations,”

Jamie Ulmer, President and CEO

Jerry Starkey Board Chair Suzanne Bradach Vice Chair

The Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center

975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd., Suite 108, Naples, FL 34110 | (239) 263-9200 | www.hmcec.org

Cohen Education Center

MISSION: Teach the lessons of the Holocaust to inspire action against hatred and to promote mutual respect.

Since our founding in 2001, thousands of people from across the U.S. and more than 45 countries have visited the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center. Each year the Museum educates 15,000 students from a six-county area of SWFL. From in-class presentations to Museum Field Trips, to hosting the traveling Boxcar Exhibit and PopUp Museum exhibits, we are teaching the next generation the importance to themselves, their families and friends to stand up against hate and not let it grow into something bigger.

The Museum now offers nearly 10,000 square feet of new galleries, exhibits and interactive displays. Our expanded classrooms can accommodate larger Student Field Trips as

well as providing the local community a new event space for their meetings and special programs. Private and Docent-led tours are available, as well as selfguided tours via tablets and downloadable mobile apps for Android and iPhones.

GOALS

Our goals are to educate students and the public about the dangers of indifference to bigotry and hate, and to inspire all our visitors to use the power of their words and actions to stand up to it when encountered. Our programs and exhibits not only present the history of the Holocaust but also the deeply moving personal stories of SWFL resident and their families affected by it. By understanding

the importance of mutual respect and empathy, we can improve the quality of life in all our communities.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS/ OPPORTUNITIES

The Luncheon, Wednesday December 4, 2024, at The Vineyards Country Club; tickets are $200, and Sponsorships are available.

Triumph, Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Arthrex One Conference Center in Naples; tickets are $400, and Sponsorships are available.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Positions include Front Desk Guest Relations, Museum Docents, Gallery Sitters, Educators, Board Members and Student Interns.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 2001

Annual revenues (most recent fiscal year): $996,700

Total number of employees: 8

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA(S):

Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry, Glades and Sarasota counties

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Individual Donations

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

The June H. Hirsch Foundation

The Ray Foundation Collier Community Foundation Collier County Tourist Development Council

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

“ “ The antidote to hate is education.

Lee Health Foundation

9800 South HealthPark Drive, Suite 405, Fort Myers, FL 33908 (239) 343-6950 | www.LeeHealthFoundation.org

MISSION: Lee Health Foundation serves as the philanthropic fundraising vehicle of Lee Health, a comprehensive healthcare system meeting the ever-growing needs of Southwest Florida.

THE GIFT OF HEALTH KEEPS GIVING

Lee Health is more than one of Florida’s largest health care providers; we are creating a healthier community and economy. While we serve more than 2 million people in our region annually, our impact goes far beyond providing medical care, employing over 16,000 individuals. Our team members are not only vital to our community’s well-being but also a significant driver of our economy’s health.

And we could not do what we do without the passionate philanthropy of our donors. With over $27 million raised so far this year, your generous contributions are making a life-changing impact in our community by:

• Advancing Cardiovascular Care at Lee Health Heart Institute, a national leader in heart care. We’re recruiting top-notch physicians and launching new programs to address advanced heart failure, women’s heart health, and more.

• Redefining Cancer Care at Lee Health Cancer Institute by providing state-of-the-

art, individualized care with the largest robotics program in Southwest Florida and additional locations for treatment.

• Caring for Our Youngest Patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital. From your support of Barbara’s Friends, which helps children and their families battling pediatric cancer, to Kids’ Minds Matter, which advocates for the mental and behavioral health of children and teens, your generosity ensures kids receive the specialized care and resources they need.

• Increasing Access to Exceptional Care at Lee Health Fort Myers, providing an orthopedics/musculoskeletal destination center of excellence, as well as the most technologically and medically advanced campus in Southwest Florida.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

With your generosity and support, we can continue to spread the gift of health throughout our community, making a life-changing impact for thousands of people:

• Outpatient Pediatric Surgery Center: We are building a new outpatient center specializing in pediatric surgical care to meet the growing demand in our region.

• Expanding Cancer Care in Cape Coral: Lee Health Cancer Institute is growing, bringing compassionate cancer care close to home.

• Caring for Every Heart: Funding innovative cardiac research and recruiting leading experts, making Lee Health Heart Institute a national destination for cardiovascular healthcare.

We are committed to and invested in our community’s health, with plans to create more than 6,500 new jobs by 2028.

To discover how you can get involved, we invite you to attend an upcoming charity event or schedule a private tour for a behind-the-scenes look at how we are building a healthier future for all. Visit LeeHealthFoundation.org to find out more.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 1996 (Lee Health founded in 1916)

Annual revenues (most recent fiscal year): $27 Million

Total number of employees: 26

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S):

Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry ad Glades Counties

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Joseph R. Catti Chairperson

James W. Orr, Jr., MD

Vice-Chairperson

Dominic Cameratta

Treasurer

Jenny Gezella

Secretary

TRUSTEES

David Call

Ryan Carter

Bill Cronin

Richard Forman

William Gruver

Chetan Gulati

Kristin Haag

James Laurito

Jennifer McCurry

Fred Pezeshkan

Chris Simoneau Chief Development, Marketing & Communications Officer

Gary Price

John Quinn

Garrett Richter

Brian Rist

Ian Schmoyer

F. Brett Shannon, DO

Sandy Stilwell Youngquist

Debbie Toler

EMERITUS COMMITTEE

Amanda Cross

Dorothy Fitzgerald

Joe Gammons

Elaine Hawkins

Garrett “Buzz” Reasoner

“

As our community’s safety-net hospital, your generous support of Lee Health ensures that everyone in our community receives the highest quality of compassionate healthcare when and where they need it— close to home.

—Larry Antonucci, MD, President & CEO of Lee Health

full list can be viewed on the website

Meals of Hope

2221 Corporation Boulevard, Naples, Florida 34109 239-537-7775 | www.mealsofhope.org

MISSION: To inspire and empower communities to come together to end hunger.

Since 2007, Meals of Hope has packed and donated over 100 million fortified meals to feed hungry families and expanded from being solely a meal packing organization to the largest food pantry provider in Southwest Florida. “Feeding people is what we do best,” says President & CEO, Stephen Popper. Last year, Meals of Hope volunteers packed over 13.3 million meals that were distributed to local Feeding America food banks across the United States, 15 mobile food pantries in Collier and Lee Counties consistently fed 4,000 families each week, and at-risk students in local public schools received over 81,000 packs of weekend food as part of its backpack program partnership.

Pantry locations include: Lely Presbyterian Church, River Park, Greater Naples YMCA,

Max Hasse Jr. Community Park, Golden Gate Senior Center, Emmanuel Park, Farm Worker’s Village, Sugden Regional Park, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Iglesia Pentecostal Peniel Church, First United Methodist Church, Helping Hands Pantry, Reload Church, and two, baby food pantries in Immokalee. Fresh produce, dairy products, frozen meats and vegetables, specialty baby items (at two locations), food staples and other basic necessities like diapers, feminine hygiene supplies and adult incontinence products are distributed.

VOLUNTEERING AND EVENTS

If you want to jump into the holiday spirit of giving by feeding your local community, consider participating in their largest meal packing event called

Holidays Without Hunger on December 21, 2024 at Lee County Civic Center. The 2024 event goal is packing up to 500,000 meals! Sponsorships are now available for your business or group of any size. Individuals and families can also form teams to pack meals in a festive, fun and fulfilling environment. To save your space at Holidays Without Hunger visit www. holidayswithouthunger.org and register, or to learn more about their mobile pantry locations, volunteering, or hosting your meal packing event, email us at julyvette@ mealsofhope.org

POST PANDEMIC

Families continue to struggle with grocery prices, so the current need for food is consistent with service levels Meals of Hope experienced at the peak of the pandemic.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 2007

Annual revenues (most recent fiscal year): $12,034,000

Staff: 24

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S): Local food pantries; meal packing throughout the US

Funding Sources:

Meal Packing Events

Foundations

Corporations

Individual Support

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Steve Popper President & CEO

Jacques Groenteman

Board Chair

Bruce Bacon

Vice-Chair

Samantha Sheffield

Treasurer

Ashley Suarez Esq.

Rabbi Adam Miller

Freddy E. Mantilla

Kenneth Mundy

Kevin Carmichael

Geoff Goodman

“Collier County is very philanthropic, so we are confident in our ability to feed our neighbors. We are depending on our community partners more than ever to support our mission.

—Stephen Popper President & CEO

NAMI Collier County

5025 Castello Dr., Suite 101, Naples, FL 34103 | (239) 260-7300 | www.namicollier.org

MISSION:

To provide mental health support, advocacy, and education that inspires resilience and strengthens communities. NAMI Collier makes a positive impact on the community’s social, emotional, and behavioral health by both raising awareness and providing direct services - managing a comprehensive array of programs and support groups for all ages from infants to seniors.

NAMI Collier is a place where people find hope through support, companionship, learning opportunities, compassion and connection. Whether they come to us for themselves or to support a loved one, we offer a place where they are heard, respected, and given hope and a supportive hand to guide them through life’s challenges.

As the need for services continues to rise with expanding population and mental and behavioral health challenges like the pandemic, hurricane and national violence, nonprofit NAMI Collier County continues to expand programs and services to meet the community’s needs.

We are like a compass, providing navigation to programs that support people with stability and support.

HOW WE HELP

We provide programs for all ages with our unique combination of local roots and a national network of support. We meet needs for housing, food, and mental health support with impact. We help to improve the community’s

social, emotional and behavioral health by raising awareness and putting boots on the ground.

Our many programs free to the community include:

• Children’s Mental Health Program (HUGS), screens, assesses and educates children ages 2 months to 22 years old experiencing developmental, social, emotional or behavioral difficulties. The program, a blueprint partner for NCEF as part of their children’s mental health initiative in Collier County, screens more than 2,000 families while providing care coordination services to more than 952 children and their families. The addition of a Child Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst eliminated a minimum of 8-17 months for evaluation and diagnosis for free and without a waiting list.

• Sarah Ann Life Skills & Support Program, which includes structured activities, occupational training, life skills and supportive employment.

• A six-week resiliency program where families work

with NAMI Collier staff to learn and practice resiliency strategies. The families leave the weekly sessions better prepared to cope with their own stressors and to support friends and family dealing with social, emotional, behavioral or developmental difficulties.

• NAMI signature support groups and classes.

• Crisis Intervention Training for the community’s first responders.

HERE FOR THE COMMUNITY

Through free mental health support, education, advocacy and outreach to those affected by mental illnesses, NAMI Collier envisions a community where those living with mental health conditions can live healthy fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Volunteer opportunities, financial support, including donations, event sponsorship or joining NAMI’s Ambassador’s Circle of Hope ensures that our services can continue to bring hope to those who need it most.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 1987

Annual revenues (most recent fiscal year): $2,338,660

Number of Employees/Staff: 31

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA(S): Collier County

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Naples Children & Education Foundation

American Red Cross

Collier Community Foundation

Arthrex

Suncoast Credit Union Foundation

“NAMI Collier County thrives on community support and partnerships, empowering the people we serve to navigate complex systems and make meaningful progress. With our partners and donors, we can overcome overwhelming obstacles to advocate for the most vulnerable people in our community by supporting their social, emotional and mental wellness.

—Beth Hatch, CEO

“

Naples Botanical Garden

4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples, FL 34112 (239) 643-7275 | www.naplesgarden.org

MISSION: Naples Botanical Garden conserves the plants and habitats of the tropics, cultivates beauty, offers knowledge, and inspires the protection of nature.

Naples Botanical Garden is where plants and people thrive together. In addition to our 170-acre showcase for tropical plants, the Garden offers a uniquely beautiful, natural, and ever-changing experience to bring our diverse community together to enjoy companionship, refuge, learning, and celebration.

SEEDS OF IMPACT

At the center of it all are tropical plants. Naples Botanical Garden is at the forefront of nature-based solutions throughout our region, including coastal dune restoration and stormwater management, all utilizing notable native plants. A seed bank of approximately 230,000 seeds, representing more than 60 species—48 of them native to Florida— helps strengthen Southwest Florida’s resiliency in the face of sea-level rise and everstrengthening storms.

SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES

A devoted base of Members, donors, and volunteers is invaluable to the Garden’s work. More than 15,000 Member households simultaneously support our mission while enjoying year-round Garden access. Corporate sponsorships, donor contributions, and the Garden’s annual Hats in the Garden fundraiser, hosted by the Sustaining Leadership Council, advance our mission for decades to come. Group volunteer opportunities allow businesses and community organizations to strengthen bonds through the gift of their time, well spent in nature, and benefitting the Garden.

VISIT

Each visit to Naples Botanical Garden offers something new to see, smell, hear, and learn. Cultivated gardens reframe nature and the tropical world, including 1,700 rare and threatened

plants on display (with 7,800 growing in the Garden’s nurseries). A restored, 90acre Preserve that allows guests to experience a taste of the Everglades right here in Naples also offers crucial testing grounds for plant research. Programming for all ages, field trips, art exhibitions, live music, and garden-inspired dishes at Fogg Café foster a reconnection with the natural world. Partnerships with businesses, schools, and local employers strengthen the Garden’s impact within our community beyond a single visit.

Time spent at Naples Botanical Garden offers knowledge of the possibilities of plants and the importance of their protection. Every visit supports the Garden’s conservation efforts here in Southwest Florida and beyond.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 1993

Opened to the public in 2009

Annual revenues (most recent fiscal year): $16,800,000

Total number of employees: 170

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S): Southwest Florida and the Caribbean

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Donna McGinnis President & CEO

OFFICERS

Kathleen Kapnick

Chair

Cathy Funderburg Vice Chair

Nancy Anthony Vice Chair

Robert Van Dore

Treasurer Kermit Sutton Secretary

Carl Crosetto Immediate Past Chair

DIRECTORS

Jennifer Auray

Marilyn Bartter

Carlos Batlle

Kathleen Kapnick Chair

Mary Ann Bindley

John Buehler

Ronald Ciesla

Dr. Mitch Cordova

Terry Edwards

Dr. Philip Leone

Jody Lippes

Gloria “Pixie”

Messey

Al Stashis, Jr.

Deborah Russell

Karen Scott

Mary Stone

Jennifer Sullivan

Kenneth Sumner

Jaime Weisinger

“ “

Our Members, donors, and guests allow us to continually refine programming, enhance educational offerings, conserve plants, and cultivate a Garden showcasing the best of the tropics, a masterpiece of our community’s making.

Donna McGinnis President & CEO

Naples Cancer Advisors

239-846-2273 (CARE) | www.naplescanceradvisors.org

MISSION: To improve the care of cancer patients seeking a second opinion so they can walk away with a thorough understanding of their diagnosis and confidence in their plan of care.

Employers are naturally concerned about their employees, especially those facing serious health issues like cancer. The financial costs associated with cancer are worth considering as employers search for the best ways to support an employee in crisis.

Coupled with rising inflation, out-of-pocket healthcare costs are making it harder for individuals to afford the care they or a loved one needs.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, out-of-pocket healthcare costs for families increased by 9.9% in 2023, with cancer treatment being one of the most expensive conditions to manage. For uninsured individuals, the situation is even more dire, as cancer patients without insurance could face up to $150,000 in expenses.

A LIFELINE FOR CANCER PATIENTS

According to a Harvard Medical School study, nearly

20% of second opinions result in a major change in diagnosis or treatment, which can lead to significant cost savings.

This is where Naples Cancer Advisors (NCA) offers a tremendous benefit at no cost to patients and their employers. Thanks to generous community support, the not-for-profit provides free second opinions and oncology consultation services to cancer patients.

By encouraging employees to utilize their services, employers are sharing a critical tool for making informed decisions about their cancer treatment. This enhances the cancer patients’ peace of mind and might ensure they avoid unnecessary or overly expensive interventions.

A COST-FREE WAY TO SUPPORT EMPLOYEES

Partnering with Naples Cancer Advisors is a cost-free way for businesses to mitigate the

emotional and financial strain on their employees as well as impacts to their healthcare plans. Most importantly, offering your team access to expert care creates a supportive environment that prioritizes health and wellbeing.

JOIN US FOR WINE, WOMEN & SHOES 2025

Empower our community and join the fight against cancer at Wine, Women & Shoes 2025, an event benefiting Naples Cancer Advisors. Your support makes a lasting impact on the life of someone facing a cancer diagnosis. Ways to give:

• Sponsorship opportunities

• Auction item donations

• Purchase tickets and join us on February 8 at Naples Yacht Club, 11 am – 3 pm

• Join the local advisory board for Naples Cancer Advisors

Learn more at www. WineWomenandShoas.com/ Naples.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 2023

Total number of employees: 6

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S): Lee and Collier counties

BOARD OF ADVISORS:

Debbie

Contact us about taking the lead! Help us share this valuable service with the entire community by joining the SWFL Advisory Board of Naples Cancer Advisors.

“Naples Cancer Advisors helps to alleviate the emotional and financial burden on employees who are facing a cancer diagnosis, offering a second opinion by objectively evaluating the patient’s care plan.

Barnes Southwest Florida Community Advisor

Lana Uhrig Executive Director

William L. Barrett, M.D. Board Chair

RCMA

402 W. Main Street, Immokalee, FL 34142 | (239) 282-6540 | www.rcma.org

MISSION: RCMA opens doors to opportunities through quality child care and education from crib to high school and beyond.

RCMA was founded in 1965 by people concerned about children spending their days in Florida’s agriculture fields with their parents while they worked. Nearly 60 years later, we continue to support farmworkers and the rural poor in 20 Florida counties by providing safe, nurturing all-day childcare and quality education to more than 4,600 children annually.

As Florida’s largest nonprofit provider of childhood education, we operate more than 50 child development centers throughout the state that feature individual assessments and development plans for each child and intensive support for children with special needs. Both of our K-8 schools, Immokalee Community Academy and Wimauma Community Academy, are rated “A” and “B” respectively by the Florida Department of Education, and provide a continuum of education for children who attended our child development centers and other nearby families.

In 2023, we opened a third charter school, Mulberry Community Academy, in Polk County and plan to open another school in Immokalee and then one in Homestead. The national Charter School Growth Fund invested $1.275 million in our expansion, and the State of Florida recognized us as just the sixth School of Hope operator since 2017, offering grants and low-cost loans for our additional charter school operations.

We offer a bilingual, bicultural curriculum to all of our children, preparing them for success as leaders of their families, workplaces and communities.

GOALS:

• To provide quality child care

• To provide educational opportunities and improve the health and general welfare of children and their families

• To increase public awareness of the lifestyles of migrant and seasonal farm workers and the rural poor

FUNDRAISING EVENTS/ OPPORTUNITIES

• Annual RCMA Christmas card sale, featuring cards designed by students in the Academies of RCMA. Visit RCMA.org/cards.

• The 25th annual Lipman Family Farms Golf Classic, May 17, 2025 at the National Golf and Country Club at Ave Maria. Learn more at RCMA. org/golf.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteers at our 65 child development centers and 3 schools help some of Florida’s most vulnerable families gain caring, empathydriven access to quality child care, education, and other resources. Read to our pre-K children. Tutor our K-8 students. Represent RCMA at our health fairs and other outreach events. Play in our annual golf tournament. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful but not required to volunteer.

ABOUT US:

RCMA is Florida’s largest nonprofit provider of early childhood education and a nationally recognized charter school operator.

Year established: 1965

Annual revenue: $114 million

Total number of employees: 1,400

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S): 20 Florida counties from south Florida to near Orlando

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Head Start

Florida Department of Education

– Division of Early Learning and FEFP

NCEF

United Way

UnidosUS

USDA Food Program

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Isabel Garcia Executive Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Linda A. Miles

President

Medora Krome

Past President

Michael T. Bayer

Vice President

Sandra L. Hightower

Joaquin Perez

Barbara Mainster Rollason

Jaime Weisinger

Richard W. Pringle

Secretary

Larry Salustro

Mirta Negrini

Sonia Tighe

Ansberto Vallejo

Jaime Weisinger

Barbara Mainster Rollason

Claudia Landeros

President

Carrie Johnson

Vice President

Emig De La Cruz

Treasurer PARENT BOARD MEMBERS

MEMBERS

Susanne A. Bizerra

Aeden J. Dowling

Donna Gaffney

A.J. Hinson

Steven Kirk

Wilma RoblesMelendez

Fannie Fair

Secretary

Kanta Allen

Treasurer

Erik Martinez

Zurisadai Garcia

Parliamentarian

Felecia McClendon

Honorary Member

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF)

P.O. Box 839, Sanibel, FL 33957 (239) 472-2329 | www.sccf.org

MISSION: To protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems.

Through science, education, and advocacy, SCCF protects and preserves our rich coastal resources on Sanibel, Captiva, and throughout Southwest Florida.

• Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration

• Water Quality Research

• Policy & Advocacy

• Sea Turtles & Shorebirds

• Environmental Education

• Land & Wildlife

KEEPING THINGS NATURAL

Thanks to a long legacy of conservation, SCCF is the largest private landowner on Sanibel Island, with additional acquired land on North Captiva Island, Cape Coral, South Fort Myers, and in Pine Island Sound. At the heart of SCCF are residents, visitors, and businesses who believe we have a duty to protect our region for future generations of human and nonhuman communities. SCCF protects over 2,100 acres, including critical wildlife habitats, wetlands, and rare subtropical plant communities. Most of these areas would’ve

been lost to development, either directly or by habitat fragmentation. Most of our acres remain closed to the public for the benefit of wildlife.

Like the land we protect, SCCF’s work is vast and productive. Our Native Landscapes & Garden Center sells native plants and offers landscaping and educational programs, and our Marine Lab conducts cutting-edge research and monitoring of water quality, harmful algal blooms, seagrass, mangroves, oysters, and shellfish. SCCF leads monitoring and protection programs for shorebirds and sea turtles on Sanibel and Captiva, advocates for sound environmental policy throughout Florida, helps track and safeguard wildlife, and much more.

IMPROVING THE OCEAN’S FUTURE, ONE PERSON AT A TIME

SCCF’s Sanibel Sea School runs marine-science based camps and programs for children, adults, families, and

groups—and never turns someone away for their inability to pay. Courses focus on coastal ecosystems and how to help conserve them into the future. Sanibel Sea School’s programs foster an intimate connection with the ocean through direct experience, providing a wellspring for lifelong stewardship.

COASTAL WATCH

SCCF’s Coastal Watch program partners with passionate volunteers to restore coastal habitats, clean the environment, and encourage sustainability. With hundreds of volunteers per year, Coastal Watch has planted over 20,200 mangroves, recycled 15,000 oyster shells, and removed thousands of pounds of trash and debris from beaches.

JOIN OUR MISSION (IT’S FUN)

Learn how to become a member, volunteer for SCCF, attend our programs and events, and support our work at sccf.org

ABOUT US:

Year established: 1967

Annual revenues (most recent fiscal year): $5,812,136

Total number of employees: 42

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S): Southwest Florida

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Annual Fund Drive

Major Gifts

Grants and Program Income

Memorials/Bequests

Endowment Fund Support

Special Events

BOARD OF TRUSTEES:

Megan Doss

Secretary

John Raho

Treasurer

Bob Adams

Bob Brooks

Scott Dinger, J.D.

Scott Hendershot

Jill McCormack

John Morse

Mary Ellen Pfeifer

Rachel Pierce

Lisa Riordan

Kate McDonald Sergeant, J.D.

“Thanks to our members, dedicated staff, and partners, we are realizing our collective vision of a Southwest Florida where wildlife and natural habitats flourish in harmony with people and are protected by science-based policies.

—James Evans, CEO

Doug Ryckman Vice President

Anne Nobles President

STARability Foundation

720 Goodlette-Frank Rd N, Suite 400, Naples, FL 34102 (239) 594-9007 | www.STARability.org

MISSION: To transform the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For four decades, STARability Foundation has been shining a light on abilities. Formed by a small community of caring parents, STARability has become one of Southwest Florida’s leading nonprofits. Today, the organization is opening a world of possibilities for hundreds of individuals ages 14 and older by offering a variety of inclusive, communitybased programs focused on vocational training, continuing education, teamwork, social engagement and community involvement.

Intellectual and developmental disabilities affect approximately 7 million individuals in the United States, as well as their loved ones and caregivers. While families receive support while their children are in school, they are often unable to find services once they age out of the school system. In Collier County alone, an estimated 1,000 students with disabilities in schools will need supplemental services when they age out.

STARability is dedicated to promoting solutions for the needs of participants at every level. Currently, STARability

offers a variety of programs that promote inclusive employment, engagement and independence such as STAR Connections— creative expression workshops, wellness classes, continuing education and sports leagues; the Trailblazer Academy—a pioneering day program; employment services; the STAR Studio & Artisan Gifts—a vocational site, gift shop and artisan workshop for participants and the STARability Home Collection.

GOALS

STARability is working hard to fulfill their mission of transforming the lives of its participants through impactful programing and strengthening awareness and respect for individual abilities. Their experienced, compassionate team strives to ensure everyone has access to transformative programs, vital resources and an inclusive community that provide opportunities to live meaningful and productive lives and become vibrant members of society.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS/ OPPORTUNITIES

2025 STAR Gala: Illuminating Abilities—A Day of Giving, Feb. 1, 3-8 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón. Learn more at stargala.givesmart.com.

STARability Family Fair, at the STARability office, open to the community - Spring 2025

8th Annual Run, Walk & Roll 5K - Fall 2025 at Paradise Coast Sports Complex

STAR Studio & Artisan Gifts Open House - Fall 2025

For more information on upcoming events and happenings, please visit STARability.org/events. Check back periodically for details on the 2025 annual events to be announced.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteers are an essential part of STARability’s programs, events and all our endeavors designed to transform the lives of people with disabilities. Contact volunteer@STARability. org to learn more about the opportunities available.

SOURCES: Individuals Corporations Foundations

“Our STARs show us again and again the achievements and milestones they can accomplish —reaching new goals daily, developing critical life skills, and laying the foundation for a positive future.

“

The Heights Foundation/ The Heights Center

15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33908 | (239) 482-7706 | www.heightsfoundation.org

MISSION: The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood through education, opportunity, and enrichment. We support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefit of the arts.

Harlem Heights was settled as a rural agricultural community in the 1940s in south Fort Myers. It is now a workingclass pocket neighborhood surrounded by gated communities. 780 children live in single-family homes and multi-family apartments. The population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the average. Families benefit greatly from programs within the neighborhood.

PROGRAMS HEIGHTS EARLY LEARNING

A smart start to a lifetime of learning

Quality, affordable early education for children from birth to five years old. Fees are need-based, making childcare affordable for working-class parents. Kids learn and play in a safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment.

SCHOOL SUCCESS

The whole kid, the whole year

• AfterSchool programs provide academic support and enrichment to students grades K-8 every school day.

• Summer Camp provides enriching activities and ongoing academic support. Kids are safe, and parents can work.

• Post-secondary programs support high school students so they can continue their education.

SENIORS

Enhancing quality of life Presentations on topics such as health, wellness, safety, and financial planning, as well as recreational outings and arts and crafts, are designed to foster a sense of community and ensure that seniors stay active, informed, and connected.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND OUTREACH

Strengthening the neighborhood

• Annual community outreaches, including school

supplies, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Gathering

• Arts and Enrichment programs for all ages, including sports, exercise, and nutrition; visual and performing arts

• Access to lifelong wellness, health advocacy, and education, support groups, and Lee Health telehealth

• On-site social worker helps families with direct client services, referrals, counseling, and resources during crisis

• Partnership with Shell Point Retirement Community to provide Certified Nursing Assistant training.

THE HARLEM HEIGHTS

COMMUNITY

CHARTER SCHOOL

The education every student deserves

A strong partner of The Heights Center and operating as its own entity, the school focuses on English language proficiency, literacy development, and core academic skills for students in kindergarten to fifth grade.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 2000

Annual revenues (most recent fiscal year): $3.4M

Total Number of Employees: 62

In 2023, we provided over 323,000 hours of service to Heights kids and their families at an all-in cost of $10.52 per hour. (Not including the charter school)

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA(S):

Harlem Heights neighborhood in south Fort Myers

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Individual and Corporate Donations Fundraising Events Grants

LEADERSHIP

Jan-Erik Hustrulid Board Vice-Chair

Tom Lytton Board Secretary / Treasurer

“ “

We have embarked on a new initiative: to build a CareerTech Institute in south Fort Myers. By investing in workforce training, we will build a strong and economically resilient future for SWFL. Stay tuned.

Kathryn Kelly Founder, President and CEO

Dr. Deb Mathinos Chief Programs Officer Armando Llechu Board Chair

The Immokalee Foundation

2375 Tamiami Trail N., #308, Naples, FL 34103 (239) 430-9122 | www.immokaleefoundation.org

MISSION: Building Pathways to Success for the Youth of Immokalee

For more than 33 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee— from kindergarten to postsecondary education.

Since opening its doors, The Immokalee Foundation has empowered more than 16,000 students through innovative, hands-on educational programs.

Despite Immokalee being an underserved, migrant community just 45 miles east of downtown Naples, Foundation students continue to display resilience and beat the odds by growing up to be financially independent adults with meaningful careers.

A growing favorite of Southwest Florida’s business community, The Immokalee Foundation’s award-winning program, Career Pathways, is forging new pathways to success

for Immokalee’s youth. The robust curriculum prepares middle and high school students for well-paying, in-demand professional careers in four distinct professional pathways: Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management and Healthcare.

The program’s impact is felt in every corner of the community. For example, 50 Foundation students participated in internships in various industries throughout Collier and Lee County this past summer.

The Immokalee Foundation’s success is remarkable: 100% of Foundation students have graduated from high school, 100% have a postsecondary plan to pursue a professional career, 93% graduate with a postsecondary certificate or degree, with the majority of them earning a four-year bachelor’s degree, and 87% of Alumni currently work in their field of study.

And most important, 100 percent have the potential to help build upon the success of your business or organization, and contribute to the overall business economy in Southwest Florida.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS/ OPPORTUNITIES

The 2024 Charity Classic Pro-Am Golf Tournament will be held on November 17 and 18 at Bay Colony Golf Club. For more information, visit immokaleefoundation.org/ pro-am.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Each year, over 100 dedicated members of the community volunteer twice per month—virtually or in person—to mentor one of The Immokalee Foundation’s highly motivated high school students. Please get in touch with Yeimi.Espinoza@ immokaleefoundation.org for more information.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 1991

Annual revenues (most recent year): $8,662,033

Total number of employees: 35

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA(S):

Immokalee, FL

TOP FUNDING SOURCES: Naples Children & Education Foundation

Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation

Ray Foundation

The Wasie Foundation

LEADERSHIP

“The Immokalee Foundation’s focus on providing educational opportunities, career readiness, and life skills to the youth in Immokalee is truly inspiring. It’s one thing to contribute to a cause, but it’s entirely different to see firsthand the impact those resources have on real lives. Meeting these bright, determined young individuals, hearing their stories, and seeing their gratitude reinforces our commitment to continue supporting initiatives that create positive change.

—Ryan Carter, President of Scotlynn

“

Noemi Y. Perez President & CEO Gerald Belle Chairman

Alison K. Douglas Treasurer

Tom Hurwich Treasurer

The Naples Players

701 5th Avenue South Naples, Florida 34102 | 239-434-7340 | www.naplesplayers.org

MISSION: At The Naples Players, we build community through exceptional access to the power of theatre.

Community is the ultimate foundation of The Naples Players. Labeled “your theatre,” TNP is a place for anyone and everyone to engage in imagination, creativity, and the performing arts. Passionately driven by our mission, TNP has served the people of the greater Southwest Florida region for over 71 years with unparalleled educational programming, unique wellness offerings, significant partnerships, and high-caliber theatrical productions.

TNP’s vision of becoming a cultural hub that leads a shift in the national perception of how theatres can impact their communities begins with our mission. To better serve all members of this

“community and remain a theatre of, by, and for our ever-growing region, we believe a key element in that is Access. This includes making each season of productions available to even the most underserved populations by collaborating with more than 40 partner organizations, bringing theatre arts to those who cannot come to us.

This 71st Season of The Naples Players is an exciting time as we recently returned home to our iconic location on 5th Avenue South. A $22 million renovation was driven by a desire to make the arts more accessible to all. Spaces were expanded for greater quality productions, enhanced audience experiences, education,

sensory-friendly programs, volunteering, and community events.

The Naples Players continue to play a powerful role in supporting the economic vitality of 5th Avenue South by drawing more theatre patrons to businesses and restaurants downtown, especially with our increased capacity. TNP recently formed a Community Advisory Council to help navigate new relationships and bring newcomers to our exceptional programs. We are immensely grateful for our more than 700 active volunteers who are the heart and soul of TNP, and for the numerous donors and partners who empower our mission and vision.

A true community theatre, TNP is a great business partner. We value relationships formed by sponsoring events. It’s all about making Naples a special place to live, work and play. –Vicki Tracy, Chief Operating Officer, Gulf Coast International Properties

It has been an inspiration to partner with TNP in enriching the community through performance arts. We are so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful organization that captures the true essence of community and giving.” — Dan Kao, Owner & General Manager, Porsche Naples & 2024-2025 TNP Season Sponsor

ABOUT US:

Year established: 1953

Annual revenues (most recent fiscal year): $5.5M

Total number of employees: 29 full-time; 7 part-time

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S):

Greater Naples, Southwest Florida

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Annual Ticket Sales

Private Donors

Public & Private Foundations

COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL

Vicky Tracy Chair

David Arredondo Exclusive Yachts

Col. Jim Bloom

Collier County Sheriff’s Office

Samantha Bloom Gallery One

Max Carta

The Bevy

Maegan Dustin

Falls River Group

Dan Kao

Porsche Naples

Claudine LegerWetzel

Stock Development

Chris Lombardo

Naples Family Law

Jackie Morelisse

Artist/Designer

Tom Ray

Lake Michigan Credit Union

Tim Savage

Gulf Coast International Properties

Adria Starkey

FineMark Bank

Rich Weisberg

Weisberg

Wealth Management

42nd Street

Into the Woods Junior

A volunteer with TNP’s Director of Lighting

The Salvation Army, Fort Myers Area

10291 McGregor Blvd, Ft. Myers, FL 33919 www.fortmyers.salvationarmyflorida.org

MISSION: Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination

For over 70 years, The Salvation Army, Fort Myers Area Command has served Lee, Hendry & Glades Counties by offering help, hope, and home to thousands of vulnerable men, woman, and children. Basic needs assistance (food, shelter, clothing, and personal goods), mental health and substance abuse counseling, life skills classes, employment and housing support, intensive case management and special holiday assistance programs are some of the services we offer to victims of natural disaster, those living in poverty, those afflicted with mental illness and addictions and individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

With our Edison Ave Center of Hope serving as the base of our operations, we are able to extend our presence to Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Lehigh Acres, LaBelle and Clewiston,

providing many of the services mentioned above to those communities.

As the midtown area of Fort Myers grows and changes, The Salvation Army will change accordingly, with plans for a new multi building campus on Edison Ave, allowing our team to expand and enhance our services to those in need in our community.

The Salvation Army remains committed to Lee, Hendry & Glades counties by following our mission, “The Salvation Army Mission Statement.

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”

GOALS

• Address the crippling housing crisis and seek solutions to housing insecurity.

• Improve the quality of family life through 2Generation Families programing

• Serve neighbors in need through case management and education

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Salvation Army relies on the generous time and talents given by volunteers. There are many opportunities for volunteering, including Christmas Angel Tree and Red Kettles, Food Pantry, Food Service and Disaster Services. Please contact our office, 239-278-1551, to join our team.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 1865, London, England

Total number of employees: 200+

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S): Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties

TOP FUNDING SOURCES

The Richard M. Schulze Foundation

The National Christian Foundation United Way

The Mary Anna Foundation

LEADERSHIP:

Senator Jonathan Martin Board Member Senator Florida District 33

Sharon Thompson Board Chair Managing Shareholder, Hughes, Snell & Co., PA

Sharon Thompson Treasurer Managing Shareholder, Hughes, Snell & Co., PA Diane Olenik Secretary Executive VP, Retired

BOARD MEMBERS

Stan Stouder Founding Partner, CRE Consultants

Christopher Lopez Government & Policy Relations

George Koszulinski President & CEO, Tropical Cabinets

“

There is no reward equal to that of Doing the Most Good to the most people in the most need. –Evangeline Booth, Ret. Commander of the U.S.A. Salvation Army & General.

The Village School of Naples

6000 Goodlette-Frank Road N., Naples FL 34109 (239) 593-7686 | www.TVSNaples.org

MISSION: To provide an environment that EMPOWERS and INSPIRES students to think and CREATE solutions to challenges in an ever-changing world.

An Educational Legacy of Excellence in Southwest Florida

The Village School of Naples (TVS) is a beacon of educational excellence in Southwest Florida, offering a nurturing environment where academic rigor meets holistic development. Our school believes every child deserves a well-rounded education, combining innovative teaching with a strong sense of community.

Celebrating 25 Years of Educational Excellence

In 2025, The Village School will proudly celebrate 25 years of excellence. Starting as a preschool by North Naples Church, we have remained dedicated to fostering intellectual curiosity, moral character development, and leadership skills in our students throughout our Early Childhood Education Division (ECE) and spanning the Lower School, Middle School and on up to our Upper School.

Prestigious

Academic Achievements

Recently, we received the

College Board Honor Roll Advanced Placement (AP) Platinum Award for the second consecutive year, an honor given to only 6% of high schools nationwide. This recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and rigor.

A Seamless and Connected Curriculum

From Early Childhood Education to Upper School, The Village School offers a connected curriculum that promotes lifelong learning and personal growth. Our Christcentered education nurtures spiritual, social, and emotional development, encouraging students to model core Christian values, which we call TVS Christ Skills. These include perseverance, caring and responsibility, which are integrated into all aspects of school life, including weekly chapel services.

Preparing Students for the Future

Led by Dr. Dennis G. Chapman, Head of School, we offer a dynamic blend of academics,

athletics, and arts, preparing students for the future. TVS believes that academics, athletics, and the arts should function in balance and harmony with one another and with Christ as our moral compass. We value community connections and continuously seek to enrich our students’ lives through partnerships and service opportunities beyond the classroom.

Empowering Students to Give Back

The Village School is a community-driven institution that equips students with the skills to make meaningful societal contributions. Through programs like Quest College Success and Upper School Internships, we instill the importance of giving back and making a difference.

Join Our Mission

Join us in empowering the next generation of leaders. Visit our website to learn more or support our mission.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 2000

Annual revenues

(most recent fiscal year): $14M

Total number of employees: 130

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE

AREA(S): Southwest Florida, located in Naples

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

LEADERSHIP:

Did You Know?

For 2023-24, 70% of TVS graduates received $6.5MM in merit scholarships. TVS is a Platinum AP School, with 71% of faculty holding Master’s degrees, and five with Doctorates.

Mrs. Nikki Sweeney

Mrs. Jane Badger Director of Advancement

Dr. Dennis G. Chapman Head of School

LAWYERS OF DISTINCTION

Over the past century, the legal profession has experienced profound changes, and Henderson Franklin has consistently demonstrated its adaptability to meet these challenges. From navigating the complexities of new regulations to leveraging advancements in technology, we have evolved our approach to serve our clients’ diverse and ever-changing needs. What began with a focus on core areas such as business law and litigation has steadily expanded into various practices, including real estate, land use, estate planning, employment, healthcare and family law.

As legal matters have become increasingly multifaceted, our commitment to staying at the forefront of the profession has been unwavering. Our attorneys continuously refine their knowledge, ensuring we provide personalized counsel based on our century of experience and forward-thinking perspective. As we embark on the next 100 years, Henderson Franklin reaffirms its dedication to evolving alongside the legal landscape, providing clients with trusted guidance in an increasingly complex world.

Honoring

“As we conclude our first 100 years, and begin the next 100, Henderson Franklin remains dedicated to providing legal services with the highest level of professionalism. For the past century, we have been committed to supporting and improving the community we serve. Looking ahead, we will continue to uphold these values, working to make a positive impact in Southwest Florida – just as we’ve done since 1924.”

Edward P. Canterbury Henderson Franklin Managing Lawyer

At a glance:

Ted Walters Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 9132 Strada Place, Third Floor 239-593-2965 twalters@porterwright.com

Theodore R. Walters, Partner-in-Charge

Attorney Ted Walters is a seasoned transactional and trial attorney with over 30 years of experience in corporate, health care, banking and real estate law. As the partner-in-charge of Porter Wright’s Naples office, Ted oversees one of the firm’s nine markets and devotes his time to pursuing new growth opportunities in Naples and providing meaningful results for clients.

His health care practice focuses on the establishment, acquisition, structure, and sale of medical, dental, and veterinary practices. In real estate, Ted represents developers and associations in both residential and commercial projects, guiding them through complex transactions. His banking and finance work spans construction lending, asset-based lending, real estate lending, and compliance with state and federal regulations.

Ted is also the co-founder and chair of the firm’s LGBTQ+ Business practice group, which provides access to legal services to underrepresented LGBTQ+ business owners, many of which face unique challenges when starting, maintaining and growing their companies. Under Ted’s leadership, the group advises clients with a wide range of legal needs, including navigating evolving regulations, social media, and public relations.

Whether forming entities, negotiating contracts, or representing clients in complex civil litigation, Ted delivers strategic legal counsel, ensuring clients are well-positioned for success.

At Porter Wright, our attorneys are driven to create client-focused strategies by understanding clients’ objectives and helping them protect their personal wealth and business interests.

Quarles & Brady LLP

Quarles & Brady LLP, founded in 1892, is a full-service Am Law 200 firm with approximately 550 attorneys offering an array of legal services to clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to small entrepreneurial businesses to individuals. The firm has practices focused in bankruptcy, restructuring and creditor’s rights; business law; energy, infrastructure and environment; estate, trust and wealth preservation; health and life sciences; intellectual property; labor and employment; litigation and dispute resolution; product liability; public finance; and real estate and land use. Its 13 U.S. offices are in Chicago, Denver, Indianapolis, Madison, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Naples, Phoenix, St. Louis, San Diego, Tampa, Tucson and Washington, D.C. Additional information can be found at quarles.com, as well as on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Quarles & Brady. LLP

1395 Panther Lane, Suite 300 Naples, FL 34109

239.262.5959 quarles.com quarles.com

To learn more about what the law firm of Quarles & Brady can do for you, contact Benjamin B. Brown, Naples Office Managing Partner, at (239) 659-5026 or benjamin.brown@quarles.com.

1395 Panther Lane | Suite 300 | Naples, Florida 34109 ©2024, Quarles & Brady LLP.

AfterHOURS

HORSEPOWER / WELLNESS / UNWIND / BACKSTORY

HORSEPOWER ONE FOR THE ROAD

The well-designed joy of the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i

p_106

By James Raia

HORSEPOWER

ONE FOR THE ROAD

The well-designed joy of the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i

By James Raia

The 2025 BMW Z4 M40i is a driver’s delight. With its new optional six-speed manual transmission installed, the rear-wheel-drive, two-seat roadster is keen for daily transportation. But it’s at its best on a winding country road, with the top down. It’s an automotive stress deflator.

There’s nothing wrong with the other available trim, the sDrive30i. It has a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Its performance is satisfying. But the M40i, featuring a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 382 horsepower, represents BMW’s heritage sportiness.

The Z4 is not a cavernous sedan for a family vacation. It’s a two-seat sports car, with tight seating, limited trunk space and a low-to-the-ground feel inherent to the convertible persona.

That said, the roadster has more comfort than its competitors. The seats don’t feel

FACTS & FIGURES

Acceleration:

0-60 mph, 3.9 seconds

Airbags: 6

Gas mileage: 23 mpg city, 31 mpg hwy

Horsepower: 382

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price:

$66,450

Price as tested: $77,470

Manufacturer’s website: bmwusa.com

Warranty:

Bumper-to-bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 4 years/50,000 miles; Maintenance, 3 years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 12 years, unlimited miles; Roadside assistance, 4 years/unlimited miles

MORNINGS

Corey Lazar

Rachel Cox-Rosen

Zach Maloch

Lindsey Sablan

Taylor Petras

HORSEPOWER

cramped, and shifting is accomplished without awkward arm positioning. Getting in and out of the low-slung vehicle might not be joyous, but the result is the enjoyment of the drive.

BMW vehicles are equipped with hefty lists of standard features. The Z4 M40i gets much of the same equipment as the sDrive 30i, heated power-adjustable seats to a 10.25-inch

infotainment screen. A 10-speaker audio system and forward collision mitigation are also standard; the latter warns the driver of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also in the standard equipment mix with two USB charge ports. Technology upgrades include a wireless charging pad, a head-up display and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The power-folding fabric convertible top works quickly via the lever to the right of the center console.

The top lowers and rises in less than 15 seconds.

Beyond its more powerful engine, the M40i adds keyless entry, a heated steering wheel and lumbar adjustments for the front seats.

Several additional packages and stand-alone extras vault the M40i into another level of attractiveness, from additional safety to convenience.

The Premium Package ($1,250) is only available in the M40i and it includes remote engine ignition, ambient lighting, a head-up display and an automated parking system. A Harmon BMW Group

HARVEST NIGHTS MUSIC FESTIVAL

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Kardon surround sound audio adds $750 and a Shadowline Package ($550) features adaptive full LED lights.

Upscale items fill a Handschalter (“hand shift” in German) manual trim package ($3,500). It gives the roadster handsome touches, from extender Shadowline black high-gloss exterior trim pieces to red brake calipers and dark badging.

The five available Vernasca leather upholstery colors complement several exterior M40i color choices, including BMW Individual Frozen Deep Green metallic, priced at $2,950.

It’s fluorescent and widely changes colors in varying weather conditions.

With all of its top-line equipment and stunning looks, The Z4 M40i maintains the carmaker’s enduring legacy via its superior drive. The car is quiet—albeit quieter with

the top up, a common trait among convertibles.

While convertible vehicles with manual transmission aren’t common, the Z4 M40i has a set of competitors, including the Porsche 718 Boxster, Chevrolet Corvette, Mazda Miata and Ford Mustang.

Every vehicle in the group is uniquely handsome with specific merits.

The Z4 M40i, like all BMWs, is not a bargain. It’s an enduring German sports car for those who like to shift through gears. It reinforces, in a good way, the adage of getting what you pay for.

(239) 784-5157

WELLNESS

About 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, and for the first time, epinephrine can now be delivered via a nasal spray to treat anaphylaxis.

BAD REACTIONS

Allergies rising, but a new hope for treatment

By James Raia

Itchy eyes, rashes, sneezing, wheezing, swelling and shortness of breath are among the symptoms shared by about 50 million Americans who all suffer from allergies. The vastly differing results range from temporary mild discomfort to anaphylaxis—a rapid onset allergic reaction, always serious, potentially fatal and requiring quick medical attention.

Pollen, bee stings, contact with latex and adverse food reactions from peanuts to shellfish can all be triggers. Allergies affect the skin, lungs,

throat, sinuses, ears, nose or even the stomach lining, and can also trigger the symptoms of asthma.

Particularly worrisome are how environmental changes have increased allergens and the prevalence of allergic reactions, and affected how sufferers can address the problem.

The overall hike in allergy cases includes an increase in anaphylaxis, which has in some studies increased to 5% of all allergic reactions. The most serious reactions typically start within minutes, including loss of con-

sciousness, low blood pressure, medical shock and severe swelling that interferes with or stops breathing.

The only treatment for anaphylaxis until recently was a dose of epinephrine, a hormone administered by injection. Its effectiveness is superior. But there’s a caveat in the treatment—an aversion to needles among patients and laypersons who may be required to provide an emergency injection.

But allergists’ concerns with the boost in pediatric and adult aller-

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gies recently received good news: the approval in August by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of Neffy. It’s the first nasal spray for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions.

“Neffy is the first significant innovation in the delivery of epinephrine in more than 35 years,” says William E. Berger, M.D., a pediatrics and allergy/immunology specialist in Southern California and part of the Allergy and Asthma Network, headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia.

“It makes it more attainable, administering it is much easier and there are places other than patients that have it. Patrol cars have it, airlines have

it, schools have it, clubs have it. Any place where young people may gather. It’s just very convenient to have the nasal spray.”

While various regions of the country, including gulf states, have climates that may seem conducive to fewer allergies, that’s not accurate. Southwest Florida isn’t immune. With longer and warmer seasons, grass, ragweed and tree pollens are more prevalent, particularly in the spring and fall. The allergens are carried through the breezy coastal winds.

Bayberry, oak and cypress trees provide the most active Southwest Florida allergens during spring months. Bahia, Johnson and Timothy grass and weed pollens, such as ragweed, pigweed and mugwort, are more prominent during

summer months but can extend into winter. Airborne molds are present year-round, but levels increase during the rainy fall months.

The Naples Allergy Center, whose clinicians treat allergies, asthma, skin conditions and immunologic diseases, details the sometimes-misunderstood relationship between living in a yearround sunshine state and the potential for increased allergy issues.

“Unfortunately, what many of us never consider is how a new environment can affect our bodies,” the medical center states. “Along with common variables like food, pets, latex and medication, the unique climate, pollen count, mold and dust found in Southwest Florida may exacerbate allergies.

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation, PS Form 3526-R. 1. Publication Title: Gulfshore Business. 2. Publication Number: 1935-8199. 3. Filing Date: September 18, 2024. 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly. 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: Twelve (12). 6. Annual Subscription Price: Free in Southwest Florida; $12 outside Florida. 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 26101 South Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Contact Person: Kerri Nolan; Telephone: (239) 498-8500. 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 2824 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33916. 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Carin Keane, Publisher, 26101 South Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134; Heidi Rambo Centrella, Editor-in-Chief, 26101 South Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134; Tim Aten, Senior Editor, 26101 South Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. 10. Owner: Gulfshore Life Media LLC is a 100% subsidiary of Sun Broadcasting, Inc. Sun Broadcasting, Inc. ownership: Joseph C. Schwartzel Irrevocable Family Trust of 2011 (Beneficiaries: James William Schwartzel / Miriam Diaz Schwartzel), 2824 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33916. Kelly Lynn McBride Trust, Brian Patrick McBride Trust, Colleen Louise McBride Trust, Kaitlyn Marie Lawrence Trust, Daniel James Plum Trust, Kelsey Christine Plum Trust, Daniel David Eucker Trust, Lauren Nicole Plum Trust, and Christina Marie Eucker Trust, all located at 876 Bradley Road, Westlake, OH 44145. 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. 12. (Does not apply.) 13. Publication Title: Gulfshore Business. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data: October 2024. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average Number of Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months; Number of Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: A. Total Number of Copies: Average: 12,403; Actual: 13,075. B. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution: 1: Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: Average: 11,056; Actual: 11,867. 2. In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: Average: 0; Actual: 0. 3. Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS: Average: 33; Actual: 35. 4. Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS: Average: 0; Actual: 0. C. Total Paid and/ or Requested Circulation: Average: 11,089; Actual: 11,902. D. Nonrequested Distribution: 1. Outside County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541: Average: 731; Actual: 730. 2. In-County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541: Average: 0; Actual: 0. 3. Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail: Average: 0; Actual: 0. 4) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail: Average: 462; Actual: 400. E. Total Nonrequested Distribution: Average: 1,193; Actual: 1,130. F. Total Distribution: Average: 12,282; Actual: 13,032. G. Copies not Distributed: Average: 121; Actual: 43. H. Total: Average: 12,403; Actual: 13,075. I. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: Average: 90%; Actual: 91%. 16. Electronic Copy Circulation: n/a. 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the November 2024 issue of this publication. 18. Signature and Title of Publisher: Carin Keane, Publisher. Date: September 18, 2024.

“Allergens you had previously not been exposed to may begin to affect you, as well. The Naples Allergy Center’s mission is to educate and treat both common allergies and those unique to the Naples area.”

Further environmental changes, shifts in precipitation to an increase in frost-free days, affect how pollens affect human health, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the national public health agency headquartered in Atlanta.

More than 25% of adults and almost 20% of children in the U.S. have seasonal allergies, according to the CDC.

Allergy sufferers are affected when the immune system reacts adversely to an otherwise harmless substance (the allergen). The result: The im-

mune system produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E, or IgE, that travel to cells that release histamine. It is the released histamine that causes the allergic reaction.

Dr. Stephanie Leeds of Yale Medicine last year discussed the recent higher allergen levels and longer pollen seasons, citing warmer temperatures and increased carbon dioxide emissions. The pediatric allergy specialist called the trend “multifactorial.”

“With climate change, the general trend has been that we’re getting higher levels of pollen and longer pollen seasons, whether that’s due to warmer temperatures or increased carbon dioxide emissions; it’s probably multifactorial,” says Leeds.

Leeds’ assessment was earlier addressed in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Three years ago, the journal published a report detailing a 21% national increase in pollen concentration between 1990 and 2018. It corresponded to an average pollen season increase of 20 days.

Berger knows as well as anyone the dangers of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, and the increase in the percentage of sufferers. The introduction of epinephrine as a nasal spray is encouraging.

“This is a major advancement in the treatment of several allergic reactions,” Berger says. “Still, what’s critical for someone who may have allergies but isn’t sure is to get a proper diagnosis.”

For more information and to register please go to gulfshorebusiness.com/bestplacestowork

UNWIND

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. BOND

By Artis Henderson

Although author Ian Fleming, creator of super-spy James Bond, never penned an exact birthdate for Agent 007, scholars put the MI6 operative’s birthday in early November. This month, we’re licensed to celebrate with some classic Bond music, a spyworthy set of wheels and a cocktail fit for a secret agent.

WRITTEN IN THE STARS

James Bond enthusiasts claim Fleming’s fictional hero—and sometimes antihero—was born on Nov. 11, which makes James Bond a Scorpio. And that suits him perfectly. Enigmatic, obsessive and loyal—not to mention very sexy—Scorpios have one of the most magnetic signs in the Zodiac. They can also be intensely withdrawn and secretive, which is frustrating for those who want to get closer to these sensual creatures. The key to a Scorpio’s heart? Mystery, confidence and a dash of elusiveness. Famous Scorpios include actor Ryan Reynolds, musician Drake and French royalty Marie Antoinette.

PUT IT IN DRIVE THEME SONGS SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED

James Bond has been behind the wheel of a stunning array of vehicles, including Bentleys, Rolls-Royces and a string of BMWs in the late 1990s. But the defining Bond car is the Aston Martin. It was first driven by Sean Connery’s Bond in the 1960s, then Pierce Brosnan’s Bond in the 1990s and most recently by Daniel Craig’s Bond in the 2000s. The car’s accessories have been upgraded over the years to include ejector seats, machine guns and water cannons. Brosnan’s version even had a builtin champagne bucket. Though these Bond cars can fetch astronomical price tags—an original Aston Martin DB5 sold at auction for $2 million— the Naples Aston Martin showroom has more accessible models. Console champagne bucket by special request.

Bond films have produced some of the most iconic music of the last two centuries. Fans go crazy for the soundtrack from 1963’s From Russia With Love, which was written by legendary film composer John Barry and features big orchestral sounds that are superb on vinyl. We also love the soundtrack to 1995’s GoldenEye, with powerful vocals from the inimitable Tina Turner. Paul McCartney’s “Live and Let Die” from the 1973 film of the same name was the first Bond theme song to be nominated for an Oscar, and Adele’s “Skyfall” for the 2012 film was the first one to win.

In Casino Royale, Fleming’s first 007 novel, Bond is famous for ordering his signature martini shaken “until it’s icecold,” possibly to help camouflage the taste of the heavy dose of alcohol he’s about to consume. Though we applaud his approach, we prefer a softer touch when it comes to our cocktails. For example, we’re loving the lychee martini at French-Vietnamese restaurant Le Colonial in Naples. To make one, combine 1.5 ounces vodka, 0.5 ounces yuzu liqueur, 1.5 ounces lychee puree, 0.5 ounces fresh lime juice and 0.5 ounces simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Shake hard for 10 seconds. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a whole lychee. Sip and savor while watching a favorite Bond film.

AFTER HOURS

Backstory

FLIGHTS CANCELED

How grounding plans for an airport saved the Everglades

By Justin Paprocki

At one point, the largest airport in the world was going to be built right in the middle of South Florida. But the death of the Everglades Jetport is actually the story of the birth of the Big Cypress Nature Preserve.

The jetport came about from lofty ambitions in the late 1960s. State and local officials saw the population boom in South Florida and sought to create an airport between coasts. But this wasn’t any old airport: It would have six runways, accommodate the supersonic Concorde and be five times larger than New York City’s JFK airport was at the time. A new highway with a monorail service would connect the airport to the coasts. Early promotional materials boasted that it would just be 48 miles away from Marco Island.

The major problem: It would have been an ecological disaster. A 1969 environmental study from the federal government concluded that the jetport would “inexorably destroy the South Florida ecosystem and thus the Everglades National Park.”

A coalition of local hunters, Native tribes and environmentalists, including Marjory Stoneman Douglas, pressed authorities to find another location—and by 1970, with one runway already constructed, the project was abandoned. The coalition continued to lobby the federal government, and in 1974, Big Cypress was named the nation’s first national preserve.

The lone runway does get some limited use to this day as the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport.

Key Private Bank welcomes David Maksymetz to its Florida team

Key Private Bank welcomes David Maksymetz to its Florida team

David Maksymetz has joined Key Private Bank as a Senior Relationship Manager offering clients more than 30 years of comprehensive wealth management experience. Most recently with Truist in Naples, his extensive experience also includes wealth management positions with BNY Mellon Wealth Management, Northern Trust, and J.P. Morgan. David holds himself accountable for recommending strategies with the client’s needs and goals in mind, and takes the time to listen to his clients, get to know them and gain an understanding of the critical aspects of their financial life.

David Maksymetz has joined Key Private Bank as a Senior Rela�onship Manager offering clients more than 30 years of comprehensive wealth management experience. Most recently with Truist in Naples, his extensive experience also includes wealth management posi�ons with BNY Mellon Wealth Management, Northern Trust, and J.P. Morgan. David holds himself accountable for recommending strategies with the client’s needs and goals in mind, and takes the �me to listen to his clients, get to know them and gain an understanding of the cri�cal aspects of their financial life.

David served on the Board of Directors for The Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Naples and held the offices of Secretary and Vice Chair. He has also served on the Volunteer Board for REVs Institute and is currently a board member for the Press Club of Southwest Florida. He is a graduate of University of Michigan and holds an MBA from Wayne State University.

David served on the Board of Directors for The Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Naples and held the offices of Secretary and Vice Chair. He has also served on the Volunteer Board for REVs and is currently a board member for the Press Club of Southwest Florida. He is a graduate of University of Michigan and holds an MBA from Wayne State University.

David can be reached in Key Private Bank’s Naples office at David_J_Maksymetz@keybank.com, (239) 659-8805 (office) or 313-418-7827 (cell).

David can be reached in Key Private Bank’s Naples office at David_J_Maksymetz@keybank.com, (239) 659-8805 (office) or 313-418-7827 (cell).