Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 30, 2019) – For children in Southwest Florida suffering with serious eye conditions, their world is blurred or totally shrouded in darkness, impacting their education, family and social lives. Think of all the childhood experiences they are missing each day due to impaired vision.
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida and Lee Physician Group provide ophthalmology services to children throughout Southwest Florida. For the last five years, they have had only one pediatric ophthalmologist operating in a 1,400-square-foot clinic with three examination rooms. This has created an access issue with the wait time for first available appointment exceeding six months. While they have recently added two additional ophthalmologists, there is still a critical need for eye care services in Southwest Florida.
“In response to the community’s dire need, SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. has pledged $3 million to establish the SWFL Children’s Charities Eye Institute at Golisano Children’s Hospital to ensure that Southwest Florida children have access to treatment close to home,” said Sandy Stilwell-Youngquist, SWFL Children’s Charities board chair and co-chair of the event with Brooke Denson. “We have seen what our Southwest Florida Wine Fest community can do to enhance children’s health care when we come together and once again, we anticipate an overwhelming response to a great need for many children and families.”
During the 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, auction-goers can raise their paddles in support of this year’s Fund-A-Cause to support the establishment of the SWFL Children’s Charities Eye Institute.
“Golisano and Lee Physician Group have a strategy to expand ophthalmology services in the area and the funding will enable us to recruit additional pediatric ophthalmologists, an optometrist, expand the clinic space and add new locations to improve access to care,” said Armando Llechu, chief administrative officer at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. “The new SWFL Children’s Charities Eye Institute will help us reach our goal of reducing access wait times by more than 80% and ensure that children and families in our region can remain close to home for the most advanced vision care available.”
For families like the Wardeins of Fort Myers, improving wait times for high-quality vision care brings hope for the future.
“When they told my husband and I that it would be 277 days before our son could see a specialist, I was shocked,” said Stephanie Wardein, mother of six children including 18-month-old Benedict, born with Down syndrome. “It was overwhelming. Children need their eyesight and other senses to reach their developmental milestones. It was important to correct his vision early. Thankfully, when there’s a gap in children’s health care, this community gets creative. We saw that with the building of Golisano, and now we are seeing that again.”
Celebrating its 12^th year, the 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest will take place Feb. 21-22, 2020. The two-day signature event, themed “Painting a Difference: Putting Kids First,” will feature Chef Vintner Dinners on Friday, Feb. 21, creatively hosted in private luxury venues across the region, followed The Grand Tasting and Live Auction on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs. Each day, guests will experience artful cuisine created by celebrated chefs and expertly paired with vintners from some of the finest and most exclusive wineries.
To learn more about the 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, please visit www.swflwinefest.org.
About SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s annual signature fundraiser, the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, has donated nearly $23 million over the past 11 years in support of children’s health initiatives. The 2020 event will support pediatric health care services at Golisano Children’s Hospital, as well as pediatric health care educational programs at Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College. For more information, visit www.swflwinefest.org.
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 27, 2019) – Child Care of Southwest Florida was on the receiving end of a “pay it forward” donation involving a generous local developer and a government agency.

At this fall’s Law and Order Ball, hosted by the Rotary Club of Fort Myers South, Creighton Construction & Development Founder and CEO Dan Creighton pledged a $125,000 donation to be split equally among five local law enforcement agencies: police departments in Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Sanibel, as well as the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Lee County Port Authority. The only caveat was that the donation must be spent on charitable causes within the community.

In prior years, Creighton invited Law and Order Ball honorees and their spouses on an out-of-town trip, but instead sought an opportunity to help local organizations that are making a difference in Lee County.

“When you get great people doing great things, you want to add longevity to it,” Creighton said. “But those great programs need fuel, and money is that fuel to add longevity.”

The Lee County Port Authority has an established relationship with the Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center, one of six high-quality early learning centers operated by Child Care of Southwest Florida.

“This was the first charity that came to mind,” said Port Authority Chief Shawn Chamberlain. “They have a variety of different needs here, so we felt like it was the right place for the donation to have a great impact.”

Child Care of Southwest Florida serves many children from lower-income families in Lee and Hendry counties. Given that the donation came from a law enforcement agency, Child Care of Southwest Florida CEO Chris Hansen said the $25,000 grant will be used to enhance security at the Messina Children’s Center, as well as provide scholarship assistance for hardworking families.

“Dan is a remarkably talented businessman, but he also truly understands the critical needs of our community,” Hansen said. “His donation at the Law and Order Ball was significant in both the dollar amount and its potential impact, and we’re grateful that the Port Authority again has stepped forward to help the Messina Children’s Center.”

In addition to his support for local law enforcement agencies, Creighton has donated funds to the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County, SWFL Children’s Charities and many other charitable organizations.

About Child Care of Southwest Florida

Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. (CCSWFL) is a nonprofit early childhood education provider with six learning centers in Lee and Hendry counties that serve more than 500 children from 6 weeks to 8 years old. Each center is accredited through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Learning Leaders and is recognized as a Gold Seal Quality Care Program through the Florida Department of Children and Families. All six CCSWFL locations have five-star ratings through the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida. CCSWFL follows the nationally recognized, research-based Creative Curriculum, with a goal of creating safe, nurturing learning environments that develop young minds, support families, strengthen the community and secure the future. Through its participation in the USDA’s Child Food Care Program, each child has access to a healthy, nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks. Sponsor, volunteer and donation opportunities are available. For more information, please visit ccswfl.org.

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FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 27, 2019) – Captains For Clean Water, a grassroots nonprofit organization advocating for Florida’s water quality will host the Jan. 14 session of Leadership NEXT, a monthly program for advancing business professionals.
Captains For Clean Water was founded in 2016 by a group of fishing guides and outdoorsmen from Fort Myers that had enough of Florida’s poor water management practices. Through advancing education, awareness and advocacy, Captains For Clean Water fights to ensure that policymakers implement scientifically supported solutions to restore and protect marine ecosystems and Florida’s way of life for future generations.
Participants at Leadership NEXT will learn about the future of our local waterways from Executive Director Capt. Daniel Andrews and Program Director Capt. Chris Wittman while touring Captains For Clean Water’s new office at Collaboratory. Light appetizers and beverages will be provided by Jordan Webster Catering.
A former full-time fishing guide, Andrews saw his business decline with the rise of water quality issues. Mismanagement and lack of awareness in the outdoor community led him to co-found Captains For Clean Water. As executive director, Andrews keeps a steady pulse on Florida water policy and projects, working with elected officials and government agencies to ensure science-based solutions are implemented to restore water quality.
Wittman is a career outdoorsman with over 20 years as a fishing and hunting guide, nationally renowned tournament angler, on-camera host and TV show producer. As a fourth-generation Florida native and co-founder of Captains For Clean Water, Wittman’s professional experience has positioned Captains For Clean Water to engage leading brands and personalities across the industry, collectively mobilizing the outdoor community to take action against water quality issues like never before. As program director, Wittman identifies needs and opportunities to expand the organization’s reach and impact through initiatives, programs and partnerships.
Leadership NEXT runs from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at Captains For Clean Water’s office at Collaboratory, 2031 Jackson Street in Fort Myers. The January program is sponsored by Offshore Sailing School, which will also offer a prize drawing to win a $300 sailing lesson gift certificate.
Attendees of Leadership NEXT represent a variety of businesses and industries throughout Southwest Florida. Monthly sessions take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month and offer opportunities to develop new knowledge and skills, establish working relationships with colleagues and engage in valuable programs and discussions to further enhance their careers. Leadership NEXT’s annual sponsor is the Florida Gulf Coast University Alumni Association.
Leadership NEXT is free to attend for members of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and $10 for future members. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance at FortMyers.org and follow “Leadership NEXT” on Facebook for more information.
About the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce:
Serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community. The Chamber represents nearly 800 businesses, professionals and individuals throughout Lee County, providing opportunities for members to participate in a variety of meaningful networking, educational and community- and business-focused programs and events. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is located at 2310 Edwards Drive in downtown Fort Myers. For additional information regarding membership opportunities or events please call 239-332-2930 or visit www.fortmyers.org. For the latest news and updates, follow the Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gfmcc or Twitter at @FtMyersChamber.
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 23, 2019) – The 18^th annual “Helping Kids with Cancer” Radiothon will be held Jan. 24 and feature on-air appeals by pediatric cancer patients, medical professionals and celebrity guests. The Radiothon airs live from Mel’s Diner, 1331 NE Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral, on Cat Country 107.1 FM, as well as CatCountry1071.iheart.com and on the iHeart Radio app, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24. Periodic updates and announcements from the Radiothon will also be shared on 95.3 FM OLZ.

The Radiothon benefits Barbara’s Friends – Golisano Children’s Hospital Cancer Fund. Young patients and families battling cancer and life-threatening blood disorders face many challenges physically, emotionally and financially. Donations made to Barbara’s Friends support lifesaving cancer care for Southwest Florida children provide equipment, medical services, emergency assistance, and financial assistance through the Kimmie’s Angels Family Assistance Program so families can focus on helping their kids get well. Golisano Children’s Hospital does not deny treatment for any child as a result of their family’s inability to pay.

Kadin Williams was undergoing treatment for cancer when he participated in last year’s radiothon. Despite months of treatment for kidney cancer, he smiled brightly. This year, with spiked hair and signature blue glasses, Kadin will celebrate the end of his treatment and return home to his family by joining other pediatric cancer patients to raise money for other kids.

“The hospital itself is like a second home because we’ve been there so much,” said Amanda Williams, Kadin’s mother. “We couldn’t have been in a better place to go through what we went through. There are no words to express the gratitude for what they’ve done. Golisano (Children’s Hospital) made it possible for us to stay here and not to have to travel somewhere else. And I have him.”

During the 12-hour Radiothon, guests at all five Mel’s Diner locations in Southwest Florida – Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Golden Gate and Naples – can enjoy a special Radiothon breakfast for a $5 donation. Additionally, Mel’s Diner guests who become an “Angel” by making a $300 donation will receive a $100 Mel’s gift card.

Mel’s Diner has raised more than $2.7 million through the Helping Kids with Cancer Radiothon. “With the generosity of Mel’s customers, staff, businesses and community involvement, we will continue helping Kids with Cancer one penny at a time,” Bill Malstrom, catering manager, Mel’s Diner.

“Every dollar we raised at Radiothon will stay right here in this community to help children being treated at Golisano Children’s Hospital,” said Al Kinkle, chairman of Barbara’s Friends. “It’s heartwarming to see this community rally together for a cause. Supporters recognize that every donation, large or small, can potentially save a child’s life.”

To participate in the Radiothon, residents, businesses and organizations can phone in their pledge by calling 866-609-KIDS or by visiting LeeHealthFoundation.org/Radiothon.

About Golisano Children’s Hospital

Established in 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” by The Leapfrog Group for the past three years. It is the only recognized children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami. Lee Health opened the new 134-bed Golisano Children’s Hospital in May 2017, relocating the children’s hospital from the adjacent HealthPark Medical Center. It includes comprehensive pediatric services including a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 70 private rooms. Golisano Children’s Hospital is proud to have been named Soliant’s 2019 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.

About Barbara’s Friends – Helping Kids With Cancer at Golisano Children’s Hospital

Established in 1995, Barbara’s Friends provides equipment, staffing and services to support lifesaving cancer care for children from across southwest Florida at Golisano Children’s Hospital. The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program is the only program of its kind in Southwest Florida and has served over 8,000 patients since opening. No child is denied treatment or turned away as a result of their family’s inability to pay for care. For more information about the Barbara’s Friends fund and supporting child patients in your community, please call Lee Health Foundation at (239) 343-6950 or visit BarbarasFriends.org.

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Media Contacts:

Tiffany Whitaker, APR, CPRC, Lee Health Foundation, [email protected], (239) 343-6105 or 239-671-0724 (cell)

Kathy Becker, Priority Marketing, [email protected], 239-267-2638 or 239-470-2681 (cell)

FORT MYERS, FLA., December 20,, 2019 – Residents who attended the Christmas Carol Sing at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers Tuesday (December 17) contributed plenty of food and funds to help The Soup Kitchen of Community Cooperative feed the hungry in Southwest Florida.
In excess of 2,800 pounds of non-perishable food along with generous financial contributions were collected at the 29th Annual Christmas Carol Sing, which  was sponsored and organized by the Galloway Family of Dealerships.  The contributions will help support families in need during the holidays, according to event organizers.
“It is so gratifying to see our community coming together to help those less fortunate, especially during these economic times.  The need has never been greater,” said event founder Sam Galloway, Jr.
About 1,500 people attended the three performances, which featured Gaither Family Soloist Larry Ford along with members of the First Presbyterian Church Choir, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
In addition to the Christmas Carol Sing, the Galloway Family of Dealerships also annually sponsors Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing, to be held February 11, 2019, at First Presbyterian Church. Both events benefit The Soup Kitchen of Community Cooperative, which was founded by First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers along with other churches in 1984.
The Christmas Carol Sing and Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing are major sources of support for Community Cooperative, which works to end hunger and homelessness in Lee County Community Cooperative is an innovative nonprofit organization made up of social service entrepreneurs fighting to end homelessness and hunger in our community. It provides more than 15,000 meals each month through its Community Cafés and Meals on Wheels programs, distributes more than 500,000 pounds of groceries through its Mobile Food Pantries, and serves 6,500 individuals and families with homeless and comprehensive case management services through its Social & Education Resource Centers.  A proud United Way partner, Community Cooperative serves Fort Myers and the greater Lee County area, including Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and Fort Myers Beach.
For more information about Community Cooperative, call (239) 332-SOUP or visit www.communitycooperative.com.  For more information about First Presbyterian Church, call (239) 334-2261 or visit www.fpcfortmyers.org.
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SUSAN BENNETT, APR, CPRC
Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C.
1900 Virginia Avenue, #703

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 20, 2019) – The 10^th annual Golisano Children’s Hospital Fashion Show raised more than $119,000 to support Kids’ Minds Matter, the pediatric mental and behavioral health movement in Southwest Florida.

The high-spirited affair, held Dec. 6 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, attracted more than 470 guests and featured a gourmet luncheon, fashion show and multiple fundraising opportunities.

Upon entering the foyer outside the ballroom, attendees had a chance to participate in the auction for chances to win items like hotel stays, handbags, artwork, social outings and more. Another unique fundraising attraction was the flower wall, where guests selected a flower and won a corresponding prize, which included purses, jewelry, picture frames and gift baskets.

More than a dozen models participated in the fashion show, including representatives and physicians from Lee Health, community leaders representing supporting business, as well as current and former Golisano Children’s Hospital patients Kayden and Brantley Sellick, Lucas and Skye Saunders, Arianna Llechu, and Sophia Cameratta. Models sported apparel from 16 local and national clothiers, including White House | Black Market, Brodeur Carvell, Dillard’s, Mondo Uomo, Evelyn & Arthur, Gigi’s Children’s Boutique and more.

Residents of the Pelican Landing community created the Fashion Show in 2010 to coincide with Lee Health Foundation’s launch of a capital campaign to build a state-of-the-art, freestanding children’s hospital. That facility, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, opened in 2017. For the third consecutive year, the Fashion Show directed its philanthropy toward mental and behavioral health. Kids’ Minds Matter is the region’s strategic solution to improve access to families seeking pediatric mental and behavioral health services. Guests also supported four Fund-A-Need initiatives: music therapy sessions, teen care packages, behavioral health therapy toys, and the behavioral health center.

The event was supported by an anonymous philanthropic presenting sponsor. Gold Runway Sponsors were Marty and John Howard, and VaNita and Jim Laurito. Silver Runway Sponsors included Angie Nichols, Carol Wood and Claire McMahon Team (John R. Wood Realtors), Don Blake (Picket Fence Appraisals), Kathie and Dave Shellenbarger, Pat Smart, Cameratta Companies, Dorothy Daly (In Memory of Marian Niehaus), Nancy Near and Friends, Seminole Casino Hotel, Stock Development, Dr. Michael Gressel and Cheri Bush, and Key Private Bank. Bronze Table Sponsors include Altaira Social, Bank of America Private Bank, Bob and Gail Hanson, Mary McVay, Maryanne Kennedy (Downing Frye Realty, Inc.), Sandra and Jack Adams, Amy Quaremba and Friends, Diane Lepola (UBS Financial Services), Genesis Wealth Management (UBS Financial Services), Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Vi at Bentley Village. Magazine sponsor was èBella Magazine.

Over the past nine years, the Fashion Show has raised more than $900,000 to support Golisano Children’s Hospital and its initiatives. For more information about the Golisano Children’s Hospital Fashion Show, other special events, and ways to support world-class pediatric health care in Southwest Florida, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/Golisano.

About Golisano Children’s Hospital

Established in 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” by The Leapfrog Group for the past three years. It is the only recognized children’s hospital in Southwest Florida and provides specialized care for kids between Tampa and Miami. Lee Health opened the new 134-bed Golisano Children’s Hospital in May 2017, relocating the children’s hospital from the adjacent HealthPark Medical Center. It includes comprehensive pediatric services including a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 70 private rooms. Golisano Children’s Hospital is proud to have been named Soliant’s 2018 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 20, 2019) – During November, 876,703 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Fla., an increase of 8.2 percent compared to November 2018. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is up 8.7 percent compared to last year.
The traffic leader in November was Southwest with 150,697 passengers traveling to and from Fort Myers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Delta Air Lines (143,832), American (116,238), United (108,331) and JetBlue (101,029).
Southwest Florida International Airport had 7,810 aircraft operations, an increase of 7.7 percent compared to November 2018. Page Field saw 11,685 operations, a 25.7 percent increase from November 2018.
Southwest Florida International Airport served nearly 9.4 million passengers in 2018 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, visit www.flylcpa.com or Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flyRSW.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set the 2020 bay scallop season in Gulf County (including St. Joseph Bay) via Executive Order to open Aug. 16, 2020, and remain open through Sept. 24, 2020, closing Sept. 25.
This season was set after working closely with the local community and allows the FWC to balance stakeholder and community desires for a high-quality scalloping season in late summer and fall with the sustainability of the resource. 
Learn more about current bay scallop regulations by visiting MyFWC.com/Marine and clicking on “Recreational Regulations” and “Bay Scallops” which is under the “Crabs, Shrimp and Shellfish” tab.

FORT MYERS, FL (December 18, 2019) – The immensely popular cabaret act A Guy, A Girl, A Piano will be back at The Laboratory Theater of Florida for a limited engagement on January 3 -5.

A Guy, A Girl, A Piano is an unforgettable musical experience. Theresa Quinn and Randy Kramer will delight audiences with their 4-hands-1-piano cabaret. Guests will enjoy virtuosic piano arrangements, vocal solos, and duets, featuring the music of Gershwin, Sondheim, the Beatles, Beethoven, Joplin, Bernstein, Fats Waller, and others.

Randall Kramer is the founder and artistic/executive director of MusicalFare

Theatre and an eight-time Artvoice Theatre Award winner for best director of a

musical. 

Theresa Quinn has degrees in piano, voice, and law, and has been inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. She is a musician and creator of various cabaret performances at the Premier Cabaret at MusicalFare.  In her spare time, she is the music director at Lafayette Presbyterian Church and runs the Theresa Quinn Piano and Voice Studio.

We have new seating. Rows A, B, and C are on the floor. Rows D and above are on risers.

A Guy, A Girl, A Piano is a limited engagement from January 3 – 5 at the Laboratory Theater of Florida.

Performance dates are as follows:

January 3, 4 at 8 pm

January 5 at 2  pm

Tickets are available to purchase on Brownpapertickets.com or by calling the box office at 239-218-0481. For additional savings, guests may purchase a 2018-2019 Season Pass.

ABOUT THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA

The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, through live performance, education, community outreach, experimentation, and the development of ensemble work. The company features ensemble productions, produces classic works, takes artistic risks, which both feature and challenge local performers. For more information visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com or the physical location at 1634 Woodford Avenue, in the Fort Myers River District.