Member News

Naples, December 8, 2020 – Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is pleased to announce that J. Dudley Goodlette was appointed to the Naples Ethics Commission by Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk. At the inaugural meeting, Goodlette was also named chairman. Additional Ethics Commissioners include Laird Lile, John Thomas Cardillo, Susan Jones, and John Lehmann.
The Ethics Commission, which was overwhelmingly approved by over 70% of City voters in August 2020, has the authority and responsibility to develop and draft an amended Ethics Code, to advise the City Council in all ethical matters, to recommend proposed ordinances or resolutions, and to provide training in state and local ethics to all persons covered by the Ethics Code. Goodlette shares that he is “looking forward to working collegially with the members of the Ethics Commission to pursue the goals established by referendum.”
“Dudley’s participation in the work of the Ethics Commission continues his lifetime of service to the community in so many areas,” commented Russell Schropp, Managing Attorney for Henderson Franklin. Goodlette serves on the Board of Directors for the Winged Foot Scholarship Foundation and Quest. He previously served as Interim President of Edison State College (n/k/a Florida SouthWestern State College), was a member and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Florida Gulf Coast University, and was a member of the Board of International College (now Hodges University). Goodlette also served as Chair of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Goodlette is also Chair of Florida Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company’s Underwriting Committee, Executive Committee, Business Development Committee, and Nominating Committee.  He served on the Florida Bar Board of Governors, was a member of the 20th Judicial Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission, and was Chairman of the Real Estate Certification Committee.
Goodlette is a former member of the Florida House of Representatives and also served as Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the Florida House. In recognition of his efforts for spearheading the passage of the Florida Access to Civil Legal Assistance, he received the Medal of Honor from the Florida Bar Foundation.
Goodlette has received numerous accolades throughout his distinguished career, including most recently honored as one of Collier County’s most influential business leaders by Naples Illustrated magazine in the “Naples 100.” He was also named honored as Naples Daily News’ Citizen of the Year, Hodges University’s Humanitarian of the Year, Boys & Girls Club of Collier County’s Man of the Year, and was inducted into the Junior Achievement Business Leadership Hall of Fame.
Goodlette received his undergraduate degree from Eastern Kentucky University, and his law degree from the University of Florida College of Law. He may be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 239-344-1388.
Henderson Franklin is the largest, locally-based law firms between Tampa and Miami with 60 attorneys dedicated to providing a wide range of legal services in the areas of business and tax planning, estate planning, family law, business and civil litigation, eminent domain, intellectual property, workers’ compensation, employment law, real estate, and land use and environmental law. Since 1924, Henderson Franklin has been assisting clients to build their homes, businesses, and communities throughout Southwest Florida. Henderson Franklin operates offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples. For more information on Goodlette or Henderson Franklin, please visit www.henlaw.com.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (December 8, 2020) – Beginning in 1915 with a gathering of children from the local community, Dr. Ella Mae Piper and her mother, Sarah Williams started a Christmas tradition that has endured uninterrupted for 106 years. Volunteers, local businesses, and sponsors continue to make this Christmas morning event possible for children in the local community.
Suncoast Credit Union is the presenting sponsor of this year’s event. Cindy Helton, Executive Director of the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, shares: “Suncoast Credit Union takes great pride in making a positive impact on the communities we serve. Our support demonstrates our passion for the families, schools, and organizations that make up the fabric of the community. The Dr. Piper Center has been a vital resource to children and seniors in the Fort Myers area and beyond for over 100 years, and we are honored to help them further their mission.”
Dedicated volunteers lead this effort year after year. Chairwoman Shavon Chester shares: “This year, more than ever, the many volunteers and staff at the Piper Center will bring much needed smiles to the faces of the Dunbar Community in our ongoing effort to honor the legacy of Dr. Piper.” Chester is leading the committee of volunteers in preparation for a safe and joyous Christmas Day for all families who look to the Dr. Piper Center to provide their holiday gifts, including entrance into a raffle to win bicycles donated by Gavin’s Ace Hardware.
Local businesses play an instrumental role in collecting toys: Health Park Care and Rehabilitation Center, Glass Designs (two locations), Trilogy Home Care, MidWestOne Bank, Discovery Village at the Forum, Brookdale Senior Living (three locations), Amy McGarry Law Office, Glass Design (two locations), Ella Mae’s Diner in the Luminary Hotel, Home Instead, Mitchell Dentistry, PetSmart (two locations), Around the Clock Fitness (three locations), and Stu’s Motorcycles. Toys can be donated at any of these locations or dropped off at the Dr. Piper Center.
For more information about the Dr. Piper Center, visit the website at www.DrPiperCenter.org or call (239) 332-5346.
About the Dr. Piper Center:
The Dr. Piper Center seeks to enhance the social and economic well-being of older individuals who reside in Southwest Florida and make a positive impact in the lives of frail elderly, at risk youth, special needs children and our communities. Supported programs include Senior Companion, Senior Employment, Foster Grandparents, Faith in Action, and the Annual Christmas Party.

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA, December 8, 2020 – Inspired by a recent presentation given by Cape Coral Animal Shelter CEO Liz McCauley, MFB-Florida sourced in, and donated specific, much needed items from the shelters Christmas shopping Wish List. CEO Liz and volunteer Randall visited our Fort Myers warehouse to pick up their donation which included items such as paper towels, office and cleaning supplies. During their tour they witnessed the impact of our food relief efforts first hand. At this weekly food distribution day, our nonprofit partner agencies shop at our warehouse, for what they need to support their community, 100% free of charge to them. Currently supporting 169 partner agencies (churches, shelters, soup kitchens, school backpacks, etc.,) our Florida division has donated over $37million dollars’ worth of food to 2.4million unduplicated individuals. “Community collaboration and helping other nonprofits is a core value of Midwest Food Bank-Florida,” said Executive Director, Karl Steidinger.
Midwest Food Bank has 11 locations, including nine in the U.S., and one each in East Africa and Haiti. For more information about Midwest Food Bank-Florida, please visit our website at midwestfoodbank.org
Midwest Food Bank (“MFB”) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) charity. As a faith-based organization, it is the mission of Midwest Food Bank to share the love of Christ by alleviating hunger and malnutrition locally and throughout the world and providing disaster relief; all without discrimination. Our vision is to provide industry-leading food relief to those in need while feeding them spiritually.
Midwest takes $1 and turns it into $30+ to aid hunger relief, any help we can get to create awareness of our mission and “build the gap being poverty and prosperity” would be greatly appreciated.

FORT MYERS, FLA., December 8, 2020 – The Fort Myers Community Concert Association has announced its revised concert series for 2021 that includes five performances by world-class musicians playing classical to contemporary music in the organization’s 72nd annual concert series.
“We are happy to offer this outstanding roster of performances by musicians from throughout the United States, Canada and beyond,” said Community Concert Association President Mary Lee Mann.  “All COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed to keep everyone safe.”
Mann said temperatures will be taken of every patron before being admitted to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on the Florida SouthWestern State College campus in Fort Myers, where all of the concerts are scheduled.  Masks also will be required of all attendees and staff.  Hand sanitizing stations also will be located throughout the hall.
Season tickets for all five performances are now on sale by contacting Mann at 239-693-4849 or emailing her at [email protected].  All five concerts are included in one ticket price, which ranges from $165 for prime orchestra and mezzanine seats to $155 for other orchestra and mezzanine seats, $85 for lower balcony seating and just $65 for upper balcony.
For membership forms, visit www.fortmyerscommunityconcerts.org. Tickets to individual concerts will be sold by the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall box office beginning January 15.
The five performances all begin at 7:30 p.m.:

• A Celebration of Song – Classics to Broadway – February 16, 2021. This elegant concert program features international soloists performing popular selections from classical to Broadway with full orchestra and a live on-stage master of ceremonies.
• Barber of Seville Opera  – February 24, 2021.  Bribery, deception and disguise are the keys to this two-act comedic masterpiece by Rossini.  Figaro, the Barber of Seville needs all of his wiles to help the Count and ensure true love wins the day.
• Pianist Jeremy Denk – March 3, 2021. Jeremy Denk is one of America’s foremost pianists.  Winner of a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship and the Avery Fisher Prize, Denk recently was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.  He returns frequently to Carnegie Hall and has appeared with the Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony and the Cleveland Orchestra.
• The New York Philharmonic String Quartet and Drew Petersen, Piano – March 11, 2021. The New York Philharmonic String Quartet consists of four Principal musicians from the New York Philharmonic, who formed in 2017 during the Philharmonic’s 175th anniversary season.  Critically-acclaimed pianist Drew Petersen joins the string quarter for this performance.
• Violinist Blake Pouliot with Hsin-I Huang, Piano – March 23, 2021. At only age 25, Violinist Blake Poulot has been praised by the Toronto Star as “one of those special talents that comes along once in a lifetime.” This evening’s program will include Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 3 in E-flat major and Prokofiev’s Violin Sonata No. 1 in F minor.

“The well-being of our patrons is a prime consideration,” Mann said.  “We will continue to monitor the local COVID-19 positivity rates, and If our 2021 series should have to be cancelled, all subscribers would receive a complete refund, or if they choose, a credit toward our next season.”
The Fort Myers Community Concert Association is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization founded by the legendary Barbara B. Mann in 1949 to bring world-class entertainment to Southwest Florida at affordable prices.  The association consists of more than 1,700 members, underwriters and sponsors.  Performers brought to Fort Myers in the past by the association include The Israel Ballet, Violinist Itzhak Perlman, The Boston Brass, Minnesota Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Vienna Boys Choir, Pianist Andre Watts, Violinist Joshua Bell with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and many others.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 25, 2020) – The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation has issued a $200,000 challenge grant to build a pediatric hematology and oncology infusion clinic in Naples. The Clark Family Foundation has stepped up to meet the match by donating $100,000. An additional $100,000 is still needed to meet the match, for a total of $400,000 raised for the project.
“We care about the health and wellbeing of children and are drawn to investments that have an immediate and positive impact,” said Mary Beth Geier, Florida Director, Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation. “By partnering with Golisano Children’s Hospital in issuing this challenge grant, we are inviting additional donors to multiply this gift. This time sensitive call to action encourages the support of others who wish to help pediatric cancer patients receive local treatment through the expertise of Golisano Children’s Hospital.”
Last year, the Golisano Children’s Health Center of Naples saw 317 pediatric cancer patients in its existing oncology clinic. With the current schedule of seeing patients only on Tuesday mornings, the clinic is only able to see 9 to 10 patients each week. The newly renovated space will allow up to 30 children a week to receive chemotherapy treatments in Naples and meet with their Golisano Children’s Hospital pediatric oncologist without needing to drive to Fort Myers or farther.
“A part of the reason my family relocated back to Naples, is that I want Matthew under Golisano Children’s Hospital’s care – even post-treatment,” said Lisa Singleton, mother of Matthew who was diagnosed with leukemia at age 2. “I trust them implicitly. I have never in my life encountered medical staff like that they have in place at Golisano.” Matthew is seven now and healthy, but will make regular visits for continued care at the expanded clinic. “Having this expanded clinic in Naples will help not only my son but so many children. It means so much to have this resource in our community.”
Golisano Children’s Hospital in Fort Myers is one of only nine Hematology/Oncology programs in the state for infants and children diagnosed with cancer or blood disorders and the only center between Tampa and Miami. For Naples-area patients that make visits three to five times a week to receive infusions, this clinic close to home will save time, energy, money and reduce the stress on a family.
“We are so grateful to the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation for their continued generosity and support of Golisano Children’s Services, helping us continue to improve services throughout the region,” said Armando Llechu, Lee Health’s chief officer hospital operations and women and children’s services. “Foundations like the Schulze Family Foundation and the Clark Family Foundation understand the need for families to receive care close to home and are making these programs a reality.”
Help us keep cancer care close to home for families in Naples by donating today at BarbarasFriends.org.
About Lee Health Foundation
Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic dollars on behalf of Lee Health including Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center, Lee Memorial Hospital, and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. The Foundation provides financial support for many service areas including the Regional Cancer Center, Lee Health – Coconut Point, The Rehabilitation Hospital, Shipley Cardiothoracic Center, Community Health Clinics and Golisano Children’s Hospital Specialty Clinics in both Charlotte and Naples. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call (239) 343-6950 for more information

NAPLES, Fla. (Nov. 25, 2020) – Better Together, a voluntary, community-driven alternative to foster care, has introduced the Hopeful 100 Club to encourage monthly recurring gifts of $100 that cover the costs of keeping a child out of foster care and families together.
Since March, Better Together has seen a 155% increase in requests for help through its Better Families program, a voluntary alternative to foster care that hosts children short-term while mentoring parents through crisis.
“It costs an average of $30,000 per year in taxpayer dollars to keep a child in foster care,” said Megan Rose, CEO, Better Together. “The alternative is donating $100 per month to cover the cost of providing a child with a safe and caring temporary home while parents work towards reunification. Despite challenges, Better Together has remained fully operational throughout the pandemic. With your support, children can wake up with their parents on Christmas morning rather than in foster care.”
With a small crew of seven full-time staff, Better Together has leveraged the support of hundreds of local volunteers to serve every single family that asked for help.
“We have not turned a single child away,” added Rose.
Better Together is 100% privately funded and community driven, and has served over 2,500 children in Southwest Florida and kept 96% of families together. The nonprofit was founded on the belief that loving parents should not lose children because they are having money problems, or had the courage to seek treatment, or got hospitalized without childcare. These challenges can be overcome with the right support system in place.
To join the Hopeful 100 Club and support Better Together’s mission to help keep Southwest Florida families together, visit BetterTogetherUS.org/Better-Families/Donate/#Hopeful100.
 
ABOUT BETTER TOGETHER
Better Together is a nonprofit organization that helps parents going through a hard time keep their kids out of foster care, find work and address the root causes of their struggle so that they can reunite as a family with the tools and support system to thrive. A privately funded and professionally supported organization, Better Together is made up of volunteers who believe helping people help themselves is the best way to restore dignity and bring families together. Through the Better Families program, families are offered a preventive alternative to foster care while they get the help they need. To date, the program has kept 96% of children served out of foster care. The Better Jobs program was created to address the 76% of families that come to Better Together because of economic hardship tied to unemployment. In addition to community job fairs, the program offers job seekers coaching, guidance, support and encouragement through local church partners. For more information, visit BetterTogetherUS.org.

FORT MYERS, FLA. – November 24, 2020 – Valerie’s House, the only non-profit organization in Southwest Florida with its sole mission to help children grieve, has added five new members to its Board of Directors.
Elected to the Board for two-year terms are:

• David Fry (Fort Myers) – owner of Dwell Florida, and owner/developer of The Marriott AC Hotel, a 132-room hotel being developed in downtown Fort Myers. He also is a board member of Harry Chapin Food Bank, The Children’s Advocacy Center, and the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee counties.
• Jaime L. Layne (Cape Coral) – owner/dealer operator of Victory Layne Chevrolet.  She has served on the boards of the YMCA of Lee County and the Red Knight Foundation of North Fort Myers High School.
• Lisa O’Neil (Naples) – Lee Health System Director of Marketing and Brand Management.  She also serves on the Florida Gulf Coast University Marketing Advisory Committee and is a Big Sister in the Collier County Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
• Scott Shotwell (Fort Myers) – Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager of The Northern Trust Corporation in Fort Myers.  He previously served on the boards of the YMCA of Lee County and the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Research Center.
• Jaime Suanez (Lehigh Acres) –Executive Assistant to the owner of Storm Smart and the Executive Director of The Rist Family Foundation.  She has previously served on the board of the Lehigh Acres Little League.

“We are pleased to have these business leaders join us in our mission of helping children grieve after tragically losing their parent or sibling,” said Valerie’s House Founder and CEO Angela Melvin.  “We have a lot of work ahead of us in 2021 as we face the mental health crisis in our community.”
Other members of the Board of Directors are Gary Copie of Businessolver, Inc.; Donna Caruso of New York Life Insurance Co.; Victoria Loyola of Markham, Norton, Mostellar and Wright; Lana Hollier of Sanibel Captiva Community Bank; Kristalyn Loson of The Nature Conservancy and Mike McMurray of Royal Shell Real Estate.
About Valerie’s House
As the first and only organization in Southwest Florida with the sole mission of helping children grieve, Valerie’s House has helped more than 1,000 children and their families since opening its doors in 2016.  Valerie’s House provides a safe, comfortable place to heal together following the death of someone they love. Valerie’s House offers support groups and other activities at a home on 1762 Fowler Street in Fort Myers and a home in Naples at 819 Myrtle Terrace. Valerie’s House also holds group meetings at First United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda. Valerie’s House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported by community donations that can be made online at www.valerieshouse.org or by mail to Valerie’s House, Inc., P.O. Box 1955, Fort Myers, FL 33902.

NAPLES, Fla. (Nov. 20, 2020) – ​Better Together, a voluntary, community-driven alternative to foster care, is seeking donations for HopePacks to provide basic hygiene, toiletry and other necessities for children participating in the Better Families program. Since March and the onset of COVID-19, the nonprofit organization has seen a 155% increase in the number of requests for help due to the widespread isolation, unemployment and stress that are putting families at additional risk.
“When parents fall into crisis, fully screened and trained volunteers host children in their homes while mentoring parents toward stability including help with finding a job, securing housing, childcare and more,” said Megan Rose, CEO, Better Together. “Many times, children arrive at a host home with little to no personal belongings and the host families may not have all the essentials upon their arrival. HopePacks filled with a stuffed animal, bedtime books and essentials like socks and bubble bath can help ease the transition during the first 48 hours.”
HopePacks generally cost $25 on average. In addition to tote bags or small backpacks, the wish list of items for children includes basic toiletries, a hairbrush, books, socks, stuffed animals, pacifiers, diapers, lotion and gift cards.
Donations can be mailed to 15275 Collier Blvd., Suite 201-284, Naples, FL 34119 or dropped off at one of the following locations:

• Century 21 Realty: 4040 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33904
• Tax Savers: 1300 Enterprise Dr, Suite A, Port Charlotte, FL 33953

• Relevance Church: 13241 Griffin Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913

For those who wish to donate online, Better Together has created an Amazon wish list and items purchased will ship directly to the organization.
Better Together has served over 2,500 children in Southwest Florida and kept 96% of families together. The nonprofit was founded on the belief that loving parents should not lose children because they are having money problems, or had the courage to seek treatment, or got hospitalized without childcare. These challenges can be overcome with the right support system in place.
With the help of hundreds of volunteers and church communities, Better Together builds lasting support systems that help families cope with hardships – job loss, substance abuse, homelessness and even jail time – and ensures that children are cared for in a safe home until the family can be reunited. Additionally, Better Together’s “Better Jobs” program has helped nearly 29,000 job seekers connect with employment opportunities through church-based job fairs across 20 states.
ABOUT BETTER TOGETHER
Better Together is a nonprofit organization that helps parents going through a hard time keep their kids out of foster care, find work and address the root causes of their struggle so that they can reunite as a family with the tools and support system to thrive. A privately funded and professionally supported organization, Better Together is made up of volunteers who believe helping people help themselves is the best way to restore dignity and bring families together. Through the Better Families program, families are offered a preventive alternative to foster care while they get the help they need. To date, the program has kept 96% of children served out of foster care. The Better Jobs program was created to address the 76% of families that come to Better Together because of economic hardship tied to unemployment. In addition to community job fairs, the program offers job seekers coaching, guidance, support and encouragement through local church partners. For more information, visit BetterTogetherUS.org.

November 20, 2020, Fort Myers, FL: Enjoy a spectacular celebration in the ballroom at Caloosa Sound Convention Center. The event is socially distanced with live music, dancing on our extra-large dance floor, extravagant food stations, late night dessert buffet, champagne toast at midnight and more holiday excitement.
Admission Includes

• Extravagant Chef action stations
• Late night dessert buffet
• Champagne toast at midnight
• Live music by Stolen Fruit
• Dancing
• Live countdown
• Open bar
• Party favors

Admission $150 per person (includes tax & gratuity).

Parking not included.

Purchase Event Tickets Online: New Year’s Eve Experience and Package | (luminaryhotel.com)
Purchase A Package with Event + Overnight Stay: Book the New Year’s Eve Event + Room Package
$699 includes event admission for two, guest room for one night, self parking.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 20, 2020) – A unique soccer and character development program is expanding to a third educational center operated by Child Care of Southwest Florida.

Students at The Children’s Learning Center in Fort Myers will have an opportunity to participate in Soccer Shots Southwest Florida’s 10-week soccer, fitness and sportsmanship program, which is being sponsored by DeAngelis Diamond through Soccer Shots’ new Corporate Scholarship Program. Lipman Family Farms and Fischler Property Company sponsored programs this fall at Child Care of Southwest Florida’s Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center and P.A. Geraci Child Development Center, respectively.

“Over the past 10 weeks, our students have learned the basic rules of soccer and skills to play the game, but also character-building skills like respect, confidence, determination and teamwork,” said Chris Hansen, CEO of Child Care of Southwest Florida. “Students, especially younger children, learn so much through play, and I’m so thankful that corporate partners are stepping up to provide this unique opportunity to students.”

Soccer Shots’ Corporate Scholarship Program provides grants to organizations that serve families in disadvantaged communities. Soccer Shots’ additional corporate partners include Northwestern Mutual and DeLisi Fitzgerald, Inc.

As a nonprofit, Child Care of Southwest Florida partners with businesses, charitable foundations and generous individuals to offer high-quality early learning programs at a reduced rate to families in Lee and Hendry counties.

Soccer Shots Southwest Florida offers soccer instruction and character development lessons to children ages 2 to 8. In addition to school-based programs, Soccer Shots also operates night and weekend programs at local parks.

“Our Corporate Scholarship Program is bringing soccer instruction and character development lessons to children who wouldn’t otherwise have these learning opportunities,” said Soccer Shots Co-Founder Mike Gannon. “We believe a positive experience with sports can have a lasting impact on a child, and we’re hoping to identify additional corporate partners who recognize the importance of establishing programs like Soccer Shots in underserved communities.”

About Child Care of Southwest Florida

Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. (CCSWFL) is a nonprofit early childhood education provider with five learning centers in Lee and Hendry counties that serve more than 400 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 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.