Skip to main content

Members News

Best Buddies SWFL Champion of the Year Gala 10/28

https://www.bestbuddieschampion.org/southwestflorida/ Best Buddies Champion of the Year is a competitive fundraising campaign that unites and…

View Best Buddies SWFL Champion of the Year Gala 10/28

SHARE:

Event

Best Buddies SWFL Champion of the Year Gala 10/28

Southwest Florida

Best Buddies Champion of the Year is a competitive fundraising campaign that unites and recognizes leaders of inclusion in local communities nationwide.

Champion Candidates commit to raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies throughout their campaign. Our Champions advocate for the Best Buddies mission and will generate countless opportunities for friendships, jobs, and leadership development. At the Best Buddies Champion of the Year Gala celebration, we are “REunited for Inclusion” this year to honor the Champions’ collective impact and name the ultimate Champion of the Year!

Thank you for your support of the Southwest Florida Champion of the Year Gala. Dollars raised will help Best Buddies in Southwest Florida sustain much-needed inclusion programs. Please note, all sales are final.

Saturday, October 28, 2023
6pm-7pm VIF Reception
7pm Cocktail Hour & Silent Auction
8pm Event Program & Dinner

Location
Hideaway Country Club
5670 Trailwinds Dr.
Fort Myers, FL 33907

Sponsorship/Tables/Tickets
Presenting Sponsor still available
VIF Table $2500-Table for 10, 2 bottles of Champagne/wine at table, 2 VIF “Very Important Friends” 6pm Reception and SWAG bags for all guests
Single ticket $175
Couple Ticket $300

Program Ads:
Advertising Rate Information (based on 5.5” x 8.5” Program Book size):
• $500 for a color FULL-PAGE advertisement (5” x 8”) in JPEG or PNG format
• $250 for a color HALF-PAGE advertisement (5” x 4”) in JPEG or PNG format

For questions please reach out to Area Director Pamela Conner pamelaconner@bestbuddies.org 239-275-2510

Amavida's The Bear Heritage Fund Fundraiser November 2nd 2023

Amavida’s very own 501(c )(3), The Bear Heritage Fund is a non-profit organization to help…

View Amavida's The Bear Heritage Fund Fundraiser November 2nd 2023

SHARE:

Event

Amavida's The Bear Heritage Fund Fundraiser November 2nd 2023

Amavida’s very own 501(c )(3), The Bear Heritage Fund is a non-profit organization to help enhance the lives of both our residents and our team at Amavida Resort.

You are cordially invited to attend our Fundraiser Event on 11/2/23. I will send a formal invite as we get closer to the date.

Please accept our Save the Date for this spectacular event. We would love for Greater Fort Myers Chamber Membership to sponsor, make a contribution or donate a silent raffle item/basket to help us raise funds to help give back.
All sponsors will have their logos on both our Rinse and Repeat and our event brochure.

Reach out to Martha Davila, MDavila@amavidaliving.com for more information!

South Fort Myers High Career Expo, Dec 9th!

Good morning, Business & Community Partners, We are so excited to share with you information…

View South Fort Myers High Career Expo, Dec 9th!

SHARE:

Event

South Fort Myers High Career Expo, Dec 9th!

Good morning, Business & Community Partners,

We are so excited to share with you information about our upcoming South Fort Myers High Career Expo! This event is designed to showcase our career academies and their community partners along with promoting local businesses, associations, non-profits and more!

We are inviting you to join us in this interactive – hands-on – event on Saturday, December 9th.

Attached and included you will find more information along with sponsorship opportunities and a link to register below.

Congratulations Marilyn Santiago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H636fOnyP8E Congratulations to our newest APEX recipient. She is truly amazing

View Congratulations Marilyn Santiago

SHARE:

Event

Congratulations Marilyn Santiago


Congratulations to our newest APEX recipient.
She is truly amazing

This Week at the Alliance

            September 26th- October 25th, 2023   Check out next…

View This Week at the Alliance

SHARE:

Event

This Week at the Alliance

           
September 26th- October 25th, 2023
 
Check out next week’s classes, workshops and events!

 

Ceramics Hand – Building Workshop
September 27th
6:30PM – 8:30PM  

In this Ceramics Hand-building Workshop we will start with raw clay
and guide you through the different techniques and steps needed to
create your own one of a kind masterpiece! There will be plenty of room
for creativity and fun!  

We will be walking through making cups and other functional wares,
but the foundations learned can be used for many other aspects of pieces!  

Learn More

 

Meaning in Contemporary Painting
September 28th
6:30PM – 9:00PM  

This workshop will help you find it with a slide presentation and discussion
of topics in contemporary art, including NFTs, AI, originality, cancel culture
and more.  

After the discussion you will alter an existing work of art and change its
meaning. Bring a painting, your own, your friend’s, or one you’ve found at a
thrift store and use any material to change the meaning of the original work.
The idea is to make a work that has significance in today’s culture by altering
a work whose meaning may be missing or is outdated.  

Learn More

 

Fridays With Francesco
College Level Drawing 1300C
Sighting, Proportion and Measuring
(Life Model)  

September 29th
9:30AM – 3:30PM  

In this workshop Francesco will explain how to accurately control
proportions, a foundational aspect of any academic drawing. In the
morning the subject will be a still life consisting of several symmetrical
objects. In the afternoon we will apply the notions learned with the life
model.  

We will cover concepts such as sighting, clocking the angles, using vertical,
horizontal and diagonal references to organize the drawing.  

All lessons will include introduction, lesson overview, drawing demonstrations
and one on one assistance and feedback.  

There will be a 1/2 hour break for lunch  

Visit our Website


 

Discovering Soul Collage: An Introductory
Workshop (Beginner Level)  

September 29th
10:00AM – 12:30PM  

SoulCollage® is a contemplative and insightful process of self-discovery.
It gently opens you to a new way of exploring your inner wisdom. It is a
practice by which you can communicate with the unique aspects of your-
self while engaging your creativity! Using simple tools – scissors, glue,
magazine images, and mat board – you create cards that are uniquely
yours. This process honors your own time, pace, inner-language and
spirituality.  

No prior art experience needed. This introductory workshop will
provide everything you need to get started with SoulCollage®.  

Learn More


   

Back to Basics Acrylics
(Ages 18+ Beginners)  

6 Tuesdays
October 3rd – November 7th
9:30AM – 12:00PM  

Learn the basics of painting as Artist/Instructor Pat Smelkoff guides
you through the process of how to undercoat, basecoat, float, double
load, dry brush and to paint wet into wet. Learn to use the Comma,
“S”, “C” and “U” strokes to create beautiful flowers.  

All supplies (including project surfaces) are included in the class fee.

Learn More

 
Welcome to Fall TV Trays in Acrylic
(18+ Intermediate Pro)  

6 Tuesdays
October 3rd – November 7th
12:30PM – 3:30PM  

Welcome in the Fall with this fun project!  

Instructor/Artist Pat Smelkoff will guide as you create beautiful
TV trays with a festive fall “flavor” using acrylic paint.  

Learn More

 

Storm Stories: A Juried Exhibition  
In the Gallery September 1-30 • Soft Opening Reception: Sept 1, 5-7pm •
This free event will include beverages.  

Closing reception: September 28, 5-7pm • This free event will include light bites
by Jayne Baker and refreshments. Join us to honor and memorialize the one year anniversary
of Hurricane Ian making landfall.  

Our September Gallery is a year in the making. This Juried Exhibition is in conjunction with the
oral history project, Storm Stories. We created this project in the wake of Hurricane Ian. We saw
a great need for healing in our community after the devastating storm. By collecting stories of
people’s experiences during the storm and by asking local artists to use their experiences to
create art, we hope to help our community find beauty and begin the process of healing.  

Theatre Gallery Artist: Hope: The Others Side of Hurricane Ian shows how the deadly storm
united people in the one thing that couldn’t be destroyed. Hope. Families, friends and volunteers
across Southwest Florida met moments of hurt with hopeful acts of caring. Nonprofits, businesses
and government agencies provided vital resources and infrastructure repairs. These compelling
moments captured in pictures, reflect the endured hurt and shared determination of people —
to keep hope alive.  

In the Member’s Gallery: Tamara Culp and Jodi Enders  

In the Theatre: For those of us who live at the shoreline by Sasha Wortzel  

Find Out More → View All Events →    

Visit our Website

30-year Anniversary Celebrated in Style with a Ribbon Cutting at Brodeur Carvell Fine Menswear

Open House celebrations continue through Friday September 22nd Note to Media: It was a celebration…

View 30-year Anniversary Celebrated in Style with a Ribbon Cutting at Brodeur Carvell Fine Menswear

SHARE:

Event

30-year Anniversary Celebrated in Style with a Ribbon Cutting at Brodeur Carvell Fine Menswear

Open House celebrations continue through Friday September 22nd

Note to Media: It was a celebration of past, current and future menswear in Lee and Collier counties at the ribbon cutting for Brodeur Carvell Fine Menswear’s newest location. After 30 years of providing custom menswear to the who’s who of the area, Ron Brodeur, his loyal customers and esteemed members of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce came together to celebrate.

Ron has had a unique perspective as an active member of the community and business owner over the years. He weathered the economic impacts of the 2009 recession and managed through relocating his store a mere 5 weeks after Hurricane Ian. “I am so proud to be able to say that I’ve been here for 30 years,” said Ron Brodeur. “It’s taken hard work and dedication to endure this long. We value the long-term relationships we have built through the years and the local support we continue to receive means so much.”   

Ron is available for interviews to discuss his enduring work ethic and the importance of relationships to building and maintaining a successful business. His 30-year business ownership journey is an amazing local story to tell. Please contact tara@conricpr.com to schedule an interview.

Brodeur Carvell Fine Menswear has served the clothing needs of SWFL residents and visitors since 1993 with fine men’s apparel for business and pleasure. Named Best of the Gulfshore 2022 and 2023 by Gulfshore Life Magazine, owner Ron Brodeur’s focus is on business attire including suits, shirts, trousers, and formal wear. Ron has a trade certification as a “Master Custom Clothier” from the Custom Tailors & Designers Association of America. He works with clients from Fort Myers, Naples, Sarasota and throughout Florida by appointment in the store, or at their offices/homes. The shop recently welcomed Personal Clothier Mike Smith who joined Brodeur Carvell with 6 years of men’s clothing experience from Naples, Florida.

Save the Date! October 15th, 2023

October 15th, 2023 SAVE THE DATE!! Spend the day with us as we honor our…

View Save the Date! October 15th, 2023

SHARE:

Event

Save the Date! October 15th, 2023

October 15th, 2023
SAVE THE DATE!!

Spend the day with us as we honor our Vietnam Veterans and all who have and
are currently serving in the US Military!
Featuring Guest Speaker Peter Busch.
SASE’ will be singing the National Anthem and God Bless America
CHUCK PETERSON will be our entertainment for the day!
Lee County Sheriff’s Dept Honor Guard
Special Nam Jam food & drink menu
50/50 raffle
Bagpipers & Calendar Girls!
For all Veterans, enjoy a free round of mini golf & a free Nature Park admission!
See you there! 11am-5pm Ceremony begins at 1pm

Join Us for Masquerade at the Music & Arts Community Center!

October 215:30PM DINNER | 7:30PM CONCERTMusic & Arts Community Center Get ready for a night…

View Join Us for Masquerade at the Music & Arts Community Center!

SHARE:

Event

Join Us for Masquerade at the Music & Arts Community Center!




October 21

5:30PM DINNER | 7:30PM CONCERT


Music & Arts Community Center


Get ready for a night of enchantment and excitement as the Gulf Coast Symphony and the
Unitarian Universalist Congregation come together to present “Masquerade at the Music
& Arts Community Center”! This extraordinary event promises an evening filled with fun,
food, and fabulous music, all in the spirit of masquerade and mystery.



Our Masquerade event offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can enjoy:
Live Music: Immerse yourself in the captivating melodies of the Gulf Coast Symphony.
Auction Items: Bid on an array of exciting auction items and take home something special.
Raffle: Try your luck at our raffle for a chance to win fantastic prizes.

Ticket Information:

Single Tickets: $50 per person
Couples: $75 for two people

Enhance your experience and support our cause by becoming a sponsor:
Table Sponsor: $500 (Includes 8 seats and a $100 tax-deductible donation)
Event Sponsor: $1000 (Tax-deductible donation)

All proceeds from this remarkable evening will be used to fund physical improvements on the
UUC campus and benefit the Gulf Coast Symphony’s youth education programs. Your participation
will help create a positive impact on our community and ensure a brighter future for the next generation
of musicians and artists.  

We can’t wait to share this magical night with you. Let’s come together for a memorable MASQUERADE
at the Music & Arts Community Center!

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary evening of music and masquerade. Secure your tickets today
and invite your friends and family to join in on the fun!


Experience the Magic of Live Music with Gulf Coast Symphony’s Diverse Concert Series

Gulf Coast Symphony is thrilled to unveil its captivating season at the Music & Arts Community Center
(MACC) in Fort Myers, a celebration of music that promises to delight audiences of all tastes and ages.
Under the banner “Live Music Lives Here,” Gulf Coast Symphony’s 2023-2024 season features an array
of exceptional concert series, each offering a unique and immersive musical experience.

239.277.1700 | GulfCoastSymphony.org








Nominations Now Open for Alumni Awards

View Nominations Now Open for Alumni Awards

SHARE:

Event

Nominations Now Open for Alumni Awards

Did You Know…?

Hundreds of courses. Knowledgeable instructors.  Have it your way, online or in-person.      …

View Did You Know…?

SHARE:

Event

Did You Know…?

Hundreds of courses. Knowledgeable instructors.  Have it your way, online or in-person.            

September 2023      

FGCU Academy
FGCU Fall Program Guides are Here  

Greetings, Happy Friday! Many of you have anxiously been awaiting the arrival of our
Fall Program Guide; we are pleased to let you know they have arrived.  

They are currently available at the Naples Center – 704 Goodlette Frank Road, Naples  

-Downstairs & outside for your convenience to just pull up and grab one or a few to share
with friends.  

-Upstairs outside our office – if you would like to come up and ask us any questions or to
register for a course, we will be glad to assist you.  

-Local libraries next week will have copies for you to take.  

-Chamber of Commerce Offices – Available next week.

-Bonita Springs
-Naples
-Estero

-FGCU Campus will have some at the Welcome Center.    

View Program Guide Online Now    

Everyone is invited and welcome to take classes at ANY of our locations. Make sure to
register early as space can be limited.  

For assistance with registration – call our office (239) 434-4737, and we will be more
than happy to assist you.  

                FacebookTwitterInstagramYoutube         

FGCU Academy Collier / Lee / Charlotte

FGCU ACADEMY NAPLES CENTER
704 Goodlette-Frank Rd N Suite 330
Naples, FL 34102  

239-434-4737   fgcuacademy@fgcu.edu