Member News

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.

FORT MYERS, FLA., December 19, 2019– The NFM Wroclaw Philharmonic Orchestra will start its 12-city United States tour in Fort Myers January 10, when the orchestra will perform at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall as part of the Fort Myers Community Concert Association season.
“We are thrilled that this internationally acclaimed orchestra has agreed to make Fort Myers the first stop on its U.S. tour, especially since this is the first time the orchestra has toured the U.S. since 2012,” said Fort Myers Community Concert Association President Mary Lee Mann.
NFM Wroclaw Philharmonic Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero will conduct the orchestra. Guerrero is a six-time Grammy Award-winning conductor, Music Director of the Nashville Symphony and Principal Guest Conductor of the Gulbenkian Orchestra in Lisbon.
The orchestra will perform works of Polish composers from across generations, including Frederic Chopin, Karol Szymanowski and Witold Lutosławski, an original patron of the National Forum of Music (NFM) in Wrocław. Johannes Brahms, a composer with close ties to Wrocław will also be represented on tour along with other Central European composers Antonin Dvořák and Béla Bartók.
The NFM Wroclaw Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1945 and officially became the State Orchestra of Wroclaw, Poland in 1949. The orchestra was renamed the Wroclaw Philharmonic in 2015 when the orchestra moved into its new home, the National Forum of Music, where it is has performed for nearly 100,000 attendees in its first two seasons. It is widely considered to be the premier venue of its type in Poland.
Tickets are $55 for orchestra seats, $35 for lower balcony seats and $25 for upper balcony seats. Mezzanine seats are sold out. The one night only performance starts at 7:30 p.m. The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is located on the Florida SouthWestern State College campus in Fort Myers. For tickets, call the Barbara B. Mann Hall box office at 239-481-4849.
The NFM Wroclaw Philharmonic concert is the first of five classical performances to be presented this season by the Fort Myers Community Concert Association.
The four remaining concerts are:
● The Siberian State Symphony Orchestra – January 27, 2020
● Teatro Lirico D’Europa performing Verdi’s “La Traviata” – February 3, 2020
● Russian State Symphony Orchestra – February 10, 2020 .
● Russian National Ballet – March 2, 2020
The Fort Myers Community Concert Association, now in its 71st concert season, 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. For Community Concert Association membership information, visit www.fortmyerscommunityconcerts.org.

December 18, 2019, Fort Myers, FL: Please join The Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center, along with SWFL’s Deaf and hearing community, for an evening filled with laughter, interactive entertainment, games, prizes, and most importantly, Deaf awareness and culture! The event will take place on Saturday, January 11th, 2020 at the Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s Collaboratory. Selena Minogue and Casavina, the fabulous comedian duo in Deafies in Drag, have been making hilarious videos since 2015. With nearly a quarter of a million followers, their acclaimed show talks about deaf struggles, language barriers, and educating the life of the deaf community through comedy sketches. All tickets include the live comedy show, food, beer, wine, and one drink at the official after party, hosted by Millennial Brewing Company. Optional tickets include pre-show Drag King Bingo and post-show VIP meet & greet!
Get your tickets online here.

Kids Tag Art encourages creativity, benefits schools
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 19, 2019) – Embracing and celebrating creativity is the backdrop of the Lee County Tax Collector’s Kids Tag Art program, which is recognizing 104 fifth-grade students in the School District of Lee County for their imaginative designs that will appear on specialty license plates.
The program, now in its fifth year, is a partnership between the Tax Collector’s office and the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. The program encouraged the fifth-grade students to create artwork based on the theme “Fun in the Sun.” Approximately 3,900 designs were submitted, judged and the top two from the 52 participating Lee County elementary schools are recognized with an “Award of Distinction.” Their winning designs can be displayed on front end plates and will soon be available for public purchase at leetc.com with 100% of proceeds going to each of the schools.
In the meantime, the public can get their hands on this exciting collection of art as past Award of Distinction designs are available for purchase at each of the Lee County Tax Collector’s offices in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, South Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Lehigh Acres. The cost is $20 and payable by check made out to The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc.
“It’s heartwarming to see how Kids Tag Art inspires so many young minds in our community,” Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart said. “The program shows students how they can apply their art in commerce, as witnessed by all the plate designs we have for sale. This is a program that recognizes the importance of arts in our schools.”
Hart also will honor a student designer with the Tax Collector Choice Award in a surprise ceremony at the student designer’s school. He will display the plate on the front of his truck for the year.
The Tax Collector’s Office also sells sponsorships for the program, raising even more money that goes to help elementary school teachers pay for art supplies. Last year’s program raised $34,400 to support arts in the schools.
Sponsorships are available by calling the Lee County Tax Collector’s Communications Department at 239-533-6060. Call Beverly Burke of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Inc. at 239-337-0433 for program information.
About Lee County Tax Collector
The Lee County Tax Collector (LCTC) exists to serve the citizens of Lee County. The office takes pride in organizational excellence and offering exemplary customer service and operates by the credo of “We’ve got your back.” The LCTC operates leetc.com, the official interactive website of the tax collector, which allows county residents to quickly and easily take care of motor vehicle and vessel registration, pay property taxes, make appointments for concealed weapon permits and more. The agency operates seven service centers open daily throughout the county to provide efficient, convenient services. The LCTC works to provide innovative and quality service that supports the growth and sustainability of the community. For more information, visit leetc.com or follow Lee County Tax Collector on social media.