Member News

Employees of the Lee County Tax Collector’s South Office present a $2,500 check to Jason Powella, 
senior special event planner for the Lee Health Foundation, for the Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Lee County Tax Collector office raises money for Golisano
Employees collect $2,500 through candy bar sales for children’s hospital
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 31, 2019) – Candy and Golisano Children’s Hospital are a worthwhile combination for the employees of the Lee County Tax Collector’s South Fort Myers service center off Pine Ridge Road near Fort Myers Beach.
Employees sold candy bars for $1 each to raise $2,500 for Golisano. The Tax Collector’s office presented a check for that amount to a Lee Health Foundation administrator at the South Fort Myers service center.
“They worked very hard and I think it was a phenomenal amount of money that was raised,” said office manager Kelly Gunn about her employees. “And just the public knowing they are helping in some way to contribute was big as well.”
Raising money for Golisano is an important fundraising project that started over two years ago when the new hospital opened. “There is a strong focus on community connection within each branch (of the Lee County Tax Collector),” said Jessica Anderson, a senior customer service representative, who helped organize the fundraiser.
This is the third time the office has used the enticement of candy to raise money for the hospital since the new facility opened in 2017 – with the other fundraisers each raising nearly $3,000 and $4,000. This latest fundraiser took place over the past eight months.
An appreciative Jason A. Powella, senior special event planner for the Lee Health Foundation, accepted the check on behalf of Golisano. “It just shows complete community involvement. People are coming into the (tax collector’s) office for a litany of things to be completed and they make a donation,” Powella said.
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.
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (October 29, 2019) –  The community is cordially invited to the Dunbar Cultural Landmarks Tour Launch Event this Saturday, November 2, 2019, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., starting at Williams Academy Black History Museum at 1936 Henderson Avenue in Fort Myers.
This free community launch event will debut the Fort Myers Dunbar Cultural Landmarks Tour on the Florida Stories app. Community members will be able to download the free app onto their smart device and follow the route to the narrated cultural stops. The Fort Myers Dunbar Cultural Landmarks Tour is a collaboration between the Lee County Black History Society and the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency. This program is sponsored by the Florida Humanities Council with funds from the Florida Department State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
The tour contains ten stops, three of which—Williams Academy Black History Museum, McCollum Hall, and Dunbar Community School—will host presentations.
During the event, the public will choose to visit the stops as a walking tour, a driving tour, or as a bus tour.  A limited number of seats will be available on the bus tours, which start at 10 a.m. and Noon.
This event is part of the 400 Years of African-American History celebration recognizing and highlighting the resilience and cultural contributions of Africans and African Americans.
More information may be found at leecountyblackhistorysociety.org or 239-332-8778.

(Fort Myers, Fla. – October 29, 2019) — The Heights Foundation’s Black Jack, Black Cats and Boo’z raised $18,200 to benefit educational programs for at-risk kids in Harlem Heights.  The event, held Saturday, October 26, 2019 at The Heights Center, featured casino games including Black Jack, Craps, Roulette and Poker.
Guests enjoyed live music, a spooky signature cocktail, a silent auction, raffle and door prizes.  Event sponsors included Golisano Children’s Hospital, LEE HEALTH, entech, Mutual of Omaha and Pristine Landscape.  Bahama Breeze Island Grille, Fort Myers, and Fine Folk Pizza provided food for the event.  The emcee was Gina Birch.
Bryan and Christina Filson were awarded best overall costume and most creative costume.  Armando and Tamara Llechu were voted best couple.
“We had a fun evening featuring casino games, costumes and cocktails,” said Kathryn Kelly, President and CEO of The Heights Foundation. “In addition to having a great time, guests supported educational programs at The Heights Center including after-school, summer camp, our charter school and early learning center.”
For more information about The Heights Foundation visit www.heightsfoundation.org or call (239) 482-7706.
 About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center
The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.  The mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.  The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.   GLAD Kids is a child care and pre-k center serving more than 80 children birth-five.  The Harlem Heights Community Charter School currently serves kindergarten through third grade and will expand to serve up to fifth grade.
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community.   Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.
 

Lee County Tax Collector rewards first-time Florida drivers with giveaways
#LCTCRockTheRoad to help lucky winners enjoy their new driver license
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 29, 2019) – Florida’s roads take drivers on amazing journeys to see the Sunshine State’s many treasures. The Lee County Tax Collector wants to enhance that experience for first-time drivers who have moved to Florida from out-of-state or out-of-country and are experiencing the roads for the first time as a Florida resident.
The Tax Collector’s Office has created a Facebook contest where first-time Florida drivers can post pictures of their dream road trips and automatically be eligible to win prizes that encourage getting out and exploring Southwest Florida
“What a great way to experience the beauty and excitement of Florida, share it with others and inspire future dream road trips,” Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart said. “And we are adding to the experience by giving drivers a chance to win great prizes.”
The #LCTCRockTheRoad Facebook contest runs from Oct. 15 to Jan. 15, 2020 and is open to new Lee County drivers who have gotten their license within the last six months and are 18 years of age and older. Here’s how to enter:

1. Like and follow the official Lee County Tax Collector Facebook page @leecountytaxcollecter.
2. Like any of the official Lee County Tax Collector LCTC Rock the Road contest posts.
3. Share one of our contest posts using the hashtag #LCTCRocktheRoad.

Entrants can also post a photo or image of their dream road trip using the hashtag #LCTCRocktheRoad for an extra chance to win. Winners will be selected at random and notified via Facebook Messenger and tagged in the post comments, if account settings allow. Winners are responsible for responding and collecting their prize at the Lee County Tax Collector’s office near them. A location will be determined between the Tax Collector and the winner.
Those who are not Facebook users can go to www.leetc.com/driver-license/rock-the-road to enter and also read a complete list of rules and restrictions.
Visit leetc.com/driver-licenses/first-time-drivers to learn the steps to getting a Florida license.
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 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.
 
Josh Milton, Vice President of Media Relations
CONRIC PR & Marketing
6216 Whiskey Creek Drive, Suite B
Fort Myers, FL 33919
239-690-9840
[email protected] | ConricPR.com

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 29, 2019) – The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Committee will host its November networking meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at IBERIABANK, located at 9101 College Pointe Court in Fort Myers.

Attendees of the November Women in Business program will have the opportunity to network and attend the Women in Business Scholarship Fund’s presentation of scholarships to students from Florida SouthWestern State College, Florida Gulf Coast University and Hodges University.

Each month, Women in Business features a nonprofit spotlight and in November, Children’s Advocacy Center will be highlighted. Children’s Advocacy Center advocates for a healthy, safe community for children through a multidisciplinary team approach to child abuse and neglect. The organization assesses and treats kids believed to have been abused or to be at-risk of such abuse, providing a safe place for them to come and be heard. Women in Business will be collecting donated items from the Children’s Advocacy Center’s wish-list at this event. To view the list, visit www.FortMyers.org.

The Women in Business November networking event is being hosted by IBERIABANK, which is both the Women in Business and Scholarship Sponsor for the month of November.

Admission for the November Women in Business meeting is $10 for Chamber members and $20 for future members and includes one complimentary drink and light appetizers. To register, call 239-332-2930 or visit www.FortMyers.org.

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.

About Women in Business:

Part of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, the Women in Business committee is dedicated to helping women achieve their fullest professional and personal potential. A variety of networking and educational programs are offered throughout the year, typically the first Wednesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

FORT MYERS, FL. (October 25, 2019)—Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate presents the 12th annual World Wine Tour, benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities® Southwest Florida on Saturday, November 2, 2019, at the stunning Shangri-La Springs in Bonita Springs. Beginning at 4:30 p.m., wine enthusiasts will tour and sip a variety of domestic and international wines, hand-selected by the owner of The Wine Store Naples. Guests will also enjoy lite bites from participating local restaurants, a raffle, and musical entertainment by Spotlight Entertainment of SWFL.
Guests that register early online have the exclusive benefit to book advance dinner reservations for Harvest & Wisdom for the evening of World Wine Tour. The restaurant is currently serving lunch but will open its doors to our guests for dinner after the event! Don’t miss out on the first taste of Harvest & Wisdom.
Admission to the event is $75 per person. VIP tickets are available for $125 per person which include event entry, designated VIP to enjoy exclusive samplings of Shangri-La Spring’s very own organic wine and beer, along with delicious samplings from the new organic restaurant, Harvest & Wisdom.
Tickets can be purchased at www.rmhcswfl.org/events
About Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida
Since its founding in 1996, Ronald McDonald House has served thousands of families from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties, and other states and countries. Here, families find a “home away from home” while their children are undergoing medical treatment at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. Additional thousands are served by the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® program, two mobile healthcare units providing medical and dental services to underserved children, and by the Ronald McDonald Family Room®, located in Golisano Children’s Hospital.
About Shangri-La Springs 
Following the path of our roots, Shangri-La Springs continues as a center for vitality through healing arts and nature. They integrate this tradition into everything that they currently offer. They have a strong focus on natural and organic body treatments in their full-service organic spa. They source the highest quality local organic ingredients for Harvest & Wisdom our organic restaurant including garden-to-table from the certified organic garden and orchard on their property. They host a selection of classes, programs, and workshops for a variety of practices lead by knowledgeable and passionate teachers. Most importantly, they believe the land itself has a great impact on health and vitality. People know when they walk on these grounds that they are somewhere special. It is described as magical, a strong energy, center of peace, sanctity and a sense of connection to all. The spring to which Bonita Springs gets its name is on these lush grounds. Two giant Mysore fig trees stand tall and full amongst the historic buildings where programs, dining and private events take place. The unique, rich landscape that makes southwest Florida known as a paradise is exemplified on these grounds. One can’t help but integrate the beauty of the earth and the power of its presence in all activities that take place at Shangri-La Springs.

 
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 28, 2019) – VIP tickets are still available for Dress for Success SW Florida’s biggest shopping event of the year, Shop for Success.
The shopping extravaganza will be held on Friday, Nov. 8, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower, 13051 Bell Tower Drive in Fort Myers. VIP tickets start at $50, offering exclusive early shopping opportunities. General admission is free after 5 p.m.
Shop for Success will feature 5,000 square feet of gently used clothing in sizes 00 to 26 and accessories, including dresses, tops, pants, skirts, suits, jackets, shoes, handbags, scarves and jewelry starting at $5. Exclusive brands such as White House Black Market, Chico’s, Coach, J. Crew, Juicy, Kate Spade, Lily Pulitzer, Michael Kors, Prada, St. John, Talbots and Vince Camuto will be featured.
Two tiers of VIP tickets are available to shoppers wanting a custom experience, including early entrance, tasty bites and a complimentary cocktail, with additional add-ons to include personal shoppers, private dressing areas, and new for this year, a room designated for brand-new clothing with tags. A cash bar will also be available.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event will benefit Dress for Success SW Florida and its mission to jumpstart a woman’s career by providing not only work-appropriate attire through its Suits for Self Sufficiency program, but also education and training through its custom Women Empowered Through Employment Series (WETES). Both programs provide tools necessary to create a balance between work and home life, and provide support to overcome life’s hardships.
Sponsors for the signature shopping event include Card Systems/eGuarded, Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower, Edison National Bank, Entech, Frank and Sons Moving & Storage Inc., Garramone Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company P.A., Priority Marketing, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee and Stevens Construction.
To purchase tickets, call 239-689-4992 or visit shopforsuccess2019.eventbrite.com.
About Dress for Success SW Florida
Founded in 2010, Dress for Success SW Florida is headquartered in Fort Myers. A nonprofit organization with a mission to empower women to achieve economic independence, Dress for Success SW Florida provides a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Dress for Success SW Florida serves job-ready women by referral only. For more information, visit swflorida.dressforsuccess.org/or call 239-689-4992. Dress for Success SW Florida is located at 12995 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 153, in Fort Myers.
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ARCHway has been working on a book of HOPE which has a launch date of 11/2020. The book will have an estimated 16 stories of Hope by individuals in recovery as well as professionals in the field. Over the next year we will be previewing a number of these stories which we HOPE will inspire individuals, families and communities that people can and do get better.
Marci’s Story of Hope
Marci Smith is a certified peer specialist at the Assisted Recovery Centers of America (ARCA) in St Louis.
She recently shared her personal recovery story with ARCHway, and we were honored to be able to capture it in this short story and video footage. With over five years of recovery, Marci’s story is truly inspirational. She shared the progression of her recovery and her growth along the way.
At first, her main purpose in recovery was survival. This purpose grew into a need for self-acceptance, and today her recovery involves being of service to others. Through this progression, Marci grew into the person she is today, full of compassion and drive to help as many people as possible recover from substance use and mental health disorders. Marci knows the reality of addiction. She knows the pain and suffering. She has lived it. But she also knows the hope and joy of recovery. She is a shining example of someone who is thriving in their recovery. She enjoys life, she lives intentionally, and she has a vast support network. She is very passionate about closing the gaps in care for those struggling with substance use disorders, especially the gaps in women’s care. In addition to her work at ARCA, Marci has volunteered time for ARCHway helping with events and some of the recent interviews. She also volunteers two weeks a month for the Narcotics Anonymous phone line, attends and chairs meetings, sponsors, and runs support groups at Haven House Recovery Residences. We thank her for all she does to support those on their journey.
You can listen to Marci’s interview or read more about her journey as well as others by going to https://thearchwayinstitute.org/stories-of-hope/.
 
Expand Training of Family Therapy Graduate Students
ARCHway & Saint Louis University School of Medicine
 
Saint Louis University’s (SLU) Department in Family & Community Medicine was awarded a HRSA grant in August 2019. This grant allows increased partnering with ARCHway as a way to expand the training of family therapy graduate students in the area of substance use disorders. SLU students and classes provide master level training in counseling skills for peer specialists. ARCHway’s peer specialists, Colton Baker, Jordan Hampton, and Emily Jung, have been attending one of their graduate level counseling classes, participating in class discussions around counseling skills, partaking in role play scenarios with the students, and sharing their knowledge from working in the field with the class. ARCHway peers are excited to share their personal experiences with substance use disorder and their expertise from working in the field with these graduate students and faculty instructors. We would also like to involve other peer specialists in this process as well to increase education as a peer community and begin working on improving curriculum for peers.
In addition to these educational opportunities, ARCHway is helping to promote SLU’s Center for Counseling and Family Services. They provide services for individuals, couples, and families, enrichment and prevention programs for individual and family growth and development, and preliminary assessment and referral to other service units. They operate on a sliding fee scale with fees as low as $10 per session. To make an appointment, call 314-977-2505, email [email protected], or reach out to ARCHway staff. We know that substance use and mental health disorders can disrupt relationships and families in addition to their impact on the individual. A safe place to talk with guidance from a professional can provide support on the path of recovery.
 

(Fort Myers, FL – October 25, 2019) – Blues by the Bay, an evening of live music, excellent food and drinks, will be held Tuesday, November 19 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the riverfront home of Dean and Lori Munro, in the St. Charles Harbour community.  Guests will enjoy samplings from the area’s finest restaurants, fine wines, a signature Blue Bay Martini, champagne and live music by The Wayward Souls, rockin’ blues band. Guests can upgrade to VIP level and receive tickets to the exclusive pre-party at the home of Tim and Sandy Youngquist in St. Charles Yacht Club and VIP benefits.
Live and silent auction items will be offered and all proceeds will benefit the School Success programs for at-risk children in the Harlem Heights neighborhood in Fort Myers. Event sponsors include Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands and entech.  VIP sponsors include Rich and Sandy Heinrich and Jason and Sherri Huff.  JP Morgan Limousine is an in-kind sponsor. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Dress is resort casual.
Participating restaurants include Dante’s Coal Fired Pizza, The House of Pasta, The Jac Island Restaurant, Keylime Bistro, MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, St. Charles Yacht Club, Sunshine Seafood Cafe and The Timbers.
 
“Our School Success programs include our charter school, academic tutoring, after school and summer camp programs, scholarship and college access assistance, school supplies, and tuition support,” said Kathryn Kelly, President and CEO of The Heights Foundation. “Each program is geared to meet the specific needs of children and young adults who seek to further their education.”
 
Tickets are now on sale for $125 each and space is limited. VIP opportunities and sponsorships that include the exclusive pre party are also available. Purchase tickets at www.heightsfoundation.org/blues or call Karen Lesza at (239) 482-7706.
 
About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center
 
The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.  The mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.  The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.   GLAD Kids is a child care and pre-k center serving more than 80 children birth-five.  The Harlem Heights Community Charter School currently serves kindergarten through fourth grade and will expand to serve up to fifth grade.
 
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community.   Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.
 
 
 

In an effort to keep our offerings fresh and edgy The Laboratory Theater of Florida is proud to present the inaugural “Public Access Series featuring Randall Kenneth Jones” with special guest Chuck Sidlow. This event is November 4th at 7 pm and is $12.00 for Laboratory Theater members and $20.00 for non-members.
Chuck is a man who quite literally ran away with the circus and has some fascinating stories and career insights to share. The first of several guests scheduled in the series, Chuck is a professional comic, comedian, clown, entertainer, producer, director, announcer, master of ceremonies, and consultant. His media experience and savvy generate favorable publicity wherever he performs. He is recognized for his “All-American” style, but his fame and appeal are internationally acclaimed.
Join us for this incredible opportunity, one night only!