Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 12, 2018) – More than 350 bidders recently came together to give generously, raising $2.9 million in total to support pediatric health care and education during SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s 2018 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest.
 
All proceeds of the auction will support Golisano Children’s Hospital, Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College in support of pediatric health care and scholarships for local students majoring in health sciences. Additionally, 10 percent of auction proceeds will benefit four new beneficiaries including PACE Center for Girls of Lee County, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida, SalusCare, Inc. and The Heights Foundation.
 
The signature event featured Chef Vintner Dinners on Friday, March 2 at private homes throughout Southwest Florida, and The Grand Tasting and Live Auction on March 3 at Quail West Golf and Country Club. Festivities concluded with Dessert After Glow, a decadent gourmet dessert reception featuring renowned pastry chefs Norman Love of Norman Love Confections, Jean François Suteau of The Greenbriar Hotel and Thomas Raquel of Le Bernardin, as well as a lively performance by Deb & The Dynamics.
 
With 38 phenomenal offerings up for bid during the Live Auction, bidders raised their paddles high for a chance to win a selection of exclusive getaways, delectable wine and culinary offerings and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
 
The highest bids were for the Spire Collection Experience, selling twice for $100,000, offering each of the winning bidders an exclusive three-night Napa Valley journey for four at the stunning Lokoya Villa, VIP tastings, exceptional meals and a private helicopter tour. A five-course culinary experience by Rao’s of New York for 40 guests in Southwest Florida also sold for $100,000. A five-night sojourn for six aboard the Bella Una, a 127-foot, tri-deck yacht owned by Mary Dewane and Joe Anderson of Benovia Winery, sailing from Newport, Rhode Island to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard sold to the highest bidder for $75,000. A premium NFL and NHL experience at the bidder’s choice of Boston or New York also went for $70,000; the bidder chose Boston.
 
The Fund-A-Cause this year was focused on pediatric oncology, and the Live Auction featured the Bell family as special guests. Jack Bell, son of Ed and Rachel Bell, received lifesaving treatment at Golisano Children’s Hospital after being diagnosed with stage four liver cancer at the age of two. The now healthy 12-year-old took the stage, and bidders gave generously to raise $637,750 for the pediatric oncology program at Golisano Children’s Hospital, helping provide lifesaving cancer treatment for Southwest Florida’s children, close to home.
 
2018 Child Artists Matthew Singleton, a five-year-old leukemia patient, and his six-year-old brother, Steven, also took the stage to present their works of art during the Live Auction. Matthew’s artwork, titled “Sparkly Night,” and Steven’s artwork, titled “Golden King,” were created in collaboration with Child Art Mentor Jolie Black, whose daughter, Sophia, was the 2015 Child Artist. Matthew and Steven’s artwork raised $170,000, and the original paintings will be displayed on the walls of Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, where Matthew received cancer treatment.
 
Pass the Hat is one of the favorite lots among bidders due to the unique items donated by the auction-goers themselves. This year the hat included overnight stays in wine country with tours and tastings, an afternoon sailing expedition with Offshore Sailing School followed by a multi-course gourmet wine dinner at Sails restaurant, a glamorous photography session and much more. The collection was auctioned off for $65,000.
 
For more information about SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. or its annual signature fundraiser, the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, visit www.swflwinefest.org.
SWFL Children’s Charities Inc.’s annual signature fundraiser, the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, has raised more than $20 million over the past ten years, making it one of the top-grossing wine fests in the country. The trustees and sponsors underwrite the event and the nonprofit, SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc., donates contributions made during the event to local beneficiaries. Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida is the most significant beneficiary of the event, which provides health services to children from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. In addition, SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. grants funds to Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College to provide scholarships and equipment to educate the community’s next generation of pediatric health care professionals. Ten percent of auction proceeds also benefits four new beneficiaries including PACE Center for Girls of Lee County, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida, SalusCare, Inc. and The Heights Foundation. For more information, visit www.swflwinefest.org.
 
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FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 12, 2018) – The Fort Myers Miracle have released the team’s 2018 promotions calendar, which includes more post-game fireworks displays, giveaways and family-friendly events than ever before.
The season’s first promotion – free tickets – will be available beginning March 25. Baseball fans can pick up vouchers at participating Wendy’s locations across Southwest Florida for the first Friday game of the season on April 6, which will feature a pregame happy hour, in-game entertainment by the ZOOperstars characters and postgame fireworks.
Again this season, postgame fireworks shows will follow Friday night home games, as well as Opening Night (April 5) and Independence Day (July 4).
The Miracle have ramped up giveaways for the 2018 season, including five bobblehead nights: Brian Dozier (April 14), Joe Mauer (May 19), Jose Berrios (June 30), Torii Hunter (July 21) and Byron Buxton (September 1). Other freebies include a Miracle scarf on World Cup Night (June 9), team photo (July 20), free football tickets on College Football Night (Aug. 17) and Miracle Replica Jersey Night (August 18)
Additional family-friendly promotions have been added to the schedule, including Sway’s Birthday Party (all kids get free ice cream on April 29), Princesses and Pirates Day (May 6), a School’s Out Celebration (June 8) and Daddy-Daughter Date Night (June 18). On Sundays, children can play catch on the field before the game and run the bases following the game.
“Every year, Miracle fans look forward to seeing our promotions schedule, and this season has a lot of fun additions and giveaways,” said Chris Peters, the Miracle’s president and general manager. “Our game-day atmosphere at Hammond Stadium is one of the best in baseball, and we’re happy to reward our loyal baseball fans with a little fun at the ballpark.”
Some of the more notable early-season promotions include Constructive Criticism Night (April 10), whereby fans who issue a complaint about anything can earn free tickets. On Swipe Right Night (April 26), single fans can participate in speed dating activities.
Competitions worth checking out include a Hot Dog Eating Contest (April 14) and Grandma Beauty Contest (May 5).
Several occupations will be recognized during the season with Nurses Night (April 26), Lawyers Night (May 21), Realtors Night (June 4) and Educators Appreciation Night (June 7). Fans can represent their hometowns at Naples Night (May 5), Islands Night (May 9), Cape Coral Night (June 6) and Canada Day (July 1).
The Miracle will honor universities at several College Nights: FGCU (April 12 and August 30), FSW (April 26), Florida State (July 12), Florida (July 19) and Miami (August 2). Even the TV and movie industry has made the promotions calendar: Star Wars Night (May 4), Superhero Night (May 18), Jurassic Park Night (August 28) and Game of Thrones Night (August 31).
Appearances by the Zooperstars (April 6), Russian Bar Trio (June 8), a yet-to-be-named pro wrestler (July 20) and hometown heroes (August 3) are worth a second look. Bark in the Park, where dogs are permitted at the game, will be held five times (April 28, May 19, June 30, July 21 and August 18).
For a complete list of game-day promotions, please call the Fort Myers Miracle at 239-768-4210 or visit MiracleBaseball.com.
 

Second Annual MNMW Community Shred Day
FORT MYERS, FL (March 9, 2018) – Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co., P.A. (MNMW) will partner with Secure Shredding, Inc. to host a Community Shred Day event on Friday, April 27 from 9am until noon. The Secure Shredding, Inc. truck will be on site at MNMW, 8961 Conference Drive in Fort Myers, and there will be a two box maximum per person for shredding.
This is a FREE event, however, MNMW encourages participants to consider a donation to the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee Counties when dropping off shred items. This can be in monetary form, canned or non-perishable goods, or new/gently used clothing. A United Way representative will be on site to receive the donations and answer questions.
“This is a busy time of year for individuals and businesses, with tax planning and preparation,” said Joni Norton, CPA/PFS, CFP, Partner at MNMW. “With that in mind, we thought this service would be greatly beneficial since many will have old documents to discard. Shredding sensitive documents is a safe way to eliminate clutter, while safeguarding personal information. We want to offer this service to the community, while also adding additional awareness to the local United Way and its partner agencies.”
Items that can be shredded are limited to paperwork such as statements, tax records, contracts, blank checks, etc. A good rule to determine if an item is shreddable is “if it tears, it can be destroyed.”  Items NOT suitable for shredding include hard drives, cell phones, batteries, etc. All shredded material will be recycled to support an eco-friendly environment.
Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co., P.A. is a certified public accounting and consulting firm with offices in both Fort Myers and Naples.  The firm offers a wide range of services including business consulting, human resources consulting, technology consulting and support, tax planning and preparation, litigation support, mediation, forensic accounting, and elder services.  For more information, call (239) 433-5554 or visit www.markham-norton.com
Secure Shredding, Inc. is a locally owned and industry certified document destruction company that has serviced the southwest Florida area since 2002. For more information about shredding services, visit www.floridashredding.com.
United Way Campaign funds remain in our local community to help support the local human service network of 94 agencies and over 240 programs. United Way partner agencies and initiatives serve a diverse range of needs such as nurturing children and youth, strengthening families, meeting critical needs, and empowering communities.  The United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Okeechobee has raised and distributed over $157 million since 1957.  For more information please call (239) 433-2000 or visit www.UnitedWayLee.org.
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FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 9, 2018) — Wisdom becomes powerful when it is shared. Accomplished female entrepreneurs will be honored for imparting the lessons they’ve learned to young women in their organizations at Celebrating Women, a night of acclaim put together by Fort Myers-based financial independence organization Girls Going Places.
 
Mentors and their guests will gather Thursday, April 12 from 5-7 p.m. at the Burroughs Home in historic downtown Fort Myers. Guests will enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing and cocktails overlooking the beautiful Caloosahatchee River. Raffle tickets will be sold to raise money to provide a scholarship to put one girl through the Girls Going Places mentorship program.
 
Use of the Burroughs home was donated by Jennifer Nelson, an event sponsor who serves as a Girls Going Places mentor, executive director of the Uncommon Friends Foundation and on the Cape Coral City Council.
 
“It is vital that young girls have women role models they can look up to and a mentor to call when they need guidance,” Girls Going Places founder Lynne Kimmich says. “The opportunities for these young girls are virtually limitless. The organization provides them a chance to learn about leadership and entrepreneurship from women who have been through it.”
 
More mentors are needed. The annual Girls Going Places Entrepreneurship Conference, presented by Alliance Financial Group, will be held May 9 at Florida Gulf Coast University, and Kimmich’s team is working to secure more mentors before then.
 
“We have 140 girls across six counties attend the conference each year,” Kimmich said. “And we are always in need of mentors to ensure our students receive the personalized attention they deserve.”
 
For more information about Girls Going Places or get involved, visit girlsgoingplaces-afg.com or call 239-561-2900.
 
About Girls Going Places
The Girls Going Places® Program was created and piloted in Southwest Florida in 1999 to educate young women about the financial and entrepreneurial opportunities available to them. Girls Going Places®Entrepreneurship Conferences are designed to encourage financial literacy and educate teen girls about starting businesses and managing personal wealth.
Alliance Financial Group presents a Girls Going Places® Entrepreneurship Conference at Florida Gulf Coast University each spring. The conference is part of Alliance Financial Group’s mission to champion community programs and initiatives that promote the importance of planning to maximize wealth and reach financial aspirations. Alliance Financial Group is proud to be a leader in a movement that supports and mentors tomorrow’s generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders, as well as educating today’s youth about the advantages of business ownership and financial independence.
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 8, 2018) – The Fort Myers Miracle, the Class-A Advanced Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, will begin selling single-game tickets on Thursday, March 15 for the 2018 baseball season.
The 140-game season includes 70 regular season home games, with the season opener slated for 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 5 at Hammond Stadium in CenturyLink Sports Complex.
Ticket prices for box seats and drink rail seats are $9.50 in advance or $11 on game day. General admission and lawn seating is $7.50 in advance or $9 on game day. Tickets cost an additional $1 on fireworks nights, and $2 more on Independence Day.
“We finished first in the Florida State League’s south division last season, and our home field advantage is one of the best in minor league baseball,” said Chris Peters, president and general manager of the Miracle. “We’ve kept our single-game ticket prices the same for 2018 while adding a list of special offers to our season ticket packages.”
Regular weekly promotions for 2018 include Family Sundays, Dollar Dogs on Mondays, Two for Tuesdays, Winning Wednesdays, Thirsty Thursdays, Fireworks Fridays and Giveaway Saturdays.
For ticket information, please call the Fort Myers Miracle at 239-768-4210 or visit MiracleBaseball.com.
About the Miracle
The Fort Myers Miracle are the Class-A Advanced Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, and have played home games at Hammond Stadium since 1992. Notable Miracle alumni include Joe Mauer, Miguel Sano, Byron Buxton and Torii Hunter. Follow the Miracle online at MiracleBaseball.com or through its social media channels: Twitter (@MiracleBaseball), Instagram (fortmyersmiracle), Facebook (Fort Myers Miracle) and Snapchat (ftmyersmiracle). Opening Night at Hammond Stadium is Thursday, April 5 against the Charlotte Stone Crabs. For questions or ticket information, call the Miracle at 239-768-4210.

Please welcome Laura Romig, MA LMFT to the Valerie’s House Team!
Laura will be joining Valerie’s House as the Director of Care and Compassion starting March 19th. Laura currently leads our Naples Middle School Group, and many of our families have grown to know her well. In her role as Director of Care and Compassion, Laura will help lead the bereavement staff and work hands on with families to develop activities and continue to strengthen the Valerie’s House grief program.
Laura has more than 16 years experience working as a licensed therapist with children and families. Some of her past positions include Outpatient Therapist, The Counseling Center for Healing, North Palm Beach, FL and as a Bereavement Counselor in both Palm Beach and San Diego.
“I am honored to join the Valerie’s House family and can’t wait to work more with all the children that make Valerie’s House a Home!” Laura said.
Laura graduated with her Master of Arts, Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling in 2001 from the University of San Diego and has completed training in play therapy for children and adolescents and specialized grief training for children.
Welcome Laura!

Naples, Fla. (March 5, 2018) Gulfshore Business and D’Latinos magazines are pleased to present the inaugural Face Diversity Summit on April 5 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs. The daylong event is dedicated to the many companies that believe developing and nurturing a diverse workforce is good not only for the employees but also for the bottom line. Summit attendees can choose from different educational tracks, such as leadership, new marketing trends, sales, corporate culture, social integration, recruiting, immigration and much more. Seminars and panel discussions will be led by local and national experts from companies such as Univision, Pandora, Chico’s, Lee Health, Barron-Collier Cos., Lipman Produce and Goodwill of SWFL. In addition to the summit programs, guests can partake in an expo and networking opportunities.
Tickets are: $240 for the full-day Summit—all seminars, and includes Face Awards luncheon with one individual seat and one ticket for Celebration of Colors party. $150 for the Face Awards luncheon with one individual seat. $100 for the full-day Summit, all seminars; does not include luncheon seat or Celebration of Colors party. $35 for the full-day Summit—all seminars, for students presenting a valid student ID; does not include luncheon seat or Celebration of Colors party.
To purchase tickets and for more information, please visit faceswfl.com.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 6, 2018) – Shell Point Retirement Community is presenting the Shell Point Retirement Roadshow, a series of informational seminars that will be held in Sanibel, Bonita Springs, Naples and Port Charlotte in March. The meetings will offer guests the opportunity to learn about the resort-style retirement options and comprehensive lifecare available at this award-winning waterfront community located in Fort Myers.
Residents from Sanibel, Bonita Springs, Naples and Port Charlotte are invited to attend one of the following seminars:

• Wednesday, March 14 at 9:30 a.m. – Sanibel

Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way in Sanibel

• Tuesday, March 20 at 9:30 a.m. – Bonita Springs

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, 5001 Coconut Road in Bonita Springs

• Tuesday, March 27 at 9:30 a.m. – Naples

Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail N. in Naples

• Thursday, March 29 at 9:30 a.m. – Port Charlotte

Charlotte County Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St. in Port Charlotte
During these presentations, Shell Point’s experienced retirement counselors will explain the benefits received when becoming a resident at Shell Point, the benefits of lifecare, the numerous retirement options available and an overview of the community. Once the presentation is complete, guests will have the chance to ask specific questions and schedule a visit to the community for a personal tour.
“We understand that people may want to learn more about Shell Point before driving from their communities,” said Ronette Icso, vice president of sales and marketing for Shell Point. “By bringing the presentation closer to their current homes, we are able to educate them on the many benefits of choosing to live at Shell Point. From this, they can determine if it is an option they would like to consider for their life planning, and if it is, they can take the next step to come for a tour of our beautiful campus and see it for themselves.”
Admission to these seminars is free and refreshments will be served. Seating is limited, so reservations are requested by calling 239-466-1131 or registering online at www.shellpoint.org/roadshow.
About Shell Point Retirement Community           
Shell Point Retirement Community, founded in 1968, is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers, Florida. Shell Point offers independent retirement living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care for its 2,400 residents in an active, resort-style environment. Lifestyle amenities include deep-water boating access, six public restaurants, a championship 18-hole golf course, and many other recreational and educational activities. Learn more at www.shellpoint.org or 1-800-780-1131.

FORT MYERS, FLA., March 5, 2018 – The Fort Myers Film Festival has announced official film selections, times and locations for programming during the 8th season to be held March 21-25 at locations around Fort Myers.
Events include:

• OPENING NIGHT RED CARPET GALA AT THE BARBARA B. MANN PERFORMING ARTS HALL – Wednesday, March 21, 2018: The premiere showing of “Melody Makers,” a rock documentary that tells the story of the rise and fall of the world’s most influential music publication and uncovers an era of unprecedented creative freedom.This will be the Florida premiere for the film, which has won awards at a dozen other festivals. The red carpet party rolls out at 5:30 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. The film starts at 7 p.m. with afterparty on the stage to follow with stars and cast attending the Fort Myers Film Festival.Tickets are $10 for the show and $49 for the show and afterparty. Tickets are available at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Box Office or by visiting  https://www.bbmannpah.com/performance.php?id=1015
• LOCAL PROGRAMMING AT SIDNEY & BERNE DAVIS ART CENTER – Thursday, March 22-25, 2018: Enjoy official selections from the 2018 Fort Myers Film Festival. Tickets are $10, $6 for matinee and $20 to watch all day. For more information including films and times head to www.sbdac.com and www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com.
• MULLETS & MANGROVES II – History of Cayo Costa – Friday, March 23, 2018 at 7:45 p.m. The Friends of Cayo Costa and Barrier Island Park Society will present their new film at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Boulevard. Mullet & Mangroves II is the latest production of a two-part documentary and will view Cayo Costa Island through the eyes of pioneering fishing families and modern day children.  The film will be preceded by a short historical film about the contributions of Tom Smoot to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.
• LOCAL PROGRAMMING at the Alliance for the Arts Saturday, March 24, and IMAG March 23-25: Enjoy local programming from some of the top filmmakers in town as Fort Myers Film Festival keeps it local. Enjoy screenings and panel discussion at the Alliance for the Arts at 10091 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL and IMAG 2000 Cranford Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33916. For more information including films and times head to www.artinlee.org and www.theimag.org.
• CHAMPAGNE & DESSERT AWARDS GALA DINNER at the Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd Sunday, March 25:  champagne and dessert awards gala, where the Fort Myers Film Festival will honor the winners with a showing of one award-winning film at 7 p.m. and music by Al Holland.  Tickets are $15 each. The official afterparty follows at the Twisted Vine in Fort Myers for song, dance, and more libations. For more information head to www.broadwaypalm.com
• BLOCKBUSTER INDIE FILMS AT AMC Classic Merchants Crossing 16 Saturday, March 24, 2018 located at 15201 N Cleveland Ave, North Fort Myers, FL 33903. For films and programming head to www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com

 
The Fort Myers Film Festival supports Lee County Schools filmmakers, Raddatz Foundation and Golisano’s Children’s Hospital and is partnered with Film Florida.
 
Sponsors are Florida Weekly, Bennett’s Fresh Roast Coffee, Twisted Vine Bistro, J. Bert Davis M.D., F.A.C.S, Facial Surgeon, La Trattoria de Napoli, Black Tie Tuxedos, Hampton Inn Suites, Twisted Vine Bistro, Best Western, Five Star Model Management, Norman Love, Manta Films, Riverside Realty, Blu Sushi, Douglas E. Spiegel. P.A., Capone’s Pizza, UBS Wealth Management, Kearns Restaurant Group, List Distillery, Mr. Tom’s Spirits, LYNQ, BLANC and Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.L.C.
 
ABOUT THE FORT MYERS FILM FESTIVAL
The Fort Myers Film Festival is an independent filmmaker’s preferred event to create, unite and showcase the finest artistic cinematic works.   The Fort Myers Film Festival was awarded the prestigious 2015 Chrysalis Award for Cultural Achievement by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau and the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce at their annual Celebration of Business & Tourism Awards Luncheon and Trade Show.  The Fort Myers Film Festival was founded by Eric Raddatz, the award-winning presentation editor of Florida Weekly, regular contributor for NBC-2 in Fort Myers, and host of Fort Myers Film Festival’s indie film show, “T.G.I.M.”  Films and events are taking place in the finest venues in SWFL including the  Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, IMAG History & Science Center, Alliance for the Arts, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, AMC Theatres, Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Dinners and parties are being held at Twisted Vine, Blu Sushi, LYNQ, BLANQ, SoHo and more. www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 2, 2018) – Stevens Construction has completed the construction management services of Marlins Plaza, located at 5631 Six Mile Commercial Court, announced Dan Adams, vice president south Florida and partner.
The project included the construction of Marlins Plaza, a 14,665-square-foot commercial shell building.  Stevens Construction also completed construction on two of the nine tenant spaces, Marlins Brewhouse and Chronic Taco, which will open at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7.
With 110-seats, Marlins Brewhouse provides a menu of local craft beers, wine and pub fare.  Headquartered in California, Chronic Tacos offers a fast-casual concept with an organic and non-GMO menu featuring tacos, burritos, quesadillas and bowls.   This is the first Chronic Tacos in Southwest Florida.   Both hospitality concepts share a central beer garden with a games and stage for live music.
The Stevens Construction team includes Dan Adams as project executive, Michael Waskiewicz as project manager, Jeff Hollis as superintendent and Rebeccah Hamilton as project administrator. Southview Studios, LLC is the architect of record.
 
With offices in Fort Myers, Tampa and Orlando, Fla., Stevens Construction specializes in providing construction management, general contracting and consulting services to clients and design professionals. Other services include site and design team selection, budgeting, project scheduling, permitting, cost and quality control and warranty service. The company builds healthcare, commercial and hospitality facilities. For information, visit www.stevensconstructioninc.com or call 239-936-9006.