Member News

NAPLES, Fla. – February 12, 2018 – The threat of a data breach is on the rise, and organizations and businesses are looking for ways to mitigate these threats, which is why C-level executives and managers of risk, compliance, governance, cybersecurity, human resources, IT and networks will have the opportunity to hear from experts in the field of data breach and identity theft at Hodges University’s inaugural Organizational Privacy Summit (OPS).
Hosted by the Identity Fraud Institute (IFI) at Hodges University, in partnership with Collier County Tourism, the summit will be held April 30 through May 2, 2018, at the Hilton Naples, which is located at 5111 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, FL 34103. Participants will hear from experts throughout the country on topics relating to cyber insurance and cyber threats, the Dark Web, data breaches and how to target ID thieves.
The keynote speaker for the event is Brian Krebs, world-renowned cybersecurity expert, who has brought down cyber criminals worldwide and is widely recognized by security experts and criminals alike as the preeminent authority on cybercriminal syndicates and their tools.
The IFI will host a special VIP event on April 30, which includes a meet and greet with Brian Krebs. The fee is $250 per person without conference registration and $150 per person with conference registration.
Registration for the conference includes continental breakfast, break snacks and lunch for May 1 and 2. Registration pricing is as follows:

• Early registration: $400 per person (must register by February 28, 2018)
• Regular registration: $475 per person (March 1, 2018 – April 15, 2018)
• Late registration: $500 per person (after April 15, 2018)
• Student/Gov’t/Military/NFP: $300 per person

Event sessions in addition to the keynote presentation include:

• Cyber Insurance: Coverages, Regulatory Developments and Claims/Litigation Trends (Aarti Soni, senior vice president, Marsh & McLennan)
• Cybersecurity for the Rest of Us
  (Jeff Alluri, vice president of consulting, Element Technologies, LLC)
• Cybersecurity Threats Including the Dark Web
  (John Benkert, CPR Tools Inc. and Greg Scasny, Cybersecurity Defense Solutions, Inc.)
• Data Breaches Today & The Unintentional Insider Threat

(Dr. Donald Rebovich, Center for Identity Management and Information Protection (CIMIP), Utica College and Professor Leslie R. Corbo, Utica College)

• How Identity Theft Disrupts the Security versus Convenience Mindset
  (Eva Velasquez, CEO, Identity Theft Resource Center)
• Targeting ID Thieves, A Case Study
  (R. Sean McCleskey, J.D. director of organizational education and measurement, Center for Identity, University of Texas)
• Third Certainty: Cyber Threats and the C-Suite
  (Adam K. Levin, chairman and founder of CyberScout)
• Cybersecurity – Best Practices and Proactive Strategies to Mitigate Threats
  (R. David Mahon, chief security officer, CenturyLink, Inc.)

The presenting sponsor for this year’s event is CenturyLink. Additional sponsorships and exhibitor tables are still available. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to register for the conference, visit http://organizationalprivacysummit.com/.
 

FORT MYERS, FLA. – February 8, 2018 – More than 1,500 people attended the 29^th Annual Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing Tuesday, Feb. 6, and donated nearly 5,000 pounds of food to help feed the hungry.
The event was presented by First Presbyterian Church and sponsored by the Galloway Family of Dealerships to honor the work of Mrs. Mina Edison, wife of inventor Thomas Edison.
The donated canned goods will benefit The Soup Kitchen of Community Cooperative.
“We are so thankful to the people of our community who stepped up in this time of great need.  It truly shows the impact that a few people can make in the lives of many,” said Organizer Sam Galloway, Jr.  Galloway said the food will be distributed immediately to those in need in Lee County.
Attendees sang hymns with the 60-member Sanctuary Choir of First Presbyterian Church and friends, listened to soloists, and heard a song called “Edison’s Phonograph Polka” about Thomas Edison’s famous invention.  The song was played by Pianist Barbara Peterson and Organist Eddygrace Bernhard.
In addition to Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing, the Galloway Family of Dealerships also sponsors the very popular Christmas Carol Sing, which is set for December 11.  Both events benefit The Soup Kitchen of Community Cooperative.

FEBRUARY 7, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA – The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) will hold a series of informational sessions this spring in Building A, Room 215, at the FSW Thomas Edison Campus, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers.
 
The public is welcome to attend any of the information sessions below:
 

• Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 20, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 24, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

 
The Physical Therapist Assistant program is offered by Broward College (BC) through a partnership with FSW. Classes at both sites participate in all lecture classes together through live interactive video conferencing with the FSW students located at the Fort Myers campus. All lab sessions and clinical practicums are managed by the individual sites with a full-time program manager located at FSW who serves as a liaison between the sites. Program degrees are conferred by BC.
 
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). A licensing examination is required upon completion of the two-year associate degree program and the Physical Therapist Assistant shall be eligible for an appropriate membership category in the American Physical Therapy Association.
 
For more information, contact Jodi Gootkin, program manager, Broward College Physical Therapist Assistant Program, at (239) 489-9494, [email protected], or visit www.fsw.edu/academics/programs/asphysicaltherapistassistant.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Friday, March 2, 2018 • London Amara: Ethos
The specific words used to describe an event or concept change our perception drastically. This exhibit explores the relationship of what we understand to be true within the context that we came to know it.  London Amara’s “Ethos” explores themes of convergence, context and perspective through a series of drawings, sculpture, photography and immersive experience. Visit www.sbdac.com for info.
Opening: Friday, March 2nd • 6pm – 10pm
Closing: March 27th • 5pm
Free to Attend
Saturday & Sunday, March 3 & 4, 2018 • 24 Hour Festival
Visual artists, filmmakers, theatre artists, dancers, musicians, and poets race against a 24-hour clock to create unique works based on prompts. Now in its tenth year, this all-inclusive art happening has been opened up and brought downtown by the Ghostbird Theatre Company. Artists of all types and ages are invited to participate. Get creative in 24 hours! You’ll have so much fun you won’t even feel the sleep deprivation. Categories: Visual Art, Live Performance, Film and Music. Visit www.sbdac.com for info.
Saturday, March 3rd, 5pm: Presentation of the elements
Sunday, March 4th, 5pm: Deadline for artist submissions
6:30pm: Doors Open •  7pm: Performances
Free to Enter • Free to Attend
 
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, March 8, 9, & 10, 2018 • Art Walks the Runway
Take part in three dazzling days of fashion, art, music, and performances at the 7th Annual Art Walks the Runway fashion show! Experience Fort Myers’ only three-night Couture fashion show featuring runway ready Haute Couture from some today’s hottest designers. Visit www.sbdac.com for info.
Thursday, March 8, 2018: Opening Night
Tickets: $40 in advance • $50 day of show • VIP: $75
Friday, March 9, 2018: Local Fashion
Tickets: $20 in advance • $25 day of show • VIP: $50
Saturday, March 10, 2018: Couture Fashion
Tickets: $35 in advance • $45 day of show • VIP: $70
All Nights: Runway • 8pm / Cocktails • 7pm
Saturday, March 17, 2018 • Chamber Series presents Happy Birthday, Bernstein
Join SBDAC for the 2017 – 2018 Chamber Concert Series, featuring some of today’s top classical music performers. In 2018, Curtis on Tour celebrates the centenary and legacy of Curtis alumnus Leonard Bernstein by touring programs that feature Bernstein’s music. In spring 2018, we are offering a chamber ensemble including Curtis alumnus and renowned clarinetist David Shifrin, performing alongside Curtis students. The program will include Bernstein’s lively and jazz-influenced Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, as well as other chamber music works for clarinet, strings, and piano. Visit www.sbdac.com for info.
Cocktails: 7pm • Performance: 8pm
Tickets: GA – $35 in Advance / $40 Day of Show
 
Monday, March 19, 2018 • Author Lecture Series: Karen Thompson Walker
The Famous Author Lecture Series invites audiences to take part in a lunch and lecture with an acclaimed writer. From 12pm – 2pm enjoy a gourmet lunch, a lecture from the author, and a question and answer portion that offers insights on the author and the stories they write. A book signing opportunity will also be available. Featuring Casey Walker, author of Anything I Want to Be, and Karen Thompson Walker, author of The Age of Miracles. Visit www.sbdac.com for info.
Lecture & Lunch • 12pm – 2pm
Tickets $35 • Tables of 8 $350
 
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, March 22, 23, 24 & 25, 2018 • Fort Myers Film Festival
The Fort Myers Film Festival is an intelligent independent filmmaker’s preferred event to create, unite, and showcase the finest artistic cinematic works. The Fort Myers Film Festival is known for world-class swagger and support of local filmmakers. The festival event offers ͚the most vibrant, intellectual, and edgy crowd to grace Lee County in decades.͛ The event has featured hundreds of local filmmakers and is a must attend for cineasts living in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties who love indie film and film festivals. That͛s right, Fort Myers has a film festival, so come out for the excitement!
Visit www.sbdac.com for showtimes and ticket prices.
 
Saturday, March 24, 2018 • Fashion Design Workshop
Have fun with fashion at the 3D Fashion Design Workshop instructed by Mariapia Malerba! During the workshop, create a 3D fashion design with recycled material. Let your imagination and creativity come to life! Visit www.sbdac.com for sign up and info.
10am-12pm • $50 per student
Thursday, March 29, 2018 • Art & Poetry Networking Event
Join SBDAC and Gulf Coast Leisure for the monthly Art & Poetry Networking Event. Now in its 6th season, APNE brings the best local emerging and trendy artists, musicians, and writers to downtown Fort Myers. Sign up to perform, or attend and enjoy the beautiful works of the SWFL arts community. Visit www.sbdac.com for info.
Performances • 8pm
Tickets: $10
 
Friday, March 30, 2018 • American Virtuosi Concert
Join SBDAC for the 2017 – 2018 Chamber Concert Series, featuring some of today’s top classical music performers. The Chamber Music Series culminates in an incredible performance by some of the most celebrated musicians in the genre. American Virtuosi invites violinist Peter Winograd, cellist Andres Diaz, violist Jim Griffith, pianist Wendy Chen, and violinist Caterina Szepes for an unforgettable evening of live classical music. This unique engagement will also include a performance by a very special surprise guest. Visit www.sbdac.com for info.
Cocktails: 7pm • Performance: 8pm
Tickets: GA – $35 in Advance / $40 Day of Show
 
Saturday, March 31, 2018 • American Virtuosi Gala
Attention music and food connoisseurs! The American Virtuosi Gala is an exquisite chamber concert paired with a gourmet wine dinner prepared by G3 Catering. Experience the music of some of chamber music’s masters alongside a delicious four-course dinner. Proceeds benefit the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Performers to be announced. Visit www.sbdac.com for info.
Dinner: 7pm • Cocktails: 6pm
Tickets: $125 • Table for 8: $900
 
 

IMMOKALEE, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2018) – Edward Aguilar has been named Assistant General Manager / Vice President for Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee.
 
Aguilar is an enrolled member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and becomes one of the highest ranking Tribal members in Seminole Gaming management.  He joined the Tribal Career Development Program in February, 2013, and excelled through its cross-training opportunities at Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International, which is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
 
In May, 2015, Aguilar was named Assistant Director of Slot Operations for Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee.  He was promoted to Assistant Director of Casino Operations in February 2016.
 
Conscious of his role as a Tribal member in management of Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee, Aguilar has attended nearly every Immokalee new employee orientation, providing new hires with an understanding of the Tribe’s history and culture and helping to shape their commitment to customer service.
 
As a graduate of the 2016 Seminole Gaming Excellence in Leadership program, Aguilar spent time working within the leadership of key departments, including Food & Beverage, Marketing, Table Games, Hotel and Human Resources.  He worked in nearly every position at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee.
 
Aguilar began his gaming career in 2001 as a lead Seminole Gaming Commission Officer at Seminole Casino Immokalee.  During his time with the Seminole Gaming Commission, he assisted with the openings of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.
 
In 2006, Aguilar was promoted to Assistant Compliance Officer at Seminole Casino Immokalee.  He later worked for several years at the Immokalee office of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc., the non-gaming business development arm of the Tribe.
 
Aguilar earned an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 2013.  He resides near his hometown of Immokalee, Fla., with his wife, Cindy.
 
About Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
Open 24/7; 365 days a year, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is Southwest Florida’s premier gaming and entertainment destination. The 51,000-square-foot plus casino offers 1,300 slots, including Tarzan, Wheel of Fortune and Crazy Money, and 38 live table games including Blackjack, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Blackjack Switch and Spanish 21. Dining options include the award-winning 1^st Street Deli, Asian fusion restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House, and The EE-TO-LEET-KE (“The Camp”) Grill. Nightly entertainment is highlighted by the Zig Zag lounge, home of the Zig Zag Girlz, “where the party never ends” featuring nightly live entertainment and no last call. Additional entertainment and events are held at the Seminole Center, an indoor/outdoor special event center featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting system designed by Technomedia Solutions. The new Seminole Casino Hotel is the first upscale hotel to open in or near Immokalee and offers suites and deluxe guestrooms with modern décor and features, plus amenities including a swimming pool with adjacent private Seminole Chickee cabana huts, 24-hour fitness studio, free Wi-Fi, and desk concierge services.
 
 
 
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 5, 2018) – Pure Florida presents Bark on the Ark cruise from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 17 aboard the M/V Edison Explorer which departs from The Marina at Edison Ford, located at 2360 W. First St. in Fort Myers. Guests will have the opportunity to bring their dogs for a sightseeing cruise along the Caloosahatchee River to Picnic Island, located between Sanibel and Pine Island that exhibits the natural beauty of Southwest Florida. At Picnic Island, passengers will enjoy a playful time socializing with man’s best friend. During the excursion, dogs and owners can run, swim and play catch while enjoying the sunshine, water, sand and fresh air. Water, tennis balls and dog treats are included for the canines. Soda, wine and beer will be available for purchase. While Pure Florida cannot guarantee animal sightings in the wild, the captain will alert passengers to wildlife such as dolphins, eagles, manatee, native birds and more. Registration for the tour is $44 per person. Groups of six or more can call for discounted group rates. Reservations are required as room is limited to 25 passengers and their pets. All dogs that can follow basic commands are welcome. For more information or to book your ticket, call (239) 919-2965 or visit www.PureFL.com.
Bark on the Ark Facebook event page: http://bit.ly/2CO1l9r
Downloadable Digital Media
Download Photo: Captain Marty Martino takes a pup at the helm on Pure Florida’s Bark on the Ark event.
https://ipartnermedia.sharefile.com/d-s9f60a1185f345938

Download Photo: Pure Florida guests are invited to bring their dogs aboard the M/V Edison Explorer for a special Bark on the Ark sightseeing cruise to Picnic Island.
https://ipartnermedia.sharefile.com/d-s1a1f5b6960b4d48a
Download Photo: Man’s best friend enjoy the waters of Picnic Island during Pure Florida’s Bark on the Ark excursions.
https://ipartnermedia.sharefile.com/d-s01c0e3e8efe4eadb
Download Photo: Canines and owners alike make new friends aboard Pure Florida’s Bark on the Ark cruises.
https://ipartnermedia.sharefile.com/d-s238f55e262a42918
Download Photo: Pure Florida’s Bark on the Ark cruise provides a fun way for canines and their owners to enjoy a day in the Southwest Florida sun.
https://ipartnermedia.sharefile.com/d-s772443bd4784388a
Download Photo: Captain Nick Williams poses with seafaring canines and their owners on a cruise along the Caloosahatchee River with Pure Florida during Bark on the Ark.
https://ipartnermedia.sharefile.com/d-sbdb895f4ce0490fb

About Pure Florida
Pure Florida is a water attraction company helmed by father-and-son duo Captains Lance H. and Harry Julian.  The company offers a variety of unique eco-excursions for its visitors that incorporate maritime history, tourism, sightseeing and entertainment. Pure Florida features 19 vessels for sunset and specialty cruises as well as boat and jet ski rentals, fishing charters, group events and educational field trips for schools and students from marinas in Naples and Fort Myers.
In addition to Pure Florida, the founders are also partners in Marine Team International and Pure Image Productions, providing professional marine consulting, television and video production and photography services. With a long history in maritime productions, Lance and Harry Julian have helped to create some of the most memorable water scenes in film production, with credits including “Titanic” and “Waterworld,” and television credits such as the reality show, “Survivor.” As the fourth and fifth generation working within the maritime industry, Lance and Harry Julian enjoy sharing their passion and expertise with fellow adventurers in the Southwest Florida area. For more information, visit www.PureFL.com or call its Naples location at 239-263-4949.

The national tour of the Broadway musical HAMILTON will play in Naples and Fort Myers as part of the Artis—Naples 2019-2020 season in Naples and Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW 2019-2020 Fifth Third Bank Broadway Series.
HAMILTON will open at Hayes Hall in Naples first before moving to the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW in Fort Myers in January 2020. For more information about performances at Hayes Hall in Naples, visit artisnaples.org.  For more information about performances at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW in Fort Myers, visit bbmannpah.com. Information regarding specific engagement dates and how to purchase groups and single tickets will be announced at a later time.
HAMILTON is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary.  Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now.
With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.
The HAMILTON creative team previously collaborated on the 2008 Tony Award ® Winning Best Musical IN THE HEIGHTS.
HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, and casting by Telsey + Company, Bethany Knox, CSA.
The musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater.
The HAMILTON Original Broadway Cast Recording is available everywhere nationwide.  The HAMILTON recording received a 2016 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album.
For information on HAMILTON, visit www.HamiltonMusican.com, www.Facebook.com/HamiltonMusical, www.Instagram.com/HamiltonMusical and www.Twitter.com/HamiltonMusical.

Occasion celebrates one of Lee County’s most accomplished public servants
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 5, 2018) – Feb. 6 will always be meaningful to Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart. The date is the annual celebration of “Honorable Larry D. Hart Day,” which Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson proclaimed last year to recognize Hart’s years of service and impact on the community.
Even though his name is on it, Hart insists the day isn’t really about him. Instead, it’s further motivation to continue to find groundbreaking ways to serve the citizens and organizations of Lee County.
“Larry Hart Day represents the direct opportunity Lee County has given me to help shape the culture of this county and to be able see the impact,” Hart said. “As a resident and volunteer, I am committed to helping the community grow by providing opportunities for others, and it is my life’s work to serve citizens and residents of Lee County,” Hart said.
He initially made his mark through a 22-year career in law enforcement, rising to become the first African-American chief of the Fort Myers Police Department. He served as chairman of the board of trustees for Florida Gulf Coast University prior to his appointment as Lee County Tax Collector in 2012 to fill out the term of the late Cathy Curtis. Voters chose to retain him as tax collector later in 2012, and he was re-elected in 2016.
Hart is also a U.S. Air Force veteran and a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He serves as vice chairman of the board of directors for SalusCare, board trustee for the Quality Life Center, and as a board member for the United Way, Hope Hospice, the Florida Gulf Coast University Advocacy Program and The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida.
“I am honored to have received this day,” Hart said. “It is a direct reflection of my community, my mentors, and family. Born and raised in Fort Myers, a graduate of Riverdale High School and Edison College (now known as Florida SouthWestern State College), I will continue to do my very best to make Lee County a better place to live.”
On Feb. 6, Lee County Tax Collector agents will wear pins with the signature Larry Hart Day logo, also available for download on www.leetc.com. Visit the website for more on Hart and for information on Lee County Tax Collector initiatives, like TagsToday, which drastically reduces the wait time for vehicle registration renewal.
About Lee County Tax Collector
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.” LCTC operates LeeTC.com, the official interactive website of the tax collector that allows county residents to quickly and easily take care of motor vehicle and vessel registration, pay property taxes, make appointment for concealed weapon permits and more. The agency operates six service centers open daily throughout the county to provide efficient, convenient services. 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., February 5, 2018– Tickets are now on sale for the 10^th Annual Grande Dames Tea presented by the PACE Center for Girls of Lee County.
The Grande Dames Tea honoring Dena Geraghty of Fort Myers, Elizabeth (Betty) Sanders of Fort Myers, Barbara Jean Yeomans of Fort Myers, and honorary Grande Dame Eunice Bremner will be Tuesday, March 13, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Broadway Palm at 1380 Colonial Blvd. of Fort Myers.
The News-Press Media Group President & Publisher Bill Barker will serve as master of ceremonies.
Seats for the tea are $60 per person and may be reserved online at www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee. Table sponsorships, which include eight tickets, are available for $500.  Tickets and tables may be reserved online at www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite tea party hat.
The PACE girls will be creating beautiful commemorative bracelets this year in celebration of the 10^th anniversary of Grande Dames Tea and in honor of all those who have been recognized during the past 10 years.
As the Grande Dames Tea celebrates its 10^th anniversary this year, Eunice and Alexandra Bremner are the title sponsors for Grande Dames Tea in honor and loving memory of Berne Davis, Barbara B. Mann and Eleanore Kleist, the first class of Grande Dames honored at this event.
Major event sponsors are Edison National Bank, Galloway Family of Dealerships, Broadway Palm, Caloosa Tent & Rental, Ruth Messmer Florist, Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, Fort Myers Infiniti, Mark Loren Designs and Connie & Ed Lizak.  Media sponsors are The News-Press Media Group.
Chair of the Grande Dames Tea is Kathy Toll with Nancy Finch serving as co-chair.  Both women are members of the PACE Lee Board of Directors.
“Our theme of The Wisdom of Age – Honoring the Female Spirit has carried through the last 10 years and is so appropriate because each of these women has much to share from her own life’s journey with our PACE girls and guests,” Toll said.
The agenda for the tea will include special performances by the PACE Girls and a question – and – answer session between the PACE girls and the three Grande Dames, that Finch said “will inspire, motivate and unite girls and women of all ages.”
The Grande Dames Tea was originated by PACE Center for Girls of Lee County to honor women who have played major roles in Southwest Florida history through decades of service, philanthropy and helping others.
Previous honorees have included the late Berne Davis, the late Eleanore Kleist and the late Barbara B. Mann in 2009; the late Jeanne Bochette, the late Helen Hendry and the late Veronica Shoemaker in 2010; Myra Daniels, Kathleen Nealon and the late Mimi Straub in 2011; Michel Doherty, the late Mavis Miller and Anna “Boots” Tolles in 2012; Thelma Hodges, the late Helen O’Rourke McClary and Ettie Francis Walsh in 2013; Barbara Norris Brown, the late Sarah Sciple and Margaret Sirianni in 2014; Sharlene Hamel Dozier, M. Jacqueline McCurdy and Melvin Morgan in 2015; Betty Anderson, Rusty Brown and Dr. Geraldine Burchard Nobles in 2016; and Pat Carroll, the late Lalai Hamric, and Beverly McNew in 2017.
PACE Center for Girls, Inc., is a non-residential delinquency prevention program targeting the unique needs of girls, ages 11 to 18 years old, facing challenges such as academic failure and truancy, physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse, foster care, neglect, death of a parent, and family history of incarceration.
PACE is a Florida-based, not for profit organization, and the only statewide prevention program for adolescent at-risk girls in the nation.  In the past year, the Lee County program provided 117 girls with education, counseling, career training and advocacy programs and services resulting in 95 percent having no involvement with juvenile justice within one year of leaving PACE, 96 percent improving their academic performance and 93 percent remaining in school or obtaining employment after leaving PACE.  As a result, PACE reduces the significant long term costs associated with teen pregnancy, substance abuse, unemployment and long term economic dependency.
PACE accepts referrals from the juvenile justice system, the Department of Children & Families, school personnel, community services agencies, parents, family members, friends and self-referrals.
For information about the Grande Dames Tea or to become a sponsor, please contact PACE Development Manager Allyson Ross at (239) 425-2366 ext. 2315, or visit http://pacecenter.org/locations/lee