CHAPTER 181
Caught in the Act of Kindness - December 2024
Celebrating individuals, groups and organizations that share their time, talent and treasure to meet the needs in our community.
“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” ~ Scott Adams
Brigid Soldavini and guests during auction
Richard Schwartz, Brigid Soldavini, Karen Conley and Lois Thome
More than 225 impact-driven guests gathered to support Charity for Change at its Planting Seeds of Humanity gala, raising $315,000 to support the nonprofit’s resiliency curriculum. The sold out gala included a western theme where guests enjoyed a lively reception filled with fun activities, a plated dinner, drawings, live auction and cash call, while the popular Ben Allen Band provided modern country music for dancing and entertainment. The inaugural Humanity Hero Award was presented to Event Chair Brigid Soldavini for her remarkable dedication to character and generosity. Twenty sponsors supported this event with special recognition going to the Humanity Hero Title Sponsors (Soldavini & Caldwell, CPA; Pottsco Industrial Services; Sana Sana Medical Aesthetics; and Westwood Interior Cleaning) and the ChangeMaker sponsors (Diamond Drywall & Glass and Flor’s Cleaning – No Worries).
Tom Golisano, entrepreneur, philanthropist, civic leader and the founder of Paychex, announced his second series of major gifts totaling $85 million to 41 nonprofit organizations across Southwest Florida, spanning healthcare, education, intellectual and developmental disabilities, animal welfare, and other critical community needs.
Joanne Hayden, Valerie’s House Founder & CEO Angela Melvin Churchill and Tom Hayden
The inaugural Sunset Soiree for Valerie’s House raised more than $600,000 during its “Fund a Mission” live auction to support the nonprofits mission of helping children and families grieve the loss of loved ones.
For the Love of Cats collected over 3,700 pounds of food through a donation drive on its Chewy Wish List page, benefiting at least 500 community cats. Additionally, the organization received Great Nonprofit’s 2024 Top-Rated Nonprofit Award, recognizing the nonprofit for obtaining 100% 5-star reviews for the 13th year in a row.
Hundreds of volunteers who generously contribute their time and talents to The Naples Children & Education Foundation throughout the year were honored by the nonprofit at its annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch sponsored by Waterside Shops at BrickTop’s.
The Naples Airport Authority’s staff and tenants generously participated in a food drive for St. Matthew’s House, donating enough food and toiletry items to serve 107 local families.
The 12th Annual Golisano Children’s Hospital Fashion Show raised $109,340 to support the planned Golisano Children’s Hospital Surgery Center adjacent to the main campus.
Photo Credit: Community Cooperative; Evoke Studio
Community Cooperative’s 18th Annual Becoming Cosmopolitan: Mad About Hunger event raised $155,000 to fight hunger, fueling vital programs like Sam’s Community Café and Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, mobile food pantries, social and education resources, and more.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County raised $45,000 at its Fourth Annual Golf Tournament which attracted 96 golfers and 14 sponsors whose support will fund lifechanging programs for local children and teens.
More than $30,000 was raised at Empowerment Farm’s inaugural Fall Festival to support its programs and to help replacing several out-building structures that suffered extensive damage during Tropical Storm Debby.
Top Row: Kathy Bermingham, Paul Myerson, John Bermingham, Dave Ridenour, Dick Woodbridge, Linda Kloman, Morten Iversen, John Simon, Jack Fortnum, Calvin Cob and Tim Crawley. Middle Row: Jean Hartman, Nancy Woolf, Marje Duray, Victoria Fortnum, Mark Schwab, Yone Schwab, Cathie Estey and Dana Ragiel. Bottom Row: Lynn Nolan, Kris Fishman, Albert Girod, Gunther Winkler and Anne Girod.
Greater Naples Leadership members kicked off their annual “Done in a Day” community volunteer series for the 2024-2025 season at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida where the group accomplished much-needed hurricane cleanup and prep for the upcoming visitor season.
Collier Community Foundation granted $30,000 to Grace Place for Children and Families to support its Bright Beginnings program. PNC Foundation also supported the nonprofit’s Bright Beginnings program with a $15,000 grant. Additionally, Publix Supermarket Charities granted the nonprofit $10,000 to enhance its meals and snacks for students in the Golden Gate community.
At the 10th Annual Shop with a Sheriff event, cohosted by Collier County Sheriff’s Office and Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, nearly 80 children got to build their own shopping lists using an allotted $100 for themselves and/or their family members before being treated to pizza, cups of flavored ice donated by Rita’s Italian Ice, and of course, visits with Santa.
Collier Community Foundation provided Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed Land & Water Trust with a $5,000 program grant in support of CREW Trust’s FY25 Youth Environmental Education Programs.
Sunset Builders & Maintenance and Salty Papa's Shrimp House joined forces to donate 100 turkeys to the Gladiolus Food Pantry, in effort to help ensure that more families enjoyed a warm, traditional Thanksgiving meal.
Photo by Nick Shirghio Photography
The Board Emeriti of Collier Community Foundation recognized the following organizations and individuals for their exceptional community dedication and philanthropic service at its 2024 Celebration of Philanthropy event: The Everglades Foundation; Stock Development; Jingled Elves; and Elizabeth A. Star.
Bebe Saks celebrated during the paddle raise at Golden PAWS with one of Golden PAWS' newest cadets.
Through the generosity of the 2024 Santa PAWS attendees, five new puppies were fully sponsored for training at the nonprofit, Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs.
More than 100 local school children were able to attend their first day of school in a new pair of shoes thanks to a partnership between Preferred Travel & Company and Laces of Love.
More than 200 volunteers packed meal boxes feeding over 6,000 Southwest Florida families in need at the 20th Annual Capital Wealth Advisors Turkey Drop in partnership with St. Matthew’s House.
For consideration in Caught in the Act of Kindness, email an example of how an individual, group or organization went above and beyond to help those in need to inspireme@ebellamag.com. Please include a related high-resolution photo as well.
