CHAPTER 185
Caught in the Act of Kindness - February 2025
Celebrating individuals, groups and organizations that share their time, talent and treasure to meet the needs in our community.
“If the world seems cold to you, kindle fires to warm it.” ~ Lucy Larcom
James and Mollie Venglar, Jeanne Larso, Charles Stanisce, Anastasia Watts
Steve and Shannon Diener, Karla and Joerg Eifler, Jorge and Giselle Calleja
The Spurs & Sequins Gala raised an impressive $125,000+ in support of the Centers for Multiple Sclerosis, a Southwest Florida nonprofit that provides free services, activities and support for individuals living with multiple sclerosis. The western themed gala featured live entertainment, exciting auctions and heartfelt stories about the organization’s work.
The generous support from sponsors, donors and attendees will help expand vital programs, ensuring that no one has to face MS alone. For more information visit https://centers4ms.org or call 239.319.0904.
Steve Saks (lower left) with Jewish Federation of Greater Naples President & CEO Nammie Ichilov (upper left); President and CEO Emeritus Jeffrey Feld (lower right); and Board Chair Dr. Nat Ritter, (upper right)
Philanthropist Stephen Saks donated $20 million to local nonprofits, including a historic $10 million endowment to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Other beneficiaries include PJ Library, Holocaust Museum & Cohen Educational Center, Baker Senior Center Naples, Jewish National Fund, Temple Shalom and Golden Paws Assistance Dogs.
Ashley Gerry and Laina Kennedy at Youth Haven’s Cherish the Children luncheon.
The Schoen Foundation pledged $2.5 million to Youth Haven’s “Building Hope for Tomorrow” campaign, plus $650,000 for operations. Youth Haven’s Cherish the Children luncheon raised an additional $700,000, supporting around-the-clock specialized care for vulnerable kids and teens.
The Strand Sisters — and some men, too — volunteer at Harry Chapin Food Bank each month to pack fresh vegetables and fruit in produce bags for local nonprofits and families who are experiencing hunger.
The Schoen Foundation gifted $3.75 million to Neighborhood Health Clinic, supporting care for chronically ill patients with cardiovascular and coronary heart disease. Meanwhile, The League Club’s Done-in-A-Day volunteers helped prepare invitations for the clinic’s Volunteer Appreciation event.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) a $1.2 million grant for a state-of-the-art Sea Turtle Complex, named for Bill and Laurie Harkey, dedicated advocates whose generosity helped secure $2.5 million for the project.
Jay and Patty Baker enjoy the 2025 fundraising gala with Ralph Stayer
Baker Senior Center Naples celebrated its 13th annual “Evening for Better Tomorrows,” raising more than $2.15 million to support critical social services and programs benefitting older adults in Collier and southern Lee counties.
The Naples Junior Woman’s Club and Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL united 27 volunteers from the Naples Woman’s Club, Juniorettes, and their own organizations to assemble 400+ emergency period supply kits for Project Help and Fostering Success.
The Moorings Park Foundation donated $755,760 to David Lawrence Centers for its “Hope for Collier” initiative. Additionally, the Naples Woman’s Club awarded DLC a $50,000 grant to support youth mental health programs in Collier County.
The Schoen Foundation awarded a $500,000 grant to Boys & Girls Club of Collier County to enhance the Club’s Project Learn programming.
Robert Vigorito, Sharon Vigorito, Jim Gula, Tina Le, Sue Mullen, Ed Mullen, Jeri Goetz, Nice Garcia, Tina Gula, Lyvette McCoy, Tom McCoy, Linda Rezendes-Walsh
Feeding Dreams, the Naples-based nonprofit formerly known as Pan-Florida Challenge, hosted 100 special guests at the Naples Yacht Club raising $350,000 to support its mission to improve the lives of hungry children.
Photo credit: Shane Antalick
The 9th Annual MarineMax Yacht Gala raised $425,565 through silent and live auctions, with proceeds from the event supporting the campaign to build Golisano Children's Hospital Surgery Center.
Entrepreneur, philanthropist and civic leader Tom Golisano gifted $150,000 to For the Love of Cats to expand its lifesaving programs for cats and kittens in need throughout Collier County.
Photo credit: Shane Antalick
Groovy golfers teed up to raise $111,000 at the third annual tournament to support Lee Health Cancer Institute, helping expand vital services for cancer patients and their families in Southwest Florida.
J.P. and Beth Davis donated $100,100 to Grace Place for Children and Families, boosting its food pantry for hundreds of families each week. The Baker Family Foundation and Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church also contributed $20,000 — $10,000 each — to fund a new literacy curriculum for Grace Place’s after-school program.
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.
