CHAPTER 213
Caught in the Act of Kindness - April 2026
Celebrating individuals, groups and organizations that share their time, talent and treasure to meet the needs in our community.
"Our days are happier when we give people a piece of our heart rather than a piece of our mind." ~ Unknown
Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL and its supporters gathered for the third annual Bloody Mary Brunch fundraiser, raising more than $40,000 to support the fight against period poverty. Guests enjoyed a vibrant brunch, signature cocktails and meaningful conversation. Beth Wipf, Health Services Director for Collier County Public Schools, highlighted the importance of providing free period products in schools — including elementary levels — noting that one in four women and girls struggle to afford these essentials, which are not covered by SNAP federal assistance program. Her powerful stories brought the issue to life, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to continue the mission.
The Naples Children Foundation invested more than $30.6 million in approximately 50 local nonprofit organizations — including Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, Grace Place for Children & Families, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, and Youth Haven — to help fund essential resources and services benefiting the most vulnerable children in Collier County.
Credit: Michelle Reed
The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center raised $357,000 for its educational programs at the 25th Anniversary Triumph Dinner.
Alberto Aadron and Carol Baker
Quail Creek Country Club’s Sixth Annual Salute to Veterans Golf and Dinner raised $185,000 to support Home Base Florida’s mission of empowering veterans and service members to take control of their mental and physical well-being.
Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s 2026 Magic Under the Mangroves gala raised more than $2.04 million to support its environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation programs.
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Credit: Jeffrey Michael Photography
Artis—Naples raised $2 million at the Friends of Artis—Naples Gala to support its essential youth education programs.
Wine Women & Shoes raised $568,000 for Naples Cancer Advisors in support of its free consultative oncology services.
Collier Community Foundation awarded a $100,000 grant to The Housing Alliance to invest in its innovative new Housing Compass portal.
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The West Coast Muscle Car Club’s 22nd Annual Car Show raised $58,000 for Avow Kids to benefit its grief support program that cares for more than 500 children and teens across Southwest Florida.
Greater Naples Leadership recently held a baby wipes drive in support of Baby Basics of Collier County, collecting enough wipes for every family currently served by the program.
Royal Palm Golf Club’s annual golf tournament raised more than $53,000 for Avow and its mission to provide hospice, palliative care, community grief support and home health services to families across Southwest Florida.
The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs donated $30,000 to build the recently finished and dedicated Chickee Hut at the Wonder Gardens. Additionally, The Bonita Springs Community Fund donated $12,000 to the gardens in support of its mission to rescue animals that cannot be released back into the wild.
The Hobbs Foundation and the Baker Family Foundation granted $25,000 and $10,000, respectively, to Grace Place for Children & Families in support of its high school LEAD program and elementary after-school program.
Nancy Ross, Diane Ewing, Nancy Near, Carol Cayer, Debi Braendle, Trish Leonard, LCGC Exeutive Director Leah Mason, Dave Shellenbarger, BSCF President Joeseph Murgalo, Susan Kennedy-Riechers and Ruth Condit.
The Bonita Springs Community Fund donated $25,000 to Literacy Council Gulf Coast, supporting the organization’s free English literacy classes to adults and children in Southwest Florida.
Collier Community Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to David Lawrence Centers to support renovations to Hope Home, a transitional recovery residence. The Naples Woman’s Club also awarded a $7,885 grant to David Lawrence Centers to help uninsured and underinsured children in crisis receive timely access to lifesaving and life-changing care.
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HUGS Naples Ukulele Fest donated $2,240 to Baker Senior Center Naples to support crucial programs for veterans.
Diane Ewing, Nancy Ross, Nancy Near, Carol Cayer, Debi Braendle, Trish Leonard, FLEC Executive Director Kyle Hartman, Dave Shellenbarger, BSCF President Joeseph Murgalo and Ruth Condit.
The Bonita Springs Community Fund donated $25,000 to The Florida Lions Eye Clinic, supporting complimentary eye care to those who lack medical insurance.
Naples Shutter donated $2,200 to the Military Heritage Museum in memory and honor of Robert Riggs, a beloved Naples Shutter team member and a dedicated supporter of the museum.
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.
