CHAPTER 205
Caught in the Act of Kindness - December 2025
Celebrating individuals, groups and organizations that share their time, talent and treasure to meet the needs in our community.
“No act of kindness is too small. The gift of kindness may start as a small ripple that over time can turn into a tidal wave affecting the lives of many.” ~ Kevin Heath
_WEB.jpg)
Baby Basics of Collier County held its annual Fashion Show Luncheon with over 250 people in attendance, raising more than $100,000 to help families in need. Emceed by Lois Thome of WINK News, the program spotlighted Baby Basics’ mission to provide diapers and kindness to hardworking families. Founder Jean Ann Lynch was joined by her daughter, Alicia Stedman, who leads the Baby Basics Boston affiliate. Together, they spoke about their family’s deep compassion, so profound it has earned them the nickname “the sobbing family “and shared plans to expand the program to meet growing needs.
%20PT%20Website_12_03_25.jpg)
The Melkus Family Foundation and Collier Community Foundation partnered to help hundreds of Collier County families and seniors enjoy a meaningful Thanksgiving by supporting The Salvation Army of Collier County’s distribution of holiday meal baskets to those in need.
St. Matthew’s House and LuLu’s Kitchen set tables for anyone without a place to gather or a meal to share, welcoming 818 people to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast prepared by the LuLu’s culinary team and volunteers.
Harry Chapin Food Bank’s Turkey and Ham Drive collected 209 turkeys (3,113 pounds) and 27 hams (195 pounds), which were distributed directly to families across Southwest Florida facing food insecurity this holiday season.
The Schoen Foundation awarded a $770,000 grant to Youth Haven, supporting its mission of providing home, hope and healing for children and teens in need.
Naples Children Foundation granted $490,000 to Fun Time Early Childhood Academy to support teacher salaries and help renew its Teaching Strategies Gold curriculum.
The Nest Golf Club’s 10th Annual Home Base Golf Tournament surpassed its goal, raising $400,000 for veterans, military families and families of the fallen.
Credit: Photography by Lane
For the Love of Cats’ annual Purr Ball Gala raised $170,000 to support lifesaving programs for cats and kittens in need across Collier County.
Connie and Gary Sharpe (pictured here with their guests) matched the entire “Fund-A-Need” campaign, adding $269,000 to the grand total raised.
Naples Therapeutic Riding Center celebrated its 20th Anniversary Bootstrap Boogie Barn Dance with a record-breaking night, raising more than $690,000, the highest total in the organization’s history.
Collier Community Foundation granted $9,000 to Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed Land & Water Trust (CREW Trust) to purchase supplies for youth education programs and to finalize its active strategic planning initiative.
Avow Nurse Care Navigator David Hopkins with a Palliative Care Patient
Collier Community Foundation granted $75,000 to Avow in support of its palliative care program which serves patients of all ages across Southwest Florida.
Collier Community Foundation awarded a $40,000 grant to St. Matthew’s House to support the nonprofit’s food assistance programs in Southwest Florida.
First Row: Linda Megna, Gail McGuire, Phyllis Gorectke, Marge Houghey; Second Row: Bunny Lennox, Annette Paul; Third Row: Elke Westphal, Nancy Eichorn, Elaine Frisella, Anne Rupp, Sally Green
The Cascades at Estero Needles and Pins group raised $2,446 at its annual craft show from handmade items and donated the proceeds to Bridge and Beyond Group Home, New Horizons of SWFL, and Our Mother’s Home, while also sewing and giving 82 bags to Bridge and Beyond Group Home and quilts to Our Mother’s Home.
Don Cranshaw and his daughter Chelsea pledged $50,000 from their Shine Like Sandy Fund in memory of Don’s wife and Chelsea’s mother, Sandra, who was a passionate volunteer with Literacy Collier.
Literacy Collier’s Inspiring Futures Celebration raised $100,000 to benefit its programs to create opportunities for children, families and workplaces.
Collier Community Foundation granted $75,000 to Lighthouse of Collier, enabling the expansion of its highly trained professional team.
The Southwest Florida Regional Coalition to End Homelessness awarded a $50,000 Continuum of Care grant, and the Moorings Park Foundation contributed $25,000 to Warrior Homes of Collier, supporting the nonprofit’s mission to provide senior veterans with rapid, affordable housing.
Literacy Council Gulf Coast celebrated National Family Literacy Month with its Literacy Day event, raffling off 15 bikes and giving away 150 bike helmets, bike locks and lights. The nonprofit also entered a new partnership with Meals of Hope to provide a Baby Food Pantry for families with children up to five years old who are enrolled in LCGC classes.
Collier Community Foundation granted $20,000 to Operation Light Shine in support of the Southwest Florida INTERCEPT Task Force’s efforts to invest in advanced technology to protect our region’s vulnerable children from trafficking and exploitation.
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.
