CHAPTER 193
Caught in the Act of Kindness - June 2025
Celebrating individuals, groups and organizations that share their time, talent and treasure to meet the needs in our community.
“We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness.” ~ Charlie Chaplin
Supporters of the Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL attended the Second Annual Bloody Mary Brunch — a heartfelt celebration of progress in the fight against period poverty. Guests enjoyed lively conversation, a delicious brunch and signature Bloody Marys.
President Dusti Beaubien spoke passionately about the organization’s mission, reminding attendees that one in four women and girls struggle to afford period products — basic necessities not covered by SNAP benefits. Speaker Elizabeth McCoy-Ferreira of St. Matthew’s House shared stories underscoring the real-life impact of this often-overlooked issue. Brunch attendees left feeling inspired and empowered. The event raised $45,420 for period supplies.
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The Founders Scholarship Fund awarded $840,000 in college scholarships to 35 local area high school students who have shown determination, academic achievements and financial need to pursue a college education.
Isabel Grotto, Avery Curry-Williams, Cheryl Comes, Lynn Ferraina, Trisha Hare, Dr. Wendy Lugo Gallegos, Julie Schmelzle, Noemi Perez, Susan McManus, Lori Fowler, Brenda O’Connor, Althea Irving, Steve Brooder, Hillary Lemaster, Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, Shani Rodriguez, Phyllis Barolsky, Charles Weinrich, Beth Hatch, Kari Lefort, Esther Lully, Laura Simmelink, Julie Van Tongeren – Photo by Nick Shirghio Photography
The Women’s Foundation of Collier County granted $530,000 to local nonprofits dedicated to supporting homeless senior women and empowering young women and girls through mentoring, education and wrap-around services.
Through several local golf tournaments, our community rallied behind Cancer Alliance Network, raising funds to ensure that local families facing cancer receive critical resources and non-medical financial support:
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The Naples Lakes Country Club Golf Tournament raised $60,000.
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Foxfire Country Club raised over $29,000 at this year’s Pink on the Links Golf Tournament.
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The Cypress Woods Ladies Golf Association Golf Tournament raised over $25,000.
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The Wyndemere Country Club Golf Tournament raised over $8,000.
2025 scholarship recipients flanked by Kathy Lane (left) and Kimberley Schumacker (right) co-chairs of the Education Committee, with NWC president Suzanne King and Mayor Theresa Heitmann standing behind Schumacker.
The Naples Woman’s Club awarded $362,000 in scholarships to 48 outstanding Collier County students — the largest single-year amount in the Club’s 90-year history.
Pelican Marsh Charities Inc. held its Seventh Annual Charity Golf Event, raising over $235,000 to directly benefit two outstanding local organizations.
The PNC Foundation provided Florida Gulf Coast University with a $100,000 grant to create an innovative outdoor classroom at the Naples Children & Education Foundation Early Childhood Development Center.
Mike Reed, FineMark Bank; BERT Board President Deb Orton; BERT Board Member Best Castro; FineMark Bank President Harlan Parrish; BERT Board Treasurer Stephen Gunther; Cindy Cedeno, FineMark Bank; and Joe Cleveland, FineMark Bank
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Friends of the Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT) hosted an Evening of Connection and Community, seeding the campaign with $50,000 and collecting an additional $50,000 in pledges from local donors toward repurposing an unused rail corridor into a vibrant multi-use pathway that promotes health, safety, economic growth and environmental protection.
Pelican Isle Women’s Club incoming President Jill Dohner, Path2Freedom’s Founder and President Ana Stevenson, and Pelican Isle Women’s Club outgoing President Marcella Ade
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Pelican Isle Women’s Club donated $30,200 to Path2Freedom to assist in the ongoing care and rehabilitation of young women rescued from human trafficking here in Southwest Florida.
Pulte Family Charitable Foundation granted $25,000 to Baker Senior Center Naples to support its “Choice” Food Pantry, offering more fresh food choices and serving seniors in need.
Collier Resource Center CEO Kari Lefort and The League Club President Donna Lindbergh
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The League Club granted $7,512 to Collier Resource Center to provide regular wellness checks to 24 senior women at risk for homelessness. Additionally, the nonprofit received a $5,000 sponsorship from First Horizon Bank to support the organization’s signature event. The nonprofit was also named the beneficiary of $1,942 raised through the Sienna Lakes production of “Dolly Returns.”
TLC Marketing & Creative Services successfully hosted its Second Annual Mother’s Day Jewelry Drive, giving more than 505 participating students the chance to surprise their moms by turning a once-beloved treasure into a newly cherished gift.
Pace Center for Girls’ Crazy Pantz Fundraiser Co-emcees GCIP Chief Operating Officer Vicki Tracy and Chris Lombardo, of Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A.
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Gulf Coast International Properties sponsored several local events in our community:
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Greater Naples Chamber’s signature event, A Night on the Red Carpet, raised $360,000 to support the Chamber’s ongoing mission of creating economic opportunity for all.
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Pace Center for Girls, Collier at Immokalee’s Crazy Pantz Fundraiser, raised over $190,000 to support vital programs for at-risk girls in the community.
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Legal Aid Service of Collier County’s First Annual Rockin’ Blues Bash raised nearly $90,000 to support its ongoing mission of creating a critical safety net for the community.
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.
