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The Wonder Gardens celebrated its 90th anniversary with a two-day event Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 in downtown Bonita Springs, bringing the community together in support of the historic wildlife and botanical sanctuary. The milestone launched a $1 million campaign to build its first onsite animal care center, expanding veterinary services and improving habitat support. President and CEO Neil Anderson said the celebration marks the beginning of a new chapter for the organization. The Wonder Gardens thanked sponsors, partners and volunteers whose support helped build momentum for the future. Donations are appreciated and can be made at wondergardens.org.
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Photo Credits: Zee Anna Photography and Mark Schoenfelt Photography
Southwest Florida Children’s Charities, Inc. raised a record-breaking $3 million for pediatric healthcare initiatives at its 17th Annual Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest.
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The Women’s Foundation of Collier County raised $2.2 million at its 30th Anniversary Women’s Foundation Luncheon, helping advance opportunities for women and girls throughout Collier County.
Kody and Kristina Gear, Marisa Luizzi, Olga Placeres and Wanda Rodriguez
Preferred Travel & Company donated $15,000 to Baker Senior Center Naples, helping the nonprofit organization provide its wide-ranging social programs and services for older adults.
Collier Community Foundation awarded $70,000 to Youth Haven to support its mission: $60,000 through four grants to expand its trauma-informed, holistic mental health services and a $10,000 grant to support Rob’s Cottage, the nonprofit’s 24-hour transitional living program for unaccompanied homeless teens.
Jingled Elves granted $32,000 to Alliance for Period Supplies of Southwest Florida, providing more than 12,400 dignified periods to individuals experiencing financial hardship. The nonprofit was also selected as a finalist for the Community Foundation of Lee County’s Southwest Florida Nonprofit of the Year Award, highlighting the organization’s growing impact in addressing period poverty.
The League Club volunteered with Freedom Waters Foundation during a “Done In A Day” effort, orienting guests with the program, prioritizing safety by supervising onboard activities, and engaging with participants while capturing photos and videos. Additionally, Freedom Waters Foundation celebrated two decades of impact at its 12th Annual Kind Mariners Ball, raising $350,000 to help the organization expand its reach through therapeutic boating.
Circle of Friends hosted a “Run for Grace Place,” raising $5,000 in support of Grace Place for Children & Families and its mission to provide pathways out of poverty. Additionally, Jingled Elves granted $20,000 to the nonprofit in support of its Bright Beginnings program, preparing children for kindergarten while equipping mothers with necessary skills for long-term economic stability.
Laura Donovan, Suzanne Reynen, Linda Sims, Gloria Padilla, Donna Issenmann, Jean Ann Lynch, Jeanne Jones, Maureen Beckwith, Rachel Bates Breakwater Law, Gary Guyton, Tammie Kilpatrick
Jingled Elves gifted $36,000 to Baby Basics of Collier County, helping local families keep their babies clean, dry and healthy. Additionally, Kiwanis Naples donated $550 to support the cause, providing more than a year’s worth of diapers for a local baby.
Jingled Elves granted $20,000 to Collier Children’s Advocacy Center in support of its Healing Through Art therapy program, helping to cover the cost of art materials, therapist time and transportation for children who are referred due to suspected abuse. Additionally, Music Has Healing Power and partners Savage 4x4, Remo Inc., and Gibson Gives, donated a variety of musical instruments for use during therapy sessions to support healing, comfort and emotional expression.
Tamiami Auto Group donated $17,870 to the Cancer Alliance Network, raised through the dealer’s annual “Nay Shave” initiative, where employee contributions were matched by the company.
Gail Walton, Eileen Pearson, Judi LePree (Client & Community Service Coordinator), Connie Nemes, Kay Jasso, (Chief Executive Officer), Keryl Ball, Debbie Solon, and Judy Karpowich
American Airlines Kiwi Club donated $8,000 to the Centers for Multiple Sclerosis in support of its cause.
Moorings Church donated more than $15,000 to New Horizons of Southwest Florida, supporting the nonprofit’s academic, mentorship and faith-based programs for local children.
Tamiami Auto Group presented a $17,870 check to Golisano Children’s Health Center to support its specialized pediatric care, including oncology, cardiology and therapy services in Collier County.
The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida broke records, raising more than $60,000 at its 27th Annual Step Up for Parkinson’s walk to support the nonprofit’s free programs helping those affected by Parkinson’s disease live well.
The Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation awarded a $500,000 gift to support expansion of the Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) Rooney Heart Institute, assisting the nonprofit healthcare organization in its long-term mission of transforming Southwest Florida into a destination for world-class cardiovascular care.
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.
CHAPTER 211
Caught in the Act of Kindness - March 2026
Celebrating individuals, groups and organizations that share their time, talent and treasure to meet the needs in our community.
“Every single time you help somebody stand up, you are helping humanity rise.” ~ Steve Maraboli