CHAPTER 191
Caught in the Act of Kindness - May 2025
Celebrating individuals, groups and organizations that share their time, talent and treasure to meet the needs in our community.
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” ~ Princess Diana
Naples Pathways Coalition partnered with the Naples Police Department to distribute bicycle lights and other safety gear to workers through its Lights for Bikes program, with the lights and reflective vests funded by The Auto Club Group. Naples Pathways Coalition also hosted cyclists, walkers and runners at the 19th Annual TD Bank Naples Bike Brunch & Walk raising more than $32,000 to further its mission to create safe, bikeable and walkable communities in Collier County.
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Thanks to the generosity of The Quarry Community residents, 60 elementary students from Grace Place for Children and Families experienced an unforgettable day of outdoor fun, filled with fishing, games, crafts and laughter, all at no cost.
Graduating high school student Juliana N. received a surprise $10,000 scholarship for her dedication to financial literacy through her participation in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Charles Schwab Foundation’s Money Matters Ambassador program.
President & CEO Rob Moher with musical performances by Tropical Chick Music, Lovebirds Music, Peter Lake and Kurt Stevens (photo by Drew and Karen’s Photography)
Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s 2025 Magic Under the Mangroves Gala raised more than $1.7 million to support its environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation programs.
Corey Lazar, Deborah Houk, Rufino Hernandez, Ingrid Aielli, Christine Lublin, Courtney Hansen
Youth Haven’s Starry Nights Gala raised more than $2.5 million to support abused, neglected and homeless children and teens who rely on the nonprofit for safety and healing.
Eileen Connolly Kesler, Michael Puchalla and Lindsey Touchette
Collier Community Foundation awarded a $200,000 grant to The Housing Alliance to fund operations in 2025.
Fostering Success raised $700,000+ at its record-breaking gala, Candy Dreams, raising crucial funds to support valuable, life-changing programs for foster children throughout Southwest Florida.
Photo by LionStar Photography
The Lee County Bar Association Foundation donated $1,000 to Better Together in support of the Better Families program. Better Together also raised $621,050 at its Night of a Million Dreams gala to support its mission of strengthening families and preventing the need for foster care.
Dance ensemble at the Great Futures Gala
More than $525,000 was raised at the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County’s 14th annual Great Futures Gala to support its mission to empower all young people, especially those who need us most.
Photo Credit Pat D'Aquanno
Saint William Catholic Church’s inaugural A Night of Building HOPE gala raised an impressive $450,000 in support of initiatives aimed at empowering the homeless on their journey to achieve long-term stability.
An Immokalee Foundation Career Pathways student intern onsite at the Baker Museum at Artis-Naples
American Student Assistance® awarded The Immokalee Foundation a three-year $292,000 grant and BMO donated $100,000, both in support of The Immokalee Foundation’s acclaimed Career Pathways program.
A Night on the Red Carpet co-chairs
Greater Naples Chamber raised $360,000 at its signature event, A Night on the Red Carpet, to support the Chamber’s mission to cultivate economic opportunity for all.
Joyce Van Horne, Dr. Jean Elrick and Pat Lamarra
Interfaith Charities of South Lee County hosted its annual gala, A Night of Hope, raising an impressive $245,000 to support its outreach programs and food pantry.
Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida’s Level Up Dads program hosted a special Daddy Did My Hair event at the Paul Mitchell School in Fort Myers, bringing local fathers and their children together. The nonprofit also received a $5,000 grant from the First Horizon Foundation. Additionally, at its inaugural CAC Reimagined fundraiser, Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida raised $140,000 to support its mission to provide a safe, nurturing environment for children affected by abuse and neglect.
Kids in food forest with banana trees
Naples Garden Club granted $10,000 to Empowerment Farm for the installation of pollinator plant habitats that will support the growth of more than 100 varieties of vegetation that align with the farm’s mission to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce hunger. Empowerment Farm also raised nearly $100,000 at its inaugural Evening Beneath the Oak event.
Mayor John Gunter and Mayor Kevin Anderson
Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens raised $13,600 to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at its inaugural Shaken, Stirred & Served event.
The League Club awarded $30,000 to support Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida’s Mobile Community Resource Center.
Show co-chairs Diane Ervin and Elaine Gates (Photo credit: Tim Gibbons)
Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance’s 8th annual Orchid Show and Sale raised $20,000 to benefit education, outreach and conservation programs.
The women of Miromar Lakes and Spanish Wells brought the community together for the Beautiful Fashions, Bright Futures Luncheon and Fashion Show, raising $65,000 to benefit New Horizons of SWFL.
UWCK staff member alongside an individual who received support during a recent disaster
A $100,000 grant, made possible by an anonymous donor and facilitated by United Way Worldwide, was awarded to United Way of Collier and the Keys to launch a transformative initiative that empowers volunteers, nonprofits and community stakeholders to help individuals access and navigate recovery resources.
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.
