CHAPTER 224
Caught in the Act of Kindness - September 2026
Celebrating individuals, groups and organizations that share their time, talent and treasure to meet the needs in our community.
"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." ~ Desmond Tutu
_WEB.jpg)
Preferred Travel collected over 125 pairs of shoes for Laces of Love, providing a comfortable new pair of shoes to 125 school kids for the new school year.
Naples Children Foundation granted $80,000 to STARability Foundation to support staffing for its Jr. Trailblazer Academy, an enriching after-school program that helps high school students with autism and other developmental disabilities prepare for a meaningful transition into adulthood. STARability participants and BCB Homes employees came together to collect litter at Lowdermilk Beach to celebrate the fifth annual Coastal Cleanup.
Patty Baker Humane Society Naples provided 136 affordable spay and neuter surgeries through the BISSELL Pet Foundation initiative.
_WEB.jpg)
Back row: Jason Duke, Ellen Duke, Natalie Van Horn, Renee Ciccarello, Brooke Denson, Marja Norris, Elaine Hawkins, Lisa Dorcey, Sandy Stilwell Youngquist, Josh Dorcey, David Ciccarello – Front row: Coco Ciccarello and Chandler Ciccarello
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. presented Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida with a check totaling more than $3 million from funds raised through the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest to go towards building a new hub for Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities.
Naples Children Foundation granted $410,000 to Grace Place for Children and Families, supporting family literacy and student access. Additionally, the Moorings Park Foundation awarded a $20,000 grant to the nonprofit in support of its LEAD program.
Naples Children Foundation provided a $50,000 grant to The Conservancy of Southwest Florida to expand its Youth Environmental Education Outreach Program and increase hands-on environmental education opportunities across Collier County.
_WEB.jpg)
Back row: Eileen Stack (Post Adjutant), Debbie Hanson (Freedom Waters), Sohia Amvrosiator (Freedom Waters), Mary Conejo (Freedom Waters), Jack Fulmer (Finance Officer), Bob Palasak (1st Vice), Kristin Ristin (Freedom Waters) – Front row: Nukhet Hendricks (Freedom Waters) & Don Harris (Post 135 Commander)
American Legion Hardee R. Mills Post 135 donated $5,000 to the Freedom Waters Foundation through a grant from the Florida American Legion Children & Youth Fund Committee, supporting the Foundation’s mission to provide therapeutic boating experiences to veterans, children and adults with disabilities throughout the community.
Tami and Joe Balavage, HADC founders, at 2025 dinner
AdventHealth granted $10,000 to Help A Diabetic Child cover the cost of life-saving insulin, diabetes medical supplies and physician visits for children in need.
Naples Children Foundation granted $182,500 to Avow to strengthen and expand Avow Kids, the organization's nationally recognized pediatric grief and emotional wellness program.
Warrior Homes of Collier awarded $20,000 in college scholarships to a local veteran and family members of veterans: Aaron Abreu, Ayden Abreu, Loren Lichi and Adam Stanbro. The nonprofit also received a $50,000 grant from the Moorings Park Foundation to assist the nonprofit’s efforts to provide supportive housing for senior veterans.
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.
