Sugar Ray Robinson, considered by many the greatest boxing champion of all time, once said: “Rhythm is everything in boxing. Every move you make starts with your heart, and that’s...
The time-honored axiom that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure has never been more valid than when applied to our health. The prospects for an enhanced...
Walls may form barriers between the rooms in a home, but sometimes walls and barriers take on new meaning when thoughts turn to independent residential living options for Southwest Floridians...
It’s no secret that COVID-19 has changed everything. From the way we greet each other, to the way we organize our lives around new realities, to the way we gather...
The ability to navigate life with language that communicates complex thoughts, ideas and emotions makes us uniquely human. But our capacity to connect with and understand each other extends far...
Many have fled deprivation and persecution in search of a better life. They hold tight to their American Dream. They’re vital to Southwest Florida’s economy. They are the undocumented immigrants...
While preparing to welcome a new baby to the family is typically a time of wonder and joy, an expectant mother’s rollercoaster of anticipation and nervousness is also accompanied by...
When COVID-19 closed schools in the spring, it also shut down a primary food distribution channel for Brighter Bites, a nonprofit organization that stocks elementary school pantries with nutritious food...
It’s been said that seeing is believing. But it also takes believing in a shared mission among caring Southwest Floridians to make seeing a reality for thousands of adults and...
One of the earliest health concerns for children is visible with every smile. Teeth. From their earliest days as infants and toddlers, when dental-health treatment and family knowledge surrounding oral...
As the convergence of perilous disease in the air and transformational social unrest on the streets has created anxiety that sets our hearts, minds and souls on edge, an invaluable emotional outlet that is uniquely human exists...
School is a crucial and complex part of growing up. It’s a period when young people develop not only academically in the classroom, but also socially and emotionally as they navigate life in the hallways, at...
Cone of uncertainty. The term crossed my mind as I watched reports on Tropical Storm Arthur, which flared up before hurricane season even officially began. We’ve grown accustomed to hearing...
When the service missions end for local military veterans and their families, the mission of the nonprofit Home Base Southwest Florida begins. With the latest figures from the U.S. Department of...
This article is part of a summer series that will highlight the vital work of regional recipients of 2020 Community Impact Grants from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. COVID-19 has caused...
There is a great deal of talk these days around adaptability. Personal, professional, business, government and healthcare adaptability are top of mind as we navigate the pandemic in all aspects...
I spend a good portion of my time these days virtually connecting with people who desperately want to do something to help those suffering as a result of the pandemic. ...
The subject line of the email proclaimed “This Event is NOT Cancelled” and for obvious reasons it caught a lot of attention. I’ve learned that some people felt a momentary flash...
This column is difficult for me to write as it hits close to home. My birth year of 1963 places me on the cusp of the baby boomer generation, and...
Last month there were a plethora of announcements that ushered in 2020 trends. Fashion, music, food and technology gurus all kick off the year with predictions and proclamations of what...
Over the last few weeks, hundreds of volunteers have walked through the doors of Collaboratory. The space doesn’t provide direct services to individuals so volunteering here takes on a different...
The holiday season in Southwest Florida is truly a season of warmth, not only with our glorious winter weather, but also the emotional warmth that comes from gathering with family,...
The Women’s Legacy Fund (WLF) of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation will hold its 2019 Fall Breakfast for Contributors, Friends and those interested in being part of the WLF on...
Each summer I turn over this column to the Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s nonprofit grantee partners. These are organizations who have received funding, made possible by donors, to support change-making...
by Cathy Murtagh Schaffer, PA-C, Lee Physician Group Patients struggling with addiction and related health issues have a new option for treatment through an innovative program at Lee Health. Using a $50,000...
by Sarah Owen, president & CEO, Southwest Florida Community Foundation I have a 3-hour limit. I don’t turn into a pumpkin, but anything longer than 3 hours in a car and...
by Christian Bell, Marketing Manager Ray Charles, Art Tatum, Stevie Wonder, Andrea Bocelli—these great performers, who are all immediately recognizable for their amazing talent, all dealt with visual impairment. Many singers,...
By Laura Perry, President, Glades Education Foundation, Inc. There were many local students joyously crossing the stage in late spring, entering the next formative phase of their lives, with proud families...
The Southwest Florida Community Foundation recently welcomed two new team members to the organization. Trisha Botty, an experienced professional in government and community relations, communications, organization, program management and public advocacy,...
By Lauren G. Schmidt, Health Education Program Consultant, Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County received a $25,000 Community Impact grant from the...
Rose is pictured with her Big Sister Alex. My name is Rose and I am a graduating senior. I am a happy, healthy, well adjusted, young woman who excels in school...
by Jill Palmer, Executive Director, Florida Southern Gulf Chapter, American Red Cross Thanks in part to a recent grant from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, and in partnership with Lee County...
The low hum of homework grumbling has been a backdrop of my life for a least 20 years. On the journey of raising three kids, there are bound to be...
by Caroline Ridgway, Special to Florida Weekly You know it’s a worthy celebration if both cake and social good are on the agenda, and the Southwest Florida Community Foundation knows how...
I have always been perplexed by people who become upset with inanimate objects. Someone who stubs their toe and is mad at the table, or unattended burned cookies become the...
Hands down the best part about my job is meeting the interesting people who do exceptional things and give to their community in unique ways. This story starts with a self-described...
The Southwest Florida Community Foundation hosted friends from the Battle Creek Community Foundation for the Inaugural C3 Luncheon, Calhoun County Connections. Community Foundation CEOs Sarah Owen, of Southwest Florida, and...
The Bonita Springs Community Advisory Committee recently presented $24,000 to two local nonprofits. Bonita Wonder Gardens, Inc. received $15,000 and Bonita Springs Concert Band, Inc. received $9,000. Bonita Wonder Gardens’ Eco-Camps will...
The wheel starts shaking, the car slows down, rubber is flying, and it takes just a few seconds to realize that an extended stop on the side of the road...
It wasn’t easy to jump into the fray of all the fundraising pledges happening under the tent on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, but leave it to a strong,...
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation, operated by local NFL player Tommy Bohanon and his wife Katie, have started the Tommy Bohanon Scholarship Fund at the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. After playing for...
During this month of “love,” I am pleased to share a love poem to the community written by residents who joined the trustees and team of the Southwest Florida Community...
For the past year I have been wearing a simple gold ring in the shape of a circle. It isn’t an infinity sign, but the continuous circle serves as a...
For nearly 30 years a woman I never met has been whispering in my ear every time I sit down to write. Sometimes she shows up in everyday conversations as...
Over the holidays a friend stopped by with a fresh baked cherry pie – so fresh it was still steaming from her oven. Standing there on our doorstep three days...
The Southwest Florida Community Foundation recently announced the promotion of Luis Leon to Chief Financial Officer for the Foundation. Leon joined the Foundation as accountant in 2012, was named controller in...
The woman sat awkwardly on the folding chair outside the dark office of a small business, continually checking the posted hours of operation and the calendar housed on her phone. Without...
I have long resisted the urge to use the phrase “huddle up everyone” in a team or staff meeting. As a lover of all things sports and team building, I...
As 2018 winds down and the holidays are now almost behind us, the Amazon Prime boxes with the signature blue and black tape are making their way to the curb,...
On one of our many corporate transfers, my family found themselves in Daytona Beach for a few years. Anyone who has lived the life of moving every couple of calendar...
