Veranda hosts Southwest Florida Community Foundation to celebrate Philanthropy Month

Event kicks off seasonal opening of restaurant’s courtyard  

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 8, 2016) – To kick off Philanthropy Month, the Veranda restaurant in downtown Fort Myers recently hosted the Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s board of trustees and guests.

            More than 100 guests gathered on the Veranda’s patio courtyard for drinks, appetizers and an update by Community Foundation President and CEO Sarah Owen on philanthropic giving in the region.

“In honor of Community Foundation Week (Nov. 12 to 18) and National Philanthropy Day (Nov. 15), we are thankful to the Veranda for allowing us to host our trustees and friends to celebrate giving across Southwest Florida,” Owen said.

The Southwest Florida Community Foundation, founded in 1976, cultivates regional change for the common good through collective leadership, social innovation and philanthropy to address the evolving community needs in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. Last year, it partnered with individuals, families and corporations that created more than 400 philanthropic funds. Thanks to them, the Foundation’s invested $5 million in grants and programs to the community. With assets of more than $93 million, it has provided more than $67 million in grants and scholarships to the communities it serves since inception. The Community Foundation is the backbone organization for the regional FutureMakers Coalition and Lee County’s Sustainability Plan.

The event also served as a kick-off to the seasonal re-opening of the Veranda’s outdoor patio for lunch and dinner guests and special events.

The garden courtyard boasts rare and spectacular botanical foliage that’s been growing since the early 1970s including one of the largest African tulip trees in the area, a cinnamon tree, bamboo, an exotic Rangoon Creeper vine, magnolia, citrus and banana trees, and more.

The Veranda will celebrate 37 years of business in 2017. The restaurant is located at 2122 Second Street in two turn-of-the-century Victorian homes. It features Southern regional cuisine with a full bar, extensive wine list and first-class service in a romantic setting. The Veranda is consistently honored as one of the most award-winning restaurants in the area.

Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. A mid-day menu is served Monday through Friday from 2 to 4 p.m., and dinner is served Monday through Saturday from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Private dining is also available from 10 to 400 guests. Live entertainment is featured in the Veranda’s piano lounge Wednesday through Saturday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30. Valet or street parking is available.

For reservations and more information, call 239-332-2065 or visit www.verandarestaurant.com.