CHAPTER 185 | FEBRUARY 2025

Celebrating individuals, groups and organizations that share their time, talent and treasure to meet the needs in our community.

“If the world seems cold to you, kindle fires to warm it.” ~ Lucy Larcom

James and Mollie Venglar, Jeanne Larso, Charles Stanisce, Anastasia Watts

Steve and Shannon Diener, Karla and Joerg Eifler, Jorge and Giselle Calleja

The Spurs & Sequins Gala raised an impressive $125,000+ in support of the Centers for Multiple Sclerosis, a Southwest Florida nonprofit that provides free services, activities and support for individuals living with multiple sclerosis. The western themed gala featured live entertainment, exciting auctions and heartfelt stories about the organization’s work. READ MORE>>>

Steve Saks (lower left) with Jewish Federation of Greater Naples President & CEO Nammie...READ MORE>>>

Philanthropist Stephen Saks donated $20 million to local nonprofits, including a historic $10 million endowment to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples...READ MORE>>>

Ashley Gerry and Laina Kennedy at Youth Haven’s Cherish the Children luncheon.

The Schoen Foundation pledged $2.5 million to Youth Haven’s “Building Hope for Tomorrow” campaign, plus $650,000 for operations. Youth Haven’s...READ MORE>>>

The Strand Sisters — and some men, too — volunteer at Harry Chapin Food Bank each month to pack fresh vegetables and fruit in produce bags for local nonprofits...READ MORE>>>

The Schoen Foundation gifted $3.75 million to Neighborhood Health Clinic, supporting care for chronically ill patients with cardiovascular and coronary heart disease. Meanwhile, The League Club’s Done-in-A-Day volunteers helped prepare....READ MORE>>>

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) a $1.2 million grant for a state-of-the-art Sea Turtle Complex, named for Bill and Laurie Harkey, dedicated advocates whose...READ MORE>>>

Jay and Patty Baker enjoy the 2025 fundraising gala with Ralph Stayer

Baker Senior Center Naples celebrated its 13th annual “Evening for Better Tomorrows,” raising more than $2.15 million to support critical social...READ MORE>>>

The Naples Junior Woman’s Club and Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL united 27 volunteers from the Naples Woman’s Club, Juniorettes, and their own organizations to assemble 400+ emergency period supply kits...READ MORE>>>

The Moorings Park Foundation donated $755,760 to David Lawrence Centers for its “Hope for Collier” initiative. Additionally, the Naples Woman’s...READ MORE>>>

The Schoen Foundation awarded a $500,000 grant to Boys & Girls Club of Collier County to enhance the Club’s Project...READ MORE>>>

Robert Vigorito, Sharon Vigorito, Jim Gula, Tina Le, Sue Mullen, Ed Mullen, Jeri Goetz, Nice Garcia, Tina Gula, Lyvette McCoy, Tom McCoy, Linda Rezendes-Walsh

Feeding Dreams, the Naples-based nonprofit formerly known as Pan-Florida Challenge, hosted 100 special guests at the Naples Yacht Club raising $350,000 to support its...READ MORE>>>

Photo credit: Shane Antalick

The 9th Annual MarineMax Yacht Gala raised $425,565 through silent and live auctions, with proceeds...READ MORE>>>

Entrepreneur, philanthropist and civic leader Tom Golisano gifted $150,000 to For the Love of Cats to expand its lifesaving programs for cats...READ MORE>>>

Photo credit: Shane Antalick

Groovy golfers teed up to raise $111,000 at the third annual tournament to support Lee Health Cancer Institute, helping expand vital services for...READ MORE>>>

J.P. and Beth Davis donated $100,100 to Grace Place for Children and Families, boosting its food pantry for hundreds of families each week. The Baker Family Foundation and...READ MORE>>>

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.