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Jennifer’s April Fashion Forward Friday to benefit the Quality Life Center

Posted on March 19, 2013 by simplifyadmin

Local Boutique Celebrates 30 Years in Style by Supporting Local Charities

(Fort Myers, FL – March 19, 2013) –Jennifer’s is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Southwest Florida by giving back to the community. Charities will benefit from a percentage of sales during “Fashion Forward Fridays,” the first Friday of the month at the women’s boutique through June. Participating charities include Special Equestrians, Eden Autism Services, Abuse Counseling & Treatment, Island Coast AIDS Network, The Heights Foundation, Quality Life Center, Making Strides against Breast Cancer (ACS) and The Salvation Army.

The next Fashion Forward Friday will be held on Friday, April 5 from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Shoppers will enjoy champagne and refreshments and 5% of all sales will be donated to the Quality Life Center. There will also be drawings for six $30 gift certificates.

Owner Jennifer Williams began working in retail while she attended Fort Myers High School. In November of 1983, she opened Jennifer’s on McGregor Boulevard, in the same location it stands today. “I started small and selected quality merchandise,” says Williams. “I am a hands-on owner and hire employees who listen to and understand the needs of our customers.” Jennifer’s has always actively given back to the community.

“The Quality Life Center provides educational tutoring and mentoring services to children in need to help them and their families gain a better quality of life,” said Williams. “We are proud to support their work.”

Jennifer’s is located at 13451 McGregor Boulevard at Cypress Lake Drive (Cypress Square) and is open from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call (239) 481-8582 or visit Jennifer’s online at jennifersfortmyers.com

About Jennifer’s

The Fort Myers women’s boutique was founded by Jennifer Williams in 1983. Jennifer’s offers subtle and timeless pieces that can be worn every day. Jennifer’s is located at 13451 McGregor Boulevard at Cypress Lake Drive in the Cypress Square Shopping Center. For more information call 239-481-8582 or visit Jennifer’s online at jennifersfortmyers.com.

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Hodges University 2013 Humanitarian Award Honoring John R. Wood

Posted on March 6, 2013 by simplifyadmin

A video we created honoring John R. Wood, founder of one of the largest real estate companies in Southwest Florida. John was named Hodges University’s 2013 Humanitarian of the Year.

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Arnold McCuller to Headline Concert to Benefit Easter Seals Florida

Posted on March 5, 2013 by simplifyadmin


Alive in the World concert at The Phil on April 26

(Naples, Fla. – March 5, 2013) Acclaimed vocalist and songwriter Arnold McCuller will headline this spring’s Alive in the World Concert benefiting Easter Seals Florida. The concert and auction event is presented by the Trust for the Advancement of Responsible Artists (TARA) and will be held at The Philharmonic Center for the Arts Daniels Pavilion, Friday, April 26, 2013 beginning at 7:00 p.m.

At some point in your life you have heard Arnold McCuller’s rich and distinctive vocals that have captured the hearts and ears of many well-respected musicians and fans alike. He is probably best known for his 30-year association with James Taylor, where he is often featured on the stage performances of Taylor’s song “Shower the People”.

Whether performing solo or singing back up, his show-stopping live performances regularly bring audiences to their feet. McCuller has been one of the music industry’s most popular session singers. His voice has graced recordings by a virtual who’s who of the music industry, including Phil Collins, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Bette Midler, Lionel Ritchie, Dave Koz, Billy Idol, Lyle Lovett and Beck to name only a few.

“Arnold McCuller is one of the greatest vocalists alive,” said Bob Goldman, director and founder of TARA. “His extraordinary stage presence and vocal ability are going to make for an amazing show.”

TARA was founded as a result of Bob Goldman’s interest in autism. “Easter Seals Florida addresses the needs of people with autism in our community,” Goldman says. “Just supporting the cause is reason enough to come to this event. But people also get a great performance by artists they might otherwise never get to see.” Previous concerts have included Ben Taylor, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Rodney Crowell, Brandi Carlile and Phoebe Snow.

Easter Seals Florida acquired Eden Autism Services Florida in February 2013. Easter Seals Florida provides a range of community-based services to meet specific needs of individuals with autism in throughout the lifespan including the Lily Academies (K-12 schools in Fort Myers and Naples), clinical services, consultations and community training, and adult residential, vocational training and employment services.

The “Alive in the World Concert,” featuring Arnold McCuller, will be held on Friday, April 26, 2013. He will be accompanied by the Community School Naples all-star rock band. The event kicks off at 7:00 p.m. with cocktails in The Daniels Pavilion and information about Easter Seals Florida and its new autism programs in Southwest Florida. At 7:30 p.m. talented singer-songwriter, Dan Signor opens the show, followed by a live auction. Then McCuller will take the stage. Tickets for the event are $150 each, and only 200 tickets will be sold. For more information or to purchase tickets call (239) 919-0408 or visit www.gigforgood.org.

About Easter Seals Florida
For 65 years, Easter Seals Florida has been offering help, hope, and answers to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play in their communities. Easter Seals Florida provides a wide range of community based services in Southwest Florida to meet specific needs throughout the lifespan. These services include K-12 schools for children with autism in Fort Myers and Naples, clinical services, consultations and community training, and adult residential, vocational training and employment services. For more information, contact Debra Lynne at (239) 277-9818 or email DLynne@fl.easterseals.com.

About Autism
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 88 children in the United States, and one in 54 boys. The prevalence of autism has increased 600 percent in the past two decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

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THE BETTY ALLEN OVARIAN CANCER FOUNDATION IS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS -

Posted on February 26, 2013 by simplifyadmin

Fort Myers, FL – February 25, 2013 – The Betty Allen Ovarian Cancer Foundation (BAOCF) is seeking volunteers in Lee, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Charlotte counties. The foundation’s goal is to provide education and awareness about ovarian cancer to women and girls as well as the medical community. BAOCF is actively seeking volunteers to assist in its mission and to act as the public face of the organization.

BAOCF is participating in exhibits at awareness events throughout the year in public, educational and cancer-specific settings, spreading awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. No experience is needed, as the foundation will train all volunteers. High school students looking to fulfill their community service hour requirements are welcome to volunteer.

“We are looking for individuals WHO WANT TO HELP US MAKE SOME NOISE! Every voice in this fight to help us educate and raise awareness for early detection makes our cause stronger and our mission louder,” says Sharie Allen Kearns, Founder and President. The gaps in education about ovarian cancer continue to exist. “Many women still believe that a PAP smear detects ovarian cancer (it does not). We need to spread the word about the real symptoms of this disease which will increase early detection and survival.” Ovarian cancer is the ninth-most-common cancer among women, but it is the fifth-leading cause of cancer-related death and is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers. If you are interested in becoming a BAOCF volunteer, contact us at (239) 935-8325 or info@ovariancancerfl.org.

Volunteers who can sew, knit or crochet to assist with making hope bags, lap robes and scarves are also needed.

The Betty Allen Ovarian Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that was founded on February 14, 2011. Sharie Allen Kearns began the Foundation almost five years after her mother, Betty Allen, was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. The goal of the foundation is to educate women and girls about ovarian cancer, provide support to those affected by the disease, and to partner with the medical community to promote early detection and treatment. The foundation currently serves Lee, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Charlotte Counties. For more information visit www.ovariancancerfl.org or call us at 239.935-8325 (YEL-TEAL).

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Canterbury School Announces Annual Scholarship Fundraising Event

Posted on February 26, 2013 by simplifyadmin

FineMark Bank is Presenting Sponsor

FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 25, 2013) – Canterbury School will present its annual fundraising gala, “Dream Big – the Sky’s the Limit,” to support the school’s need-based financial aid program, provide curriculum enrichment and classroom enhancements on Saturday, April 20, 2013, 7 p.m., at the ACI Hangar at Page Field. The event is presented by FineMark Bank.

More than 25 percent of Canterbury students receive some form of need-based merit scholarship and/or financial aid support. “We recognize that the full cost of an independent education is beyond the means of some outstanding students and families,” says Tony Paulus, head of school. “The financial aid program at Canterbury School is designed to help make a Canterbury education accessible to qualified students who could not otherwise afford the cost of attending.”

This year, Canterbury is providing approximately $1,460,000 of financial assistance. The school adheres to the National Association of Independent School’s Principles of Good Practice for Financial Aid in its granting processes.

In addition, students of promise can apply for need-based Merit Scholarship opportunities for students entering 6th and 9th grades. The students must apply and meet certain academic requirements, demonstrate leadership qualities and take a qualifying test at Canterbury School.

The net proceeds from the Dream Big event will benefit the Scholarship and Financial Aid programs. Tickets are $150 per person, $300 per couple, or $100 for Canterbury Alumni. Sponsorships are available, for more information, contact the Development Office at 239-333-3294, or email LOzboyaci@canterburyfortmyers.org

Canterbury School, a private, independent PreK3 – 12th grade college preparatory school in Fort Myers, was founded in 1964 and has an enrollment of 615. The school is dedicated to academic excellence within a caring and supportive community emphasizing character, leadership and service.

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Jennifer’s March Fashion Forward Friday to benefit the Heights Foundation

Posted on February 21, 2013 by simplifyadmin

Local Boutique Celebrates 30 Years in Style by Supporting Local Charities

(Fort Myers, FL – February 20, 2013) –Jennifer’s is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Southwest Florida by giving back to the community. Charities will benefit from “Fashion Forward Fridays” at the women’s boutique through June. Participating charities include Special Equestrians, Eden Autism Services, Abuse Counseling & Treatment, Island Coast AIDS Network, The Heights Foundation, Quality Life Center, Making Strides against Breast Cancer (ACS) and The Salvation Army.

The next Fashion Forward Friday will be held on Friday March 1 from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Shoppers will enjoy champagne and refreshments and 5% of all sales will be donated to the Heights Foundation. There will also be drawings for six $30 gift certificates.

Jennifer Williams opened her Fort Myers boutique in November of 1983 on McGregor Boulevard at Cypress Square; the same location where it stands today. Her style is subtle, simple and sophisticated. Jennifer’s has always actively given back to the community

“The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood,” said Williams. “We are proud to highlight their work and give back to them.”

Jennifer’s is located at 13451 McGregor Boulevard at Cypress Lake Drive (Cypress Square) and is open from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call (239) 481-8582 or visit Jennifer’s online at jennifersfortmyers.com

About Jennifer’s

The Fort Myers women’s boutique was founded by Jennifer Williams in 1983. Jennifer’s offers subtle and timeless pieces that can be worn every day. Jennifer’s is located at 13451 McGregor Boulevard at Cypress Lake Drive in the Cypress Square Shopping Center. For more information call 239-481-8582 or visit Jennifer’s online at jennifersfortmyers.com.

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Pathstone Family Office’s Braverman Discusses Future for Families of Wealth

Posted on February 7, 2013 by simplifyadmin

(ESTERO, Fla. – February 6, 2013) – Steve Braverman, co-founder and managing director of Pathstone Family Office, which has an office in southwest Florida, was a keynote speaker during the National Family Office Forum last week in Century City, Calif. He discussed the challenges and opportunities in 2013 facing high net-worth families.

Braverman, a veteran wealth manager with more than 20 years experience, and co-presenter Rhona Vogel, president of Vogel Consulting, opened the two-day educational conference with “The First 100 Days – A Strategic Look Forward for 2013.” Pathstone, with locations in Fort Lee, N.J., Atlanta and Naples, Fla., is continually recognized as one of the fastest-growing registered investment advisors and top wealth managers.

“The national election, the Fiscal Cliff and other events during the past few months will continue to present some uncertainties and challenges well into 2013,” said Braverman, who founded Pathstone Family Office in 2010 with Allan Zachariah. “But there will also be some solid investment opportunities we must identify and help our clients navigate in 2013. It’s up to us as advisors to find the best opportunities for our families today and for future planning.”

Braverman has served as a featured speaker at previous forums, which are attended by members and executives of single- and multi-family offices, investment consultants and other individuals who work with high wealth families.

A fully integrated independent, family/employee-owned wealth management firm, Pathstone is an SEC-registered investment advisory firm, providing families with investment advice, income tax planning and compliance, wealth transfer planning and a full suite of family office and financial administration services. The firm operates as a single-family office serving multiple ultra-high net-worth client families.

“We were established on the mission of empowering each of our families to define and achieve their long-term goals and support their legacy,” said Braverman. “Each family has individual needs and we tailor our services to meet their requirements.”
Pathstone Family Office has been recognized as one of InvestmentNews’ fastest-growing registered investment advisors for two consecutive years and ranked eighth in AdvisorOne.com’s 2012 survey of the top 100 wealth managers.*

For additional information about Pathstone Family Office, call 888-750-PATH or visit www.Pathstone.com.

* Pathstone Family Office (“Pathstone”) is a Security and Exchange Commission-registered adviser. The “Top 100 Wealth Managers” is granted by AdviserOne.com, an independent association unaffiliated with Pathstone. Ranking is predominately based on assets under management. “The Fast Movers,” published by InvestmentNews, is also unaffiliated with Pathstone. Ranking is based on growth in discretionary assets under management since 2008 as reported by the RIA database, as defined by the SEC. Data is as reported to the SEC as of Dec. 31, 2010. Firms were included based on the following criteria: 1. Greater than 50 percent of their business must serve the retail marketplace. 2. They must provide financial planning services, portfolio management for individuals or conduct due diligence on third-party advisers. 3. They must not be doing business as a broker-dealer, bank or insurance company. 4. They must not charge commissions or have registered representative employees at the firm. 5. A dominant portion of their business must not be invested in proprietary products.
Third party rankings and recognition from ratings services are no guarantee of future investment success. Working with a highly rated adviser does not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. Ratings should not be considered an endorsement of the advisor by any client nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluation. Please also read a more thorough disclosure and additional information about the criteria used in making these rankings via the following links: http://www.advisorone.com/microsites/top-wealth-managers/ and http://www.investmentnews.com/section/specialreporttemplate?sid=RIA&issuedate=20110302.

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Scott Robertson Auctioneers Selected to Steering Committee of Benefit Auction Summit

Posted on February 7, 2013 by simplifyadmin

In 2012 Robertson conducted 62 charity auctions helping raise nearly $15 million dollars

(February 6, 2013 – Fort Myers, FLA) – Scott Robertson, CAI, BAS, a 20 year veteran auctioneer and principal of Scott Robertson Event Fundraising Consultants/Auctioneers, has been selected to the steering committee of the National Auctioneers Association Benefit Auction Summit. Founded in 1949, the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) is the world’s largest association dedicated to professional auctioneers. The Benefit Auction Summit is a conference for the benefit auction professional that provides three days of intense educational programming. Top professional fundraising auctioneers from throughout the United States and Canada come together to learn, share ideas, network, and seek ways to improve the industry of benefit auctions.

A full time professional Benefit Auctioneer who earned his Benefit Auction Specialist (BAS) designation in 2012, Robertson was selected due to his experience, knowledge and passion for the industry. Less than 1% of the auctioneers in the country have earned the BAS professional designation. In 2012 Robertson conducted 62 charity auctions, raising nearly $15 million dollars. He is one of an estimated 30 auctioneers in the country that make fundraising auctions their full time profession.

Robertson, known as the “Ringleader of Fun,” assembled a team of fundraising auction professionals from around the country to put together an auction to raise funds for the NAS and model best practices and techniques of fundraising auctions.

With more than $100 billion raised worldwide through charity-benefit auctions in 2011, more and more non-profits and charities are turning to professional auctioneers to help them raise donations in support of their causes. Charities average 30% to 40% greater proceeds when they engage a professional benefit auctioneer for their event.

Robertson fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming an auctioneer in 1993 when he attended the Florida Auctioneer Academy. In 1999 he determined that benefit auctions were his niche. “Traditional and benefit auctions are two separate disciplines,” says Robertson. “A traditional auctioneer is selling a specific product. A benefit auctioneer must sell himself first in an effort to generate the excitement needed to raise the most money for the charity.” Robertson believes that charisma, salesmanship and the ability to analyze the audience are three of the most important qualities a benefit auctioneer must have.

Robertson is a member of the Florida Auctioneers Association, National Auctioneers Association and is a graduate of the prestigious Certified Auctioneers Institute. With 20 years of experience, Scott Robertson is considered to be one of the premier professional fundraising auctioneers in the industry. To learn more about Scott Robertson Auctioneers visit thevoe.com or call (239) 246-2139.

About Scott Robertson Auctioneers:
Serving Florida and the Eastern United States Robertson is considered one of the premier professional benefit auctioneers working in the United States today. In the past 20 years, Robertson has conducted hundreds of benefit auctions throughout Florida and the Southeastern United States and helps to raise millions of dollars for a variety of not-for-profit organizations, schools and charities every year. For more information about Scott Robertson of Scott Robertson Auctioneers visit his Web site “The Voice of Experience” at www.thevoe.com or call (239) 246-2139.

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CHEFS AND VINTNERS NAMED FOR SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WINE & FOOD FEST, FEBRUARY 22 & 23

Posted on February 7, 2013 by simplifyadmin

(Fort Myers, FL – February 6, 2013) — The trustees of annual Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest have announced a stellar lineup of chefs and vintners for the 2013 event. On Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22 and 23, some of Southwest Florida’s finest chefs will join a chef from Venice, Italy, and a variety of wineries and wine distributors in the Wine & Food Fest. This annual event features Chef Vintner dinners at private homes located throughout Lee and Collier Counties on Friday evening, and a Grand Tasting and Auction on Saturday afternoon at Miromar Lakes Beach Club. The Wine & Food Fest benefits local children’s charities.

“We endorse the ideas espoused by Wine merchant and writer Andre Simon,” said Steve Machiz, M.D., Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest founding chairman, ‘Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized.’ For this reason, we seek out the best chefs and vintners, with each participant bringing a unique culinary style and perspective to our tables.”

The chef’s preparing Chef Vintner dinners on Friday night include: Chef Andy Hunter, The Bay House; Chef Mauro Domenico Lucivero, Ristorante Lineadombra of Venice, Italy; Chef George Fistrovich, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples; Chef Gloria Cabral-Jordan, La Trattoria Café Napoli, Chef Harold Balink, Cru; Chef Jeremy Houston, Capital Grille, Chef Brian Roland, personal concierge Chef, Crave Culinaire; Chef Jason Grasty, Roy’s; Chef Greg Scarlatos, Angelina’s Ristorante, and Jon Phillips, CaterMasters, Naples.

Saturday’s Grand Tasting chefs which include: Chef Jason Grasty, Roy’s, Chef Greg Scarlatos, Angelina’s Ristorante; Chef Andreas Singer, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point; Chef Roger Chastain, Sunshine Grille, Chef Marbin Avilez, Firestone’s; Chef William Murray, The Veranda; Chef Neil Griffin, Il Cielo; Chef Robert Brown, Miromar Lakes; Chef Nathaniel Reid, Norman Love Confections; Chef Billy Mak, Blu Sushi; Andre Gratesol, Lush French Bakery; Chef Christian Vivet, Blue Windows French Bistro.

The 2013 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest will once again play host to a number of featured wineries, including many who have returned for an encore appearance.

“We continue to seek out the best wines available from a handful of distinctive and distinguished wineries,” said Marshall Hanno, Wine Committee chairman, “Since we invite boutique wineries with extremely limited production, we’re privileged to offer wines that are highly rated by wine connoisseurs and yet rarely available to the general public.” The Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest is pleased to feature these very fine wineries:

Husic Vineyards
Our signature vintner this year, Husic Vineyards reside on a hillside overlooking the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. There the Husic Family has crafted three unique Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards. Moving tons of rock, they sculpted narrow terraces that cling to the mountain’s edge. Here they planted small, extremely steep vineyards that peacefully coexist with the region’s wildlife. These rugged, rocky growing conditions, combined with careful farming methods, have yielded a limited amount of magnificent fruit. Now on their eighth release, Husic Vineyards is offering 2008 Husic Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 Husic Vineyards Chardonnay and 2008 Palm Terrace Cabernet.

2013 Participating wineries:
Ornellaia
Benovia Winery
Myriad Cellars & Quivet
V Madrone
Round Pond Estate
Domaine Drouhin
Delamotte
Von Strasser Winery
Marqués de Cáceres
Silver Oak
Hartwell Estate Vineyard
Ponzi
Fonseca Port

Distributors:
Augustan Wine Imports
Premier Beverage
Republic National Distributing Company

Northern Trust Bank is the title sponsor of the 2013 Wine & Food Fest. Along with Miromar Lakes Beach Club, Norman Love Confections, Angelina’s Ristorante, and Palm Printing/Printers Ink, other supporters of the event include Grandeur, and Gulfshore Life and Gulfshore Business Magazine.

The Wine & Food Fest Grand Tasting and Auction will be held in the Beach Clubhouse at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club and its outdoor waterfront venue. Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club is a residential waterfront resort community with over 700 acres of contiguous aquamarine freshwater lakes, three miles of private, white sandy beach and “Signature” championship golf. Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club is located in Miromar Lakes, just north of Naples.

The Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest is a signature event of the SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides funding to local charities serving local children. The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida is this year’s beneficiary and secondary beneficiaries are Edison State College’s pediatric nursing program, and Florida Gulf Coast University’s music therapy program.

Tickets start at $1,000+ for the Chef Vintner Dinners, which includes tickets to the Saturday Grand Tasting and Auction; tickets for Saturday only are $500 per person and are very limited.

For more information about Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest: www.swflwinefest.org or information on sponsorship or ticket sales, call 239-278-3900.

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Harlem Heights Cultural Arts and Community Center Ribbon Cutting February 28

Posted on February 7, 2013 by simplifyadmin

(Fort Myers, Fla. – February 7, 2013) –The ribbon cutting of the $5.8 million, 14,000-square foot Harlem Heights Cultural Arts and Community Center will take place on Thursday, February 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Center, located in the Harlem Heights community at 15570 Hagie Drive in Fort Myers. The event is free and open to the public.

The Heights Foundation supports the Heights Center, a place for education, opportunity, and enrichment. The Center’s mission is to promote family and community development, support education, health and wellness, and provide the benefits of enrichment, expressive and cultural arts in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.

The Heights Center stood as a shell for four years after the real estate crash forced a philanthropist to rescind a $4 million dollar pledge. “Because of the generous support of local donors, along with the tenacity and dedicated work of our Board of Directors, Advisory Committee, employees, volunteers, the residents of Harlem Heights and the Harlem Heights Improvement Association, we were able to make the Center a reality,” said Kathryn Kelly, President and CEO of the Heights Foundation. “We will open our doors debt-free.”

In 2012 the Heights Foundation and their partners provided 6,400 camp days, 6,000 afterschool days and 400 backpacks filled with supplies. Enriching afterschool and summer camp programs, literacy classes and early learning play groups helped children succeed in school. Adults in the Heights neighborhood benefited from financial education, Financial Peace training and volunteer tax assistance. “Our current programs are bursting at the seams,” said Kelly. “Our new center will allow our programs to grow and flourish. We welcome the community to join us for the ribbon cutting to celebrate this milestone.”
For more information call (239) 482-7706 or visit www.heightsfoundation.org

About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center

The Heights Center, supported by the Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment. The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. As a 501(c)3 grassroots organization, the Center’s mission is to promote family and community development, support education, health and wellness, and provide the benefits of enrichment, expressive and cultural arts.

Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 1,200 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 55% Hispanic, 36% African-American, and 9% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.

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