An Introduction to the Charity Register

If you ever had any doubt about the generosity of this region, the number and range of the charitable organizations listed in this year's register should convince you that we live in one of the biggest-hearted places on earth. In all, we've included more than 250 nonprofit groups in Lee and Collier counties, and each one provides vital services to our community. Families in need, arts lovers, the ill, the lonely, those seeking intellectual stimulation and a sense of connection to a larger purpose-these organizations serve us all. In our ever-growing region, they need our support more than ever. Most have signature fund-raising events and volunteer opportunities, giving you a number of ways to get involved.

We limit our register to Lee and Collier nonprofit organizations that offer community services and fund-raising events open to the public. These organizations are grouped by county, based on where the organization is headquartered (some serve several different counties). At press time, some dates and locations for events had not been finalized; be sure to check the Southwest Florida Masterplanner on our Web site, www.gulfshorelife.com, for up-to-the-minute information.

We have made every attempt to be comprehensive, but in a region where causes keep arising along with needs, we may have missed some groups. We hope you'll bring such omissions to our attention so we can include them in the next edition. Please send your suggestions to Katie S. Betz at Gulfshore Life, 9051 Tamiami Trail N. Suite 202, Naples FL 34108 or to katieb@gulfshorelife.com.