Cause for Celebration

People give for many reasons-and public recognition isn't always one of them. Nonetheless, we're shining a well-deserved spotlight on a few Southwest Floridians whose service to the community warrants a hearty round of applause. Our 2005 Philanthropists of the Year have enriched the lives of people all over the Gulfshore and made this a better place for us all. They were selected by a panel comprised of leaders from the Community Foundation of Collier County, the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, and the Everglades chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Those organizations are teaming up with us for a special National Philanthropy Day luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs, where we will officially present our winning philanthropists to the public. For information, call Mary George at (239) 649-5000.

Frank and Betty Birely, Outstanding Philanthropists, Lee County

It's hard not to smile when you enter the pediatric exam room at HealthPark Medical Center and see walls painted in shades of leafy green and an examination table shaped like a hippo. "When the kids go in there, they're not so scared," explains Frank Bireley, who with his wife, Betty, donated the inspiration and the funds for the Jungle Room. "It makes it easier on the volunteers, easier on the parents and easier on the doctor."

In addition to generous cash gifts to a large number of causes, the Bireleys make things easier for several community organizations. Frank provides leadership to such groups as Lee Memorial Health System Foundation and Lee Cancer Care. He also donates his expertise to the Southwest Florida Symphony, Southwest Florida Community Foundation and other organizations.

Betty champions the Adonis Autism Center, Sanibel Cares and the AIDS Resource Council, among other groups. "I don't like to sit on boards. I like to fill tables and raise funds," she says.

It's that kind of front-line action that makes the couple happiest, says Frank: "We don't just donate, we like to get involved. That's what makes it rewarding."

Dolph and Sharon von Arx, Outstanding Philanthropists, Collier County

When Dolph von Arx, president of Planters LifeSavers Company, was encouraged by his employers at RJR Nabisco to get involved in a charity, he focused his efforts on a five-hospital healthcare system in North Carolina. "And then we got the bug," says his wife, Sharon.

Since retiring to Naples 13 years ago, "the bug" has made the von Arxes one of the region's most generous and influential philanthropic couples. They embody the contagious nature of giving.

Dolph is chairman of the NCH Healthcare System Foundation and helps lead fund-raising efforts at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts, the Naples Museum of Art and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Sharon is an active fund raiser and former board member for the Shelter for Abused Women & Children, the Humane Society of Collier County and Youth Haven.

The von Arxes, who often host charitable events at their home, have also established the von Arx Family Foundation, passing the philanthropic spirit on to their children. Aside from their work in Naples, the family donates to national organizations and groups in San Francisco, Portland and Chicago. "We wanted to teach our children the value and pleasure of giving," says Dolph. "It's a marvelous device for holding families together."

WilsonMiller Inc., Outstanding Large Business, Collier County

When Hurricane Charley ripped through Southwest Florida, the community-minded employees of Engineering firm WilsonMiller Inc. set aside their own personal losses to lend a hand in Punta Gorda and Pine Island. From donating cash to helping with water distribution and cleanup, WilsonMiller was there when it counted.

"Having been here for so many years, we feel committed to our communities," says Fermin Diaz, the company's president. "So when catastrophe hit, our office in Fort Myers took it on. Nobody asked them; they just did what needed to be done."

Now entering its 50th year in business, WilsonMiller has a long history of contributing to communities here. In addition to generous corporate gifts, the firm's employees consistently devote their time, expertise and talent to groups like Habitat for Humanity, United Way and the American Red Cross.

WilsonMiller also invests in the future. Ever since retired CEO William Barton helped establish the Education Foundation of Collier County 15 years ago, the company has focused its philanthropic efforts on education at all levels. "Giving is something that was ingrained in the culture of this firm since its founders," says Diaz. "Providing education is one of the most important things we can do."

The Bonita Bay Group, Outstanding Large Business, Lee County

Since buying its first Southwest Florida property in 1985, The Bonita Bay Group has become one of the region's most dependable givers. After all, philanthropy is contained in the land developer's motto-"Do the Right Thing."

Doing the right thing includes earmarking 5 percent of pre-tax profits to bolster nonprofit organizations benefiting the environment, education, affordable housing and youth programs. The company also nurtures a culture of giving among employees and residents. The Bonita Bay Group matches employees' giving dollar for dollar and offers paid time off to those who help build Habitat for Humanity homes.

"We do what we can to promote these things," says David Lucas, the company's chairman. "Then they take off, through our employees and the efforts of our residents. Giving is part of the makeup of the place."

The company's annual campaign for the United Way is a good example of the collective effort at Bonita Bay. Since 1990, it has raised more than $3.5 million. "When we first tried to start it, the campaign went nowhere," says Lucas. "But some of our residents began to champion it, and now we've gone from raising $60,000 to $600,000."

Gulfstream Homes, Outstanding Small Business, Collier County

Shortly after Michael and Stephen Peel established their home construction company in 1998, the brothers spotted an Adopt-a-Road sign near a competitor's model home. The Peels decided to adopt the road and place Gulfstream Homes in the minds of their competitor's clients.

But giving soon became something they enjoyed for its own sake, and Gulfstream Homes is now one of the most highly regarded businesses among local charities. In 2002, the Peels established the Gulfstream Homes Foundation, making philanthropy an intrinsic part of the company's operation. In addition to holding fund raisers, the company dedicates $100 from each home it builds to charity, and it builds at least one Habitat for Humanity home each year. The foundation also awards scholarships to local students, gives teachers money for special projects, purchases English/Spanish dictionaries for schools and recently provided seed money to help establish the Palmetto Ridge Construction Academy.

"I can't say we were smart enough to craft a philanthropic statement from the start," says Michael Peel. "It just kind of evolved. Now we want to make giving back as important to as many people as we can. It's a heck of a lot of fun, probably the most enjoyable thing we do."

Sanibel Trust Company, Outstanding Small Business, Lee County

When Al Hanser decided to establish the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, he gathered the barrier islands' most philanthropic individuals as partners. Being a leader in philanthropy, says Hanser, was always part of the business plan.

Members of the board and company executives generously lend their talents and money to local organizations like the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, the Old Schoolhouse Theater and Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW).

Giving back doesn't stop at the Sanibel Causeway, however. Hanser is chairman of the Cleveland Clinic's Leadership Board in Naples, while others from the firm help direct the efforts of the Southwest Community Foundation, the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation and Habitat for Humanity of Lee County, among other organizations.

"There are two prongs to our giving," says Terry Igo, a senior vice president who recently co-chaired a successful capital campaign for the Sanibel School Fund. "First, Al encourages us to volunteer as individuals by giving us the time. Second, we underwrite charitable events; often members of the board give individually, but in the name of the company."

"[Our directors] give just because it should be done and that's become ingrained in everything we do," says Hanser.

Elizabeth Midney, Outstanding Youth, Collier County

Elizabeth Midney is determined to help her community become a better place. The 18-year-old has spent the last four years as a tutor at the Guadalupe Center of Immokalee's after-school program, helping impoverished migrant children break the cycle of poverty.

"My parents are both active helping others, and I think that's where I get my inspiration," explains Midney. "I've been able to see the need in Immokalee-what it's like to live at the bottom-so I like to give a lot of my time."

Because she speaks three languages-English, Spanish and her mother's native Guarani (a South American Indian language)-Midney can help many youngsters overcome language barriers and keep pace academically. The former Immokalee High honors student is also an accomplished singer who has performed at hurricane benefit concerts.

Currently pursuing a pre-med degree, the University of Miami freshman wants to return to Immokalee as a doctor. "My father is a nurse and he's said Immokalee needs more doctors," says Midney. "I hope to come back and help."