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The Charity RegisterBy: Shellie BensonYour guide to great causes along the Gulfshore. |
Eight-year-old Garrett Kaulbars walks into the Cliff Williams Check-Out Music Room at The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida looking shy and reticent. Twenty minutes later, he’s bee-bopping to a tune he created on a keyboard with the help of internationally known drummer Steve Luongo.
"You brought it!" Luongo says and gives Garrett a thumbs up. "You rock!"Luongo, founder and executive director of the Fort Myers-based John Entwistle Foundation, toured with Entwistle, bass player for The Who, throughout the 1980s. After Entwistle passed away in 2002, Luongo helped form a foundation in his name. The group provides access to musical instruments and instruction for at-risk children. The program started in libraries and is now branching out to hospitals—beginning with The Children’s Hospital music room which opened in August.
The foundation raises its funds primarily through its Classic Rock Cares concerts and tours, which have drawn the likes of Brian Johnson and Cliff Williams of AC/DC, Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad, Eddie Money, Rick Nielsen and Robin Zander of Cheap Trick and more.
"It’s our honor and our charge to give it to them, because we can," Luongo says of the program. "Charity, especially for children—there’s not much better you can do with your time."
As Garrett gets more involved in the music session, his reserved expression breaks into a broad grin.
"That’s why I do it," Luongo says. "That smile is better than any check you’d get for playing a concert."
Smiles and good will are the goals of many charitable organizations throughout Collier and Lee counties. On the following pages, we have compiled 307 worthy causes that work to bring joy, ease burdens and provide education throughout the region. This list provides the goals of the organizations and offers ways for you to get involved and help improve the lives of your fellow residents along the Gulfshore.
COLLIER COUNTY
All Kids Play Foundation of Corkscrew Community
Executive director: Cassie Pangaribuan
Contact: (239) 304-4491
15275 Collier Blvd., Suite 201
Naples, FL 34119
Alzheimer’s Support Network
Provides education and support for families dealing with memory
disorders. To support this organization, donate or volunteer.
Executive director: Suky Pollard
Contact: (239) 262-8388
660 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 21
Naples, FL 34102
www.alzsupportnetwork.org
American Association for University Women, Greater
Naples
Promotes equity for women and girls, life-long education and
positive societal change. To support this organization, volunteer, donate or
become a member.
Executive director: Vi Steffan
Contact: (239) 596-0929
P.O. Box 9742
Naples, FL 34109
www.aauwgnb.org
American Association for University Women, Marco
Island
Promotes equity for women and girls, life-long education and
positive societal change. To support this organization, volunteer, donate or
become a member.
Branch president: Dianne Wetjen
Contact: (239) 304-0395
14347 Manchester Drive
Naples, FL 34114
American Business Women’s Association, Neapolitan
Chapter
Promotes professional development for members by increasing
business efficiency, improving earning power, promoting good relations between
employers and employees, securing employment and advancing women through social,
business and educational ways. To support this organization, donate or become
a member.
Executive director: Nina Christensen
Contact: (239) 513-4652
P.O. Box 10653
Naples, FL 34101
www.abwaneapolitan.org
American Cancer Society of Collier County
A nationwide community-based health organization dedicated to
eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives
and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and
service. To support this organization, donate, volunteer or participate in
events.
Contact: (239) 261-0337, ext. 113
990 First Ave. S., Suite 200
Naples, FL 34102
www.cancer.org
American Red Cross, Collier County Chapter
A humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides
relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond
to emergencies. To support this organization, volunteer or
donate.
Executive director: Deborah Horvath
Contact: (239) 596-6868
2610 Northbrooke Plaza Drive
Naples, FL 34119
www.colliercountyredcross.org
Amigos Center
Provides the tools for success to immigrants in Southwest Florida.
To support this organization, volunteer or donate money or food for the
emergency food pantry
in Immokalee.
Executive director: Rev. Robert Selle
Contact: (239) 437-6727
106 S. Second St.
Immokalee, FL 34142
www.amigoscenter.org
Art League Marco Island’s Center for the Arts
Promotes education in and appreciation of excellence in the arts.
To support this organization, become a member or corporate sponsor, donate or
attend fundraising events.
Executive director: Christine Neal
Contact: (239) 394-4221
1010 Winterberry Drive
Marco Island, FL 34145
www.marcoislandart.com
Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
The largest forest of old growth bald cypress in North America,
with a 2.25-mile boardwalk trail that winds through the sanctuary and its
wildlife. To support this organization, donate or become a
member.
Executive director: Ed Carlson
Contact: (239) 348-9151
375 Sanctuary Road W.
Naples, FL 34120
www.corkscrew.audubon.org
Ave Maria University
Committed to further teaching, research and learning in the
abiding tradition of Catholic thought in both national and international
settings. To support this organization, donate, become a founder or participate
in naming opportunities at the new campus.
Executive director: Nicholas J. Healy Jr.
Contact: (239) 280-2500
5050 Ave Maria Blvd.
Ave Maria, FL 34142
www.avemaria.edu
Ave Maria University Founders Club
Gathers together in fellowship in support of Ave Maria University.
Director: Catherine Dailey
Contact: (239) 348-4711
5050 Ave Maria Blvd.
Ave Maria, FL 34142-9505
www.avemaria.edu
Avow Hospice
Nonprofit, community hospice providing end-of-life care, grief
support and family care to Collier County as well as children’s grief support
and support for those struggling with the loss of a pet. To support this
organization, donate, volunteer or shop at the resale shop.
Executive director: Karen Rollins
Contact:
(239) 261-4404
1095 Whippoorwill Lane
Naples, FL 34105
www.avowhospice.org
Bach Ensemble
Vocal ensemble dedicated to presenting concerts and workshops
about Baroque music and related composers. To support this organization, donate
or volunteer.
Executive director: Vic Silvestri, Ph.D.
Contact: (239) 732-1055
3667 Arctic
Circle
Naples, FL 34112
www.thebachensemble.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Florida
Helps children reach their potential through professionally
supported, one-on-one relationships with measurable impact. To support this
organization, mentor a child or volunteer on an event
committee.
Executive director: Kathy Curatolo
Contact: (239) 403-0815
2400 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 303
Naples, FL 34103
www.hereforthekids.org
Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support
Serves the uninsured and underinsured women and men of our
community seeking the diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. To support this
organization, donate, volunteer or attend events.
Executive director: Joetta D. Abbazio
Contact: (239) 417-4600
4330 Tamiami Trail E.
Naples, FL 34112
www.bbbcsi.org
Boys and Girls Club of Collier County
Youth development organization offering a consistent, structured,
positive place for the youth of Collier County with programs on character and
leadership, education and career development, the arts, health and life skills,
sports, fitness and recreation. To support this organization, volunteer, attend
an event or donate.
Executive director: Mary Boyce-Johnson
Contact: (239) 325-1700
7500 Davis Blvd.
Naples, FL 34104
www.bgccc.com
Cancer Alliance of Naples
Assists cancer patients with need-based financial, resource and
emotional support while in treatment. To support this organization, volunteer or
donate.
Executive director: Kathy Nicklaus
Contact: (239) 436-4673
733 Fourth Ave. N.
Naples, FL 34102
www.cancerallianceofnaples.com
Care Club of Collier County
Provides adult day care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and
other forms of memory loss. To support this organization, donate, volunteer or
become a
board member.
Executive director: Luanne Wahlstrom
Contact: (239) 353-1994
1800 Santa Barbara Blvd.
Naples, FL 34116
www.colliercareclub.org
Catholic Charities of Collier County
Provides food, prescriptions, general assistance, counseling and
more for those in need. To support this organization, attend events, donate or
volunteer.
Executive director: Robert Saunders
Contact: (239) 455-2655
2210 Santa Barbara Blvd.
Naples, FL 34116
www.catholiccharitiescc.org
Center for Reduction of Religious-Based Conflict
Educates people about the problems surrounding religious-based
conflict and fosters respect for all religions. To support this organization,
donate or volunteer.
Executive director: Terry Trowbridge
Contact:
(239) 821-4850
649 Fifth Ave. S., Suite 201
Naples, FL 34102
www.center2000.org
Chaine des Rotisseurs’ Culinary & Hospitality Foundation of
Southwest Florida
Awards scholarships and provides apprentice opportunities to
students and supports culinary competitions. To support this organization,
donate or volunteer.
Executive director: Judy Hushon
Contact:
(239) 643-6222
1659 Chinaberry Court
Naples, FL 34105
www.chaineeducationcouncil.org
Children’s Advocacy Center of Collier County
Dedicated to assisting child victims of physical and sexual abuse,
as well as families experiencing domestic violence. To support this
organization, donate or volunteer.
Executive director: Jacqueline Griffith Stephens
Contact: (239) 263-8383
1036 Sixth Ave. N.
Naples, FL 34102
www.caccollier.org
Children’s Museum of Naples
C’mon will be a 30,000-square-foot museum for families, located in
the North Collier Regional Park, including exhibits and programs. Scheduled to
open in 2010. To support this organization, donate, volunteer or become a
member.
Executive director: Joe Cox
Contact: (239) 213-9980
501 Goodlette-Frank Road
Naples, FL 34102
www.cmon.org
Christ Child Society
A non-denominational society serving underprivileged children of
Collier County. To support this organization, donate food or other basic needs
or volunteer.
Contact: (239) 254-0693
P.O. Box 770179
Naples, FL 34101
www.christchildnaples.org
Classic Chamber Concerts
Offers monthly concerts October through April featuring the
Philadelphia Piano Quartet and guest artists. To support this organization,
attend concerts, sponsor a guest artist or concert or donate.
Executive director: Catherine Frecker
Contact: (239) 434-8505
4100 Santa Barbara Blvd., Suite 190
Naples, FL 34104
www.classicchamberconcerts.org
Coalition of Immokalee Workers
A community-based worker organization comprised largely of Latino,
Haitian and Mayan Indian immigrants dedicated to improving wages and working
conditions. To support this organization, donate, volunteer or invite a
farmworker to speak at your faith community, school or community
group.
Executive director: Lucas Benitez
Contact: (239) 657-8311
110 S. Second St.
Immokalee, FL 34142
www.ciw-online.org
Collier County Audubon Society
Dedicated to promoting an understanding of and interest in
wildlife and the natural environment that supports it, and furthers the cause of
conservation of all natural resources. To support this organization, volunteer
or donate.
Contact: (239) 643-7822
1020 Eighth Ave. S., Suite 2
Naples, FL 34102
www.collieraudubon.org
