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GYMS, FITNESS CENTERS CAN REOPEN IN FLORIDA

Gyms and fitness centers can reopen today in Florida and restaurants and retail shops can now operate at 50% capacityGov. Ron DeSantis has moved the state into what he calls a “full Phase 1,” although movie theaters – which the White House included in its Phase 1 guidelines – are not allowed to reopen yet in Florida. Museums and libraries in the state also are permitted to operate at half capacity now. Until today, restaurants could serve indoor patrons at only 25% capacity. 
 
 

ISLANDS CHAMBER ROLLS OUT RECOVERY PROGRAM

The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce formed the Safe Business Restart Committee earlier this month to guide the community of the islands in its recovery from pandemic shutdown since mid-March. With the city council’s latest vote to allow measured accommodations to reopen on May 16, the committee’s new initiative, called SanCap Safe, is taking steps to guide businesses through this uncharted territory and close the gap between economic and safety concerns. The committee’s three-pronged effort began on May 11 with a bulletin sent to all chamber members containing resources to put best practices into effect as their businesses reopen. They received documents, which also are posted on the chamber’s website at sanibel-captiva.org. The committee is also producing two short SanCap Social Standards video. Part two of the program will provide supply support for local businesses in terms of the gloves, signage, plexiglass partitions, and more. The chamber is developing a sourcing page on its website to assist businesses in finding the goods and services they need to reopen and keep replenished. The third part of SanCap Safe strategies will be an upcoming Zoom meeting, free for chamber members and island residents alike.
 

COLLIER COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PLANS PHASED REOPENING, HELPS NONPROFITS

The Community Foundation of Collier County (CFCC) is making plans for its phased reopening starting on June 1, according to a newsletter update. CFCC is also making plans and providing funds to help nonprofits with the reopening process. Because nonprofits need extra help right now, the foundation’s program grants have been converted to general operating support or COVID-19 relief. Applications for this grant cycle for nonprofits of all sizes serving Collier County is now open through May 22. For more information, click here.
 Whether in the office or working remotely, the CFCC team is continuing to serve its fundholders, donors, nonprofits, and the community. To donate, visit cfcollier.org.
 

COLLABORATORY TO OFFER COMPLIMENTARY WEBINARS FOR NONPROFITS

With a focus on providing support to regional nonprofits, Southwest Florida Community Foundation is offering two free upcoming webinars on how to create effective and successful virtual events and fundraising galas as part of the Foundation’s ongoing Thrivability by Collaboratory program. Fundraising was listed as a top issue for nonprofit organizations in a recent poll of nonprofit leaders. “Thrivability: Virtual Fundraising Events and Galas: Peer Learning Panel Discussion” will be held virtually from 8:30-10 a.m. this Thursday. Register here. “Thrivability: Network for Good – Raise Money NOW with Virtual Events & Donor Love” will be held virtually from 1-2:30 p.m. on May 29. Registration is required here. For more information about other events taking place through Collaboratory, visit floridacommunity.com/events.
 

DRAGON HORSE AGENCY CONTINUES FREE MARKETING CONSULTATIONS TO HELP NAVIGATE CORONAVIRUS IMPACT

Dragon Horse Agency continues to offer free, one hour, consultations for business and marketing related concerns to all Southwest Florida businesses and nonprofits impacted by the coronavirus. If interested, email info@dragonhorseagency.com and include the company name, contact information, industry, and specific areas of concern. The team at Dragon Horse Agency will respond as quickly as possible to arrange your consultation. For further information, visit dragonhorseagency.com.
 

ROTARY SOUTH PLAZA PLANNED AS NEXT PHASE OF ALLIANCE ARTSPARK 

As part of ongoing enhancements to the Alliance for the Arts ArtsPark and campus, the Alliance announces the Rotary Club of Fort Myers South Plaza, on the southwest corner of its campus. The Plaza is made possible by a $25,000 gift from the Rotary Club to the Alliance for the Arts. To commemorate the project, a Rotary plaque will be installed and dedicated this summer. The Rotary South Plaza is part of the overarching Alliance ArtsPark & Water Wall. Completed project highlights include new crosswalks, sidewalk, pathways, lighting, landscaping reflecting Southwest Florida ecosystems, a new contemporary building paint job and a reshaped retention basin that is more effective at collecting and cleaning stormwater. All enhancements will be anchored by the installation of the Caloosahatchee Water Wall by internationally known artist Michael Singer. 
 
 

Scott Burgess, DLC Chief Executive Officer

CHARITABLE NOTES

Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation awards DLC $250,000 grant for children’s mental health
The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation (RMSFF) Board of Directors have awarded David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) a $250,000 grant to improve access to children’s mental health treatment and ensure early intervention. The goal of the funding is to enhance and expand intensive inpatient crisis stabilization and partial hospitalization treatment for children with serious mental health challenges. The grant will also expand DLC’s efforts to ensure early identification, intervention and swift linkage to services to prevent children from needing more intensive care when symptoms are at their worst. The grant will help fund a clinical team of providers across the children’s continuum of care and support a children’s integrated care liaison, who will serve as a link between pediatric and primary care providers, medical specialists, and DLC psychiatric specialty care.
 

Guadalupe Center receives United Way grant for after-school tutoring program in Immokalee

United Way of Collier and the Keys has provided Guadalupe Center with a $74,000 grant to enhance learning opportunities for 840 students enrolled in its After-school Tutoring Program. The program offers homework help and academic assistance in language arts, math and science, and instruction is led by certified teachers, paraprofessionals and tutors. Guadalupe Center is among 19 partner agencies supported by United Way of Collier and the Keys, which directs its assistance to organizations addressing health, education and financial stability. United Way awarded Guadalupe Center’s grant through Project ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed). Assessments show that 100% of Guadalupe Center students show significant learning gains in reading and math after attending the After-school Tutoring Program. Guadalupe Center is requesting additional support to help fund its educational programs. For more information, visit GuadalupeCenter.org/how-to-give or call 239-657-7711.
 

Healthcare Network receives $27,500 grant from United Way of Collier County to support integrated behavioral health program

Healthcare Network received a $27,500 grant from United Way of Collier County to support its integrated behavioral health program. The grant will fund care for 900 patients. Healthcare Network’s behavioral health providers cared for more than 6,200 patients in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019. Integrated behavioral health addresses traditional mental health concerns and life stressors but also health behavior changes to manage chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes and asthma. The grant helps fund access to an initial assessment, recommendations and same-day interventions. If needed, a patient will receive same-day or ongoing services at the same Healthcare Network location, increasing access for underserved families. For more information, visit HealthcareSWFL.org.
 

(l-r): NABOR Vice President/Secretary Adam Vellano, Director Leah Paige, President Lauren Melo.

NABOR coordinates delivery of 300 crates of corn to families in need

In partnership with U.S. Sugar, Duda Fresh Farm Foods and Cheney Brothers, the Naples Area Board of REALTORS (NABOR), through its NABOR Helps – Farm to Neighbor program, coordinated the delivery of the second shipment of 300 crates of corn to Meals of Hope’s distribution center in Collier County on May 7. The NABOR Helps – Farm to Neighbor community service program is helping to replenish food pantry reserves, which have been depleted following a surge in demand from COVID-19-related unemployment in Collier County. The program also supports Florida farms facing recent supply-chain disruptions. The 300 crates of corn was grown by U.S. Sugar farmers, packaged by Duda Fresh Farm Foods, shipped by Cheney Brothers and unloaded at Meals of Hope by NABOR members. Families seeking meals can find distribution sites in Naples, Immokalee, and Bonita Springs on the Meals of Hope website.
 

YMCA staff receives Publix gift cards.

Anonymous donor gifts $9,000 to the Greater Naples YMCA to support staff

An anonymous donor gifted $9,000 to purchase gift cards for employees at the Greater Naples YMCA to help ease the burden caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Like many organizations, the YMCA last month made the difficult decision to furlough much of its staff as a result of the mandated closure. YMCA Director Carly Gibb said the donor, who reached out because he believes in the Y and its mission, said he wanted to help and thank the employees who have been working hard through the pandemic and support those who are anxiously waiting to get back. Each employee at the Greater Naples YMCA will receive a $50 Publix gift card. To support the Y’s efforts through COVID-19, click here.
 

SWFL Marketing Group launches Hero Project Fundraiser

SWFL Marketing Group is launching a Lee County and Collier County Hero Project Fundraiser to boost the local community. The marketing group has designed T-shirts to recognize and thank those who serve on the front lines in the community every day. With the purchase of each shirt, $10 will be donated to the local businesses. To learn more about the project, click here.
 

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