In many ways, Southwest Florida is Fantasyland. The beautiful weather, the glorious sunsets, the pristine beaches, the relaxed atmosphere. Tourism is our area's number one industry which adds to the fun vibe. It is hard to believe, but sadly, but we have many residents who struggle with food insecurity. I was shocked when I first learned of this and committed to help. John F. Kennedy said, "One person can make a difference and everyone should try." I believe this and in my own way, do what I can when I can.
Fortunately, SWFL has the Harry Chapin Food Bank which serves our community by distributing food through pantries, soup kitchens, senior programs, mobile pantries, school pantries, day care centers, and residential programs that help our SWFL neighbors in need. In 2013, the Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed 17.5 million pounds of food and grocery items valued at $29.6 million dollars and resulting in approximately 14.6 million meals.
HCFB has doubled their distribution in the last 5 years!
Every $1.00 given turns into $6.00 worth of food. What an amazing return on your investment!!! Where else can you turn $1.00 into $6.00??? HCFB is recognized by the national non-profit watchdog Charity Navigator as a 4-star organization ~ the highest rating given. One of the reasons is the efficiency of the Food Bank and their amazing efforts in ensuring that 96 cents of every $1.00 goes directly to the purchasing and distribution of food.
I created Ladies Who... Walk, a virtual walk to support the Harry Chapin Food Bank's annual Hunger Walk. I created an I'm Just Wild About Harry Facebook group where I post information about HCFB events and ways to help. I volunteer every September for Lee Tran's Fill our Fleet Feed our Hungry event. You will also find me each year unloading mail trucks and assisting letter carriers at the National Letter Carrier Food Drive, the biggest food drive of the year.
Join me! Let me know if you would like to help! You will be glad you did.
LADIES WHO LUNCH
I created a monthly luncheon I call Ladies Who Lunch in August 2012.
Ladies Who lunch takes place in pristine, private country clubs throughout Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Naples, FL.
There is no speaker, no raffle, and no door prize. It is simply a lovely luncheon that gives like-minded ladies an opportunity to connect personally first, then professionally.
I created Ladies Who Lunch because I wanted to meet, socialize, and build relationships with smart, interesting, accomplished, and fun women.
Mission accomplished!! Ladies Who Lunch is a big hit! The luncheons are always well attended and we have a grand time.
The atmosphere I have created allows the ladies to get to know each other on a personal level. As their relationship grows, so does the opportunity to do business with each other.
Ladies Who Lunch has been such a success it has developed into Ladies Who...(insert favorite activities here!!)
Activities such as; Ladies Who Cruise, Ladies Who Bake, Ladies Who Walk (a virtual walk supporting the Harry Chapin Food Bank's annual Hunger Walk).
I created Ladies Who... events to support the ladies I know and their businesses, organizations, and passions.
I like putting a creative spin on something traditional. Ladies Who... is a fun and productive way to support each other.
PET RESCUE
Adopting Kate ~ Rescuing Kyle
I adopted my pup Kate from the Lee County Florida Domestic Animal Services. When I saw her photo on the website I thought to myself, "I think that's my dog!" Then, when I met her, I kneeled down to pet her. She put her paw on my forearm and that was when I KNEW she was " the one! " I always say, " I rescued Kate and she rescued me right back."