Now You Know: American Legion Bonita Springs launches campaign to rebuild
American Legion Bonita Springs Post #303 faces a daunting challenge after the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian. The historic building, an integral part of the community since the 1950s, was ravaged, leaving the Legion’s operations in disarray.
With a total rebuild cost estimated at $650,000, the Legion has raised in excess of $100,000 leaving a significant gap to reconstruct the establishment completely. The organization launched a matching $200,000 Capital Campaign in September to narrow this gap. Their vision is clear: raising $25,000 by year-end to leverage matching dollar for dollar funds.
"Operation Home 4 The Holidays" marks their urgent plea for support. Ten patrons, Pathfinders, have pledged $10,000 each to help meet this target.
Brian Brinkman, Capitol Campaign Chair, second-vice commander, emphasizes, "Our aim is not just a physical rebuild; it's about restoring our ability to serve veterans, provide essential community aid, and continue youth education programs like Boys and Girls State Club and of course Legion Baseball.”
The Legion offers vital services, including veteran support, financial aid, mental health assistance, and support of various local programs. Notably, they oversee over the 100 Memorial and Veterans Day flags in displayed in Riverside Park Bonita Springs and play an active role in youth education and engagement.
Janitz Construction has pledged support, navigated the permitting process and undertook the responsibility to reconstruct the Post. The projected reopening is set for 2nd Quarter 2024, symbolizing a rejuvenation for the Legion and the community at large.
“The outpouring of support from our community partners, like the VFW Bonita Springs Post #4254 and Commander Wayne Gentry and Quartermaster Mike Price has been invaluable,” said Brinkman. “Their shelter has allowed us to continue essential operations despite the challenges.”
To make a donation by Dec. 31, send a check payable to American Legion Post #303 P.O. Box 1931 Bonita Springs, Fl 34133 or, via PayPal alf303bonita@yahoo.com.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary receives grant
Audubon Florida recently announced the receipt of a $30,000 grant from the Collier Community Foundation. These funds will support the Western Everglades Research Center at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, which provides sound science to guide stewardship of the Sanctuary’s 13,000-plus acres and the watershed.
For more than a century, Audubon has worked to protect and restore America’s Everglades and other important sites, including Corkscrew Swamp.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s wetlands hold water on the landscape, improving water quality, creating wildlife habitat, reducing the risk of wildfire, and recharging the aquifer. The Western Everglades Research Center was established in 2013 to augment the existing, long-term monitoring programs to better guide land stewardship and ensure the preservation of our most important natural resources.
“We are grateful to the Collier Community Foundation and its donors for seeing the value of conserving our land for the benefit of the Southwest Florida region,” said Keith Laakkonen, Sanctuary Director. “This grant powers our team to continue working collaboratively with the South Florida Water Management District and other partners to collect data to aid our understanding of this ecosystem in Corkscrew Swamp and other parts of the watershed,” he added.
The Western Everglades Research Center collects and analyzes data from fish, wading birds, mammals, and plants to guide stewardship actions, including the large-scale, on-site wetland restoration currently underway at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
Maintaining healthy wetlands is crucial for removing excess nutrients from surface water, recharging the aquifer, reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires in the community, holding floodwaters during severe weather events, and providing habitat to many species of wading birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals that call these wetlands home.
St. Matthew’s House Journeys Gala raises over $875,000
The St. Matthew’s House Journeys annual fundraising gala on Dec. 2 at Arthrex One Convention Center was attended by over 400 supporters and raised over $875,000 for the non-profit organization.
Funds raised will support the programs provided by St. Matthew’s House for individuals and families in Southwest Florida who are experiencing food insecurity, homelessness and addiction. At the event, guests heard heartfelt testimonials from St. Matthew’s House program graduates. They also enjoyed an elegant dinner, music by the Christian Chicago-based band Soulfully Spoken and dancing.
According to St. Matthew’s House CEO Steve Brooder, “St. Matthew’s House and those we serve are deeply grateful to our generous donors who make our work possible. We in Southwest Florida truly are on a journey together to provide hope, help and healing to the most vulnerable among us as we create a stronger community for all. By working together, we can support and guide those experiencing some of life’s greatest challenges to move from crisis to contributor.
“Even before Covid-19, Hurricane Ian and rising inflation, the demand for St. Matthew’s House services was great. As a result of these events and the growing affordable housing crisis, the needs for our services have increased significantly. We invite the broader community to join with us as we journey together to help the most vulnerable among us realize better tomorrows.”
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Now You Know: American Legion Bonita launches campaign to rebuild
