The Heights Foundation was proudly recognized as the 2026 Nonprofit Excellence Award recipient by the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce for its enduring commitment to strengthening families and transforming lives in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.

For more than 25 years, The Heights Foundation has provided educational opportunities, family support, health and wellness programs, and arts enrichment that empower children, adults, and seniors to achieve self-sufficiency and reach their full potential. This award recognizes the dedication of the Foundation’s staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, donors, community partners, and the families who inspire our mission every day.

The Foundation’s impact continues to grow with the opening of Heights CareerTech Institute, a nonprofit public charter technical college that expands opportunities for adults through affordable, workforce-focused career training. By preparing students for high-demand careers in healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and other essential industries, Heights CareerTech Institute extends the Foundation’s mission of breaking the cycle of poverty and creating pathways to economic mobility for generations to come.

The evening also brought special recognition to Kathryn Kelly, Founder, President, and CEO of The Heights Foundation, who was named a finalist for the Chamber’s Community Impact Award. The award honors an individual whose leadership, vision, and commitment have made a significant and lasting difference in Southwest Florida.

Since founding The Heights Foundation, Kathryn has led the organization’s growth from a neighborhood initiative into one of the region’s most respected nonprofit organizations. Under her leadership, hundreds of children and families have gained access to high-quality education, essential resources, career pathways, and opportunities that break the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures.

“We are incredibly honored to receive the Nonprofit Excellence Award and for me to be recognized as a Community Impact Award finalist,” said Kathryn Kelly. “These honors belong to everyone who believes in our mission—our dedicated staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, generous supporters, community partners, and the Harlem Heights families we are privileged to serve. Together, we are creating opportunities that change lives for generations.”

The Heights Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce for this recognition and congratulates all of the outstanding businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders honored during the Chamber’s annual awards celebration.

Together, we will continue building stronger families, stronger neighborhoods, and a stronger Southwest Florida.

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Golf Tourney Heights Sept 2025

More than 500 students from the Harlem Heights neighborhood are heading back to school with confidence thanks to The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center’s annual Back-to-School Outreach. Held on Saturday, July 25, the event provided students with new backpacks filled with the school supplies they need to begin the 2026-2027 school year prepared and ready to learn.

Families gathered at The Heights Center, where volunteers, donors, and community partners came together to ensure every child received a backpack along with grade-appropriate school supplies, including binders, crayons, calculators, headphones, notebooks, folders, pencils, and other classroom essentials.

“Education opens doors to opportunity, and every child deserves to begin the school year with the tools they need to succeed,” said Kathryn Kelly, Founder, President, and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “This incredible community continues to step forward year after year to invest in our children and their futures. We are deeply grateful to every donor, volunteer, and partner who made this outreach possible.”

Thanks to generous contributions from individuals, churches, civic organizations, neighborhood groups, and local businesses, the annual outreach continues to serve hundreds of local children each year.  Individuals and community partners organized school supply drives, sponsored backpacks and classroom materials, and volunteered their time to create a welcoming and joyful experience for families.

“Watching our community come together on behalf of these students is inspiring,” said Melissa Barlow, Director of Arts and Community Programs at The Heights Center. “Every backpack, every notebook, and every volunteer represents someone who believes in the potential of our children. Together, we’re giving students the confidence to start the school year strong.”

The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center extends its sincere appreciation to the numerous organizations whose generosity supported this year’s Back-to-School Outreach, including Crown Colony Community, Cypress Cove at HealthPark, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands, Estero Women’s Encore Club, Owen-Ames-Kimball, RG Architects, Rotary Club of Southwest Florida, Scotlynn, Shoreline Lumber, StandardAero, Zion Lutheran Church, and many others. Their kindness and commitment to the children and families of Harlem Heights truly makes a difference.

The Heights Foundation’s mission is to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights community through education, opportunity, and the arts. Through early learning, afterschool and summer programs, adult education, career training, family support services, and community enrichment, The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center is helping create brighter futures in Southwest Florida. The annual Back-to-School Outreach is one of many programs that support students and families throughout the year.

To learn more about The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center visit www.heightsfoundation.org or call (239) 482-7706.

Photos by Kinfay Moroti

More than 80 guests gathered at The Heights Center for an unforgettable evening of exceptional wine, delicious food, and community spirit during our exclusive Materra Cunat Family Vineyards Wine Tasting. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our guests, the event raised more than $26,000 to support The Heights Foundation’s mission of building strong, self-sufficient families through education, opportunity, and enrichment.

The evening featured a guided tasting of premium Napa Valley wines hosted by Brian Noshay of Materra Cunat Family Vineyards and Gina Birch, along with gourmet appetizers prepared by Chef Gloria Jordan of Jordan’s Wine Bar & Cellar.

One of the highlights of the evening was our live auction. The featured item was a private three-night Napa Valley getaway for up to six guests at the exclusive Materra Guest House, An additional auction package included a California Closets custom organization package, a Jennifer’s Boutique shopping experience, luxury skincare treatments from Face It Botox Bar, an ACMAX Tech Condensate Management System and AC Tune-Up from Gulf Shore Cooling, and a biometric safe with a mystery gift card from Mark Loren Designs helped create an evening that guests won’t soon forget.

Thank you to Materra Cunat Family Vineyards for their generosity; to Brian Noshay, Gina Birch, and Chef Gloria Jordan of Jordan’s Wine Bar & Cellar; to our auction donors, volunteers, and sponsors; and to each guest who attended and bid so generously.

Your support is helping transform lives and create brighter futures for the children and families of Harlem Heights.

Together, we raised a glass—and more than $26,000—to opportunity, education, and hope.

Enjoy an evening of live music, classic hits, and community fun at The Heights Center on Wednesday, November 11. Featuring performances by Randy & Lori Thomas, Rob Robinson, Kevin Kenworthy, Matthew Chapman, and Steve Latanation, the Heights Party Band will bring together familiar favorites, classic rock, country tunes, and plenty of spontaneous energy. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with music beginning at 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy light snacks and a cash bar while supporting The Heights Foundation and its mission of building strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.