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.

The Craig Scott Memorial Golf Tournament, Tee It Up FORE Kids, raised $87,000 to support The Heights Center’s Early Learning program during its annual event on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Shell Point Golf Club.

The tournament honors the legacy of Craig Scott, a devoted board member and passionate advocate for early childhood education, bringing together community leaders, sponsors, and golfers in support of children and families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.
Proceeds from the tournament directly benefit Heights Early Learning, which provides high-quality, affordable early childhood education to more than 85 children from birth to age four. The program, part of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center, offers a safe, nurturing environment during the most critical developmental years and maintains a prestigious five-star rating from the Early Learning Coalition.

“The child poverty rate in Harlem Heights is more than double the county average,” said Kathryn Kelly, Founder, President, and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “Events like this tournament help ensure young children have access to a strong, stable start in life, while allowing parents to work and support their families.”

Tournament Winners
• 1st Place: Acentria Insurance – Jonathan Brooke, Lance Allen, Luke Kenzik, and Colin Marshall
• 2nd Place: iTHINK Financial Credit Union – Doug Daniel, Tom Cook, Mike Harrington, and Bobby Harrington
• 3rd Place: AIS Shower Doors, Inc. – John Muni, DJ Michel, Bill Cavallaro, and Bob McConahy

Closest to the Pin:
• Men: Tom Martino
• Ladies: Molly Barbee

Longest Drive:
• Men: Chris Dwyer
• Ladies: Arlyn Knox

The Heights Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to the generous sponsors who made this event possible, including:

• Title Sponsors: Susan Scott and Owen-Ames-Kimball Co.
• Trophy Sponsor: Commercial Concrete Systems, LLC
• 19th Hole Lunch Sponsor: RG Architects, P.A.
• Ace Sponsors: B&I Contractors, Mike & Margie Bennett, and FPL
• Rise & Shine Breakfast Sponsor: Youngquist Family Foundation
• Birdie Sponsors: Chuck Bergstrom, Gordon & Elisabeth Fraley, Tim & Julie O’Neill, Gerry & Judy Risch, Chip & Nancy Roach, Matern Professional Engineering, Lighting Dynamics, Crews Bank & Trust, Skanska, Gulf Shore Cooling, Axis Contracting Group, Trane, Acentria Insurance, Schoenfeld Kyle & Associates, Gavin’s Ace Hardware, and Babcock Ranch Foundation.

We are incredibly thankful to our sponsors, community partners, volunteers, and dedicated Golf Committee for making this year’s tournament such a success,” said Annie Campbell, Director of Development at The Heights Foundation. “Your commitment and generosity created a meaningful day that will have a lasting impact on the children and families we serve. Because of you, our youngest learners have the opportunity to grow, thrive, and build a strong foundation for the future.”

To learn more about Heights Early Learning, visit www.heightsfoundation.org or call (239) 482-7706.

About The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center

Harlem Heights is a low-income community in south Fort Myers, Florida. The Heights Foundation’s mission is to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation promotes education and wellness, nurtures family and community development, and provides the benefits of enrichment and the arts.
Heights Early Learning serves more than 85 babies through 4 years old. The Heights Center serves 150 children in AfterSchool and Summer Camp. The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 200 children from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 79% Hispanic, 15% African-American, and 6% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 50% below the county average. As a result, families cannot easily access family support services in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs within the neighborhood.

The Heights CareerTech Institute Steering Committee recently took a hard-hat tour of the building in progress, getting an up-close look at construction milestones and the vision taking shape for this transformative campus.

We thank the members of our HCTI Steering Committee for their leadership and dedication, which continue to guide this initiative forward.

The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center hosted its 18th Annual Love Your Neighbor fundraiser on February 1, raising an extraordinary $1.25 million to support its mission of building strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights community of Fort Myers. The sold-out event was held at The Heights Center.

“We were overwhelmed by the generosity of our friends and supporters who are committed to funding the meaningful work we do,” said Kathryn Kelly, Founder, President, and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “As Harlem Heights transitioned from farmland to residential development, many families lost their primary source of income. Since 2000, our mission has been to come alongside families — meeting them where they are, offering hope, and providing support so that an emergency doesn’t escalate into a crisis.”
Kelly emphasized the organization’s commitment to education as a pathway out of poverty, noting that The Heights’ preschool, afterschool, summer camp, and adult education programs create opportunities for both children and parents to thrive.

Guests were welcomed by Board Chair Jim Dwyer and enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by CRAVE Culinaire. Emcee Kellie Burns of Gulf Coast News and Auctioneer Scott Robertson of Champion Fundraising Auctions led the evening’s program, which included a Fund A Need. A $100,000 challenge match from Gaye and Jim Pigott helped inspire donors to raise $725,500 in support of The Heights’ educational programs.

A highlight of the evening was a special performance by children from The Heights Center’s AfterSchool program, who filled the room with music and inspiration.

The five-course dinner was artfully created by Harold Balink of Harold’s Restaurant and featured a beautifully curated progression of flavors. Guests began with a caramelized onion almond tart amuse paired with Sauvignon Blanc, followed by a vibrant first course of tuna crudo with pickled tomato, burrata, and basil oil.

The meal continued with black bass served over pea risotto with Barolo sauce, and a rich Wagyu striploin accompanied by duck fat potatoes and green peppercorn sauce. Each course was expertly paired with wines by Benovia Winery, selected by owner Joe Anderson, creating a memorable culinary and wine experience for guests.

Dessert was a decadent finale from Norman Love Confections, featuring a layered chocolate truffle cake with mousse, cream, and crunch.

Top auction packages included:
• A luxury weeklong stay in a private home in Paxos, Greece, paired with wardrobe packages from Brodeur Carvell Fine Men’s Wear and Jennifer’s Boutique.
• A stunning, one-of-a-kind pair of earring pendants from Mark Loren Designs showcased hand-forged 14-karat rose gold adorned with vivid Chrysocolla stones laced in natural copper veining. Accented with 1.92 total carats of lab-grown diamonds, glowing orange sapphire briolettes, and Montana sapphires set in matching rose gold hoops, the piece blended earthy elegance with refined brilliance.
• A luxury New York City experience featuring dining at Daniel and Le Bernardin, Broadway shows, and cultural outings, donated by Benovia Winery.
• A culinary and wine immersion in Spain hosted by Chef Gloria Jordan of Jordan’s Wine Bar and Cellar.
• A private in-home dinner for eight from Brian and Nicole Roland of CRAVE Culinaire.

An exclusive sign-up dinner with Chef Harold Balink and Gina Birch of Sunny 106.3 raised an additional $15,000.  Balink donated two additional dinners for ten raising another $30,000.

Live music was provided by Rob Robinson, keeping the celebration lively throughout the evening.

The event was made possible through the generosity of sponsors, including Florida Trust Wealth Management, Kelly Brothers, Inc., SKANSKA, Geralyn & Tom Donovan, Mary & Scott Fischer, Gaye & Jim Pigott, Pat & Bill Wiggenhorn, Owen-Ames-Kimball Co., RG Architects, Cheryl & Dave Copham, Dede D’Arcy, and Chris Schluter.
The Heights Foundation also extends heartfelt thanks to its event committee, volunteers, staff, and Board of Directors for their dedication in making the evening such a success.

The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center celebrated the spirit of giving on December 20 during our annual Christmas Outreach event, delivering joy and holiday magic to 972 children in the Harlem Heights community. With support from generous businesses, organizations, and volunteers, families received gifts for children from infancy through age 17.

Parents were able to personally select gifts for their children, ensuring a meaningful and surprise-filled Christmas morning. Children enjoyed festive activities throughout the day, including crafts, milk and cookies, and a special visit from Santa Claus.

The holiday season is particularly challenging for many families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. The poverty rate for children in our community is more than twice the county average. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our neighbors and partners, who came together to brighten the holidays for these families.

Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands served as the event sponsor and collected toys to support the effort.

This year’s Christmas Outreach was made possible through the dedication of 83 volunteers and the generosity of local businesses and organizations, including:

• Avalon Bay
• CLA advisors (CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP)
• Crestwell School
• Crown Colony
• Cypress Cove at Health Park
• Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands
• Golfview Golf and Raquet Club
• Hurricane Tina’s
• Jason’s Deli
• Jennifer’s Boutique
• Lexington Country Club
• MarineMax of Fort Myers
• Mastique Condominiums
• Point Ybel Brewing
• Publix-Gladiolus Drive
• ReMax Realty Group
• Rotary Club of Fort Myers South
• Rotary Club of Sanibel-Captiva
• SanCap Power Squadron
• Sanibel Bible Church
• Scookie Dough
• Scotlynn Group
• Shell Point
• Shoreline Lumbar
• Spada Salon and Day Spa
• Spivey Law Firm
• Target
• Westminster Presbyterian Church
• Women With Spirit
• Zion Lutheran Church

Thank You for Making the Season Bright

As we reflect on this special day, our hearts are full of gratitude. To every volunteer who gave their time, every business and organization that donated, and every neighbor who supported this effort—thank you. Your generosity ensured that 972 children in the Harlem Heights community experienced the joy, dignity, and magic of Christmas.

Because of you, families felt supported, children felt celebrated, and hope shined brightly during a season that can be especially challenging for so many.

This event was a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together with compassion and purpose.

From all of us at The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center, thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us build strong, self-sufficient families—during the holidays and throughout the year.

What a night! The Heights Party Band lit up the stage as we celebrated The 50th Anniversary of Randy’s 21st Birthday — and you helped make it unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who came out, danced, laughed, and filled the room with amazing energy. ❤️

⭐ Featuring Our Incredible Musicians

We’re grateful for the talented group who brought the music to life:

Randy & Lori Thomas

Rob Robinson

Kevin Kenworthy

Matthew Chapman

Steve Latanation

Their blend of classic rock, country, and crowd-favorite throwbacks kept the party going all night long!

🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsor

A heartfelt thank-you to Mercer Investment Properties for generously sponsoring the evening and supporting community events that bring neighbors together.

💛 And Thank YOU

Your presence, your cheers, and your support of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center make all the difference. We’re honored to share nights like these with our friends and community.