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Susan Scott

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.

FORT MYERS, FL — January 25, 2026 — Award-winning, Naples-based artist Juan Diaz has completed and permanently installed a monumental large scale mural titled The Growth of Our Beloved Neighborhood at The Heights Foundation’s Educational Building Main Lobby in Fort Myers, Florida. The mural was officially installed on January 17, 2026.

Commissioned as a public art project, the mural spans twelve hand-built wooden panels,measuring 12.6 feet by 21 feet, and was created using acrylic latex. The work was developed in collaboration with the children and elders of the Harlem Heights neighborhood, reinforcing the Heights Foundation’s long-standing mission to serve and uplift the community.

The mural reflects the 25 year history and impact of the Heights Foundation within Harlem Heights, weaving together the neighborhood’s past, present, and future into a unified visual narrative.

Conversations for the project began in September 2024, with the agreement finalized in late October 2025. The final composition was approved by Kathryn Kelly, Founder, CEO, and President of The Heights Foundation.

Throughout the development process, Diaz identified deep parallels between his own family’s experiences and those of Harlem Heights families.

This personal connection inspired him to include representations of his family and himself within the mural as a heartfelt tribute.

Juan Diaz began the project in early November 2025, hand-building each of the twelve panels. A community painting day was later hosted at the Heights Foundation’s auditorium, where neighborhood children and elders contributed by painting the mural’s underlayer, infusing the work with collective energy and spirit.

Diaz began painting the final approved composition on December 14, 2025. The painting process spanned 24 consecutive days, with the artist working up to 17 hours per day. The completed mural, The Growth of Our Beloved Neighborhood (2026), was permanently installed on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

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On January 17, 2026, the Public Art commissioned mural titled “The Growth of Our Beloved Neighborhood, 2026”, created in collaboration with the children and elders of Harlem Heights, was permanently installed at The Heights Foundation’s Educational Building Main Lobby in Fort Myers, FL.

The Growth of Our Beloved Neighborhood, 2026

By Juan Diaz

Acrylic Latex on Twelve Wooden Panels
151.2 x 252 in. (384.048 x 640.08 cm)
The Heights Foundation Permanent Collection.

MURAL’S DESCRIPTION.
The mural “The Growth of Our Beloved Neighborhood” celebrates the vibrant spirit of Southwest Florida, with a focus on the Harlem Heights neighborhood and the transformative impact of the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center. Since the Foundation’s inception in 2000, the area has thrived, fueled by dedicated efforts and a clear purpose.

A gladiolus field covers the land, beautifully depicting the area’s beginnings as a farm-working community and serving as the ideal backdrop to tell its story. A sunny sky with a hint of outer space represents infinite possibilities that lie beyond.

The mature tree to the right embodies home, strong families, and resilient communities. Below, in black and white, the two children picking gladiolus flowers in front of a modest home acknowledged and honored the neighborhood’s history. In the foreground, the older woman sitting embodies the grandmothers of our community—matriarchs who form the heart and soul of families, offering unconditional love, wisdom, and guidance. The young couple behind her, filled with hope and excitement for their newborn, gazes out toward the horizon, dreaming of a bright and promising future.

In the bottom left, an adult woman reads to children, underscoring educators’ vital role in shaping the community’s future. At the center of the mural, five children joyfully play instruments and create art, reflecting the vibrant present and the Heights Center’s mission to nurture well-rounded individuals through education and cultural enrichment.

At the top, a high school graduate smiles with joy, hope, and pride, symbolizing a bright future ahead. To the left, a group of young professionals stands confidently against a city skyline, representing the wealth of opportunities that await.

Finally, the wavy stairway that crosses the composition depicts life’s journey, filled with opportunities disguised as challenges. It is up to each of us, with the support of family and community, to navigate this path with commitment and determination to improve our chances of leading a rewarding and purposeful life.

This powerful imagery encapsulates the ongoing journey from a humbled past to a promising future of strong, self-sufficient families.

“The Growth of Our Beloved Neighborhood” reflects our part as significant contributors to the area’s transformation, growth, and development.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Juan Diaz is an award-winning contemporary painter and household name, based in Naples, Florida, known for his large-scale murals and community-driven public art projects that explore identity, heritage, and collective resilience.

Juan Diaz was born in 1981 in Bogota, Colombia. His father graduated from Colombia’s National University with an emphasis in fine art and recognized his sons natural creative intelligence and artistic gifts by age 5. After graduating from Naples High School in 1999, Diaz studied art history, materials, and techniques independently. Jonathan Green Studios granted a three-year Artist residency, (2006-2009) and more recently Diaz has assisted world renowned artist Marcus Jansen at his Fort Myers studios.

Since the late 1990s, Diaz has used painting and drawing to explore the human condition. In
2010, he added performing art and installations to investigate the relationship between life and
death. His work reflects a constant search to express his understanding of the human experience and shows a desire to break out of his comfort zone.
Diaz’s work has been featured at the Baker Museum of Art/Artis-Naples, The Naples Depot
Museum, Florida Gulf Coast University, and Art Basel Miami Beach. Commissions include The
Heights Foundation, Collier County Government in Florida, the Holocaust Museum of Southwest
Florida, and The Naples Art Association.
Diaz was the recipient of the Museum50 Juried Award in 2025, the Southwest Florida 2013
FACE Award for Culture & Arts, awarded by Gulfshore Life Business, and the 1999 Porter Goss Award. His style, mastery of drawing, and use of oils have earned him various award, including Best in Show and multiple scholarships.
Website: http://www.juandiazart.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juandiazart/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/DiazJuanM

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.