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 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.

Wine lovers from across Southwest Florida gathered on the rooftop terrace of The Heights Center for An Evening at the Heights Foundation with Benovia Winery on Thursday, December 4. The intimate event was hosted by Benovia Winery owners Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane, who welcomed guests to enjoy world-class wines in a distinctive Southwest Florida setting.

The night featured a guided tasting of Benovia’s highly regarded Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Zinfandel and a special 20th anniversary wine, paired with light bites by Crave Culinaire and sweeping views of the Harlem Heights neighborhood. The experience reflected the warmth and hospitality for which the independent Sonoma winery is known.

In a highlight of the evening, Anderson and Dewane donated an extraordinary wine country getaway for three couples — a six-day, five-night stay overlooking the Cohn Estate Vineyard in Healdsburg, California, including a VIP lunch and tasting with Benovia’s winemaker and dinners at two of Sonoma County’s most acclaimed restaurants. Auctioneer Scott Robertson led spirited bidding that delivered an impressive result, raising nearly $50,000 to support the mission of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center: building strong, self-sufficient families in Harlem Heights.

“Joe and Mary brought the heart of Benovia to our rooftop,” said Kathryn Kelly, Founder and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “We are deeply grateful for the generosity they share — not only through exceptional wines, but through their commitment to making a difference for families right here in our community.”

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

About Benovia Winery

Benovia Winery is a family-owned, independent producer in Sonoma County, known for its exceptional estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as distinctive Zinfandel. Crafted with meticulous care and a deep respect for the land, Benovia wines embody a philosophy of place, people, and purpose. Owners Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane bring a passion for hospitality and community to every bottle they share.

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 over 150 kids in 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 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% 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 Foundation/The Heights Center marked its 25th anniversary with an evening of celebration, reflection, and gratitude, honoring the people and partnerships that have helped transform the Harlem Heights neighborhood over the past quarter century. The event was held under the stars at The Heights Center.

“What began as a simple outreach of turkeys and groceries at Thanksgiving has become an institution focused on bringing hope to hundreds of families through education, opportunity, and enrichment,” said Kathryn Kelly, Founder, President, and CEO of The Heights Foundation. “Thinking about tonight and looking out at each of you, I’m reminded of Philippians 1:3 — ‘I thank my God every time I remember you.’ Each of you has played a part in this journey. Cheers to 25 years!”

The Heights Foundation’s story began with a Thanksgiving outreach organized by Westminster Presbyterian Church, where Kelly met Ana, a hardworking mother determined to build a better life for her six children. A donation from David and Linda Lucas enabled the purchase of a small home for Ana’s family — a gesture that sparked a lasting mission.

From that single act of compassion, The Heights Foundation was born. Today, Ana’s eldest daughter, Daiana, is a high school graduate and dental assistant pursuing her RN degree at Florida SouthWestern State College. “Her story embodies our mission,” said Kelly. “Her family beat the odds that poverty tried to define.”

In 2008, the Foundation broke ground on the long-awaited Harlem Heights Community Center, a dream championed by neighborhood matriarch Duera Mae Everett. When the financial crisis struck mid-construction, the project seemed doomed — until the community rallied.

Contractor Owen-Ames-Kimball (O-A-K) and project supervisor Dave Dale, supported by O-A-K President Steve Shimp, worked with Kelly to keep the project alive while the Foundation re-raised the $4 million needed to finish the building. “What seemed like adversity had a silver lining,” Kelly recalled. “Instead of one donor, more than forty came together to finish this beautiful community center.”

Former Board President Victor Mayeron was honored for his leadership during a pivotal time. “When I think of 25 years of The Heights Foundation, I see families who’ve risen, children discovering their brilliance, and neighbors walking confidently toward their futures,” said Mayeron. “From day one, Kathryn Kelly saw potential where others saw need. Through recessions, hurricanes, and hardships, The Heights Foundation has only strengthened its embrace. These buildings — the Community Center, Education Building, Early Learning Center, and upcoming CareerTech Institute — stand as symbols of faith, perseverance, and love. The best chapters are still ahead.”

The completion of the Community Center paved the way for the Heights Education Building, which opened in 2020. The facility houses the Heights Charter School and the Early Learning Center, ensuring children in Harlem Heights receive a strong academic foundation.

Kelly credited Dr. Deb Mathinos, Chief Program Officer, for her partnership and vision in expanding educational programs that empower children from infancy through high school.

The Foundation’s next milestone — the Heights CareerTech Institute — broke ground in March 2025. The $42 million post-secondary technical school, designed by RG Architects and constructed by O-A-K, will prepare students for high-demand careers in construction trades, healthcare, culinary arts, and more. To date, $31.36 million has been raised toward the campaign.

“In 25 years, this neighborhood has transformed from farmland to a thriving community of homes, businesses, and opportunity,” said Jim Pigott, Chair of The Heights Foundation’s CareerTech Institute Capital Campaign. “The Heights Foundation has grown alongside the people it serves. Helping families achieve stability through meaningful work is deeply rewarding. The new CareerTech Institute is a win for students, families, and Southwest Florida’s future workforce.”

Guest speaker Charlie Mitchell, a Harlem Heights native, former board member, and elder at Summit Church, shared how the Foundation’s programs changed lives — including his own. “Poverty is not a line; it’s a tangled knot,” said Kelly. “Multigenerational poverty is a tight knot. It’s not just financial — it’s poverty of hope, spirit, and opportunity. Our mission is to unravel that knot and bring hope to this neighborhood.”

Today, The Heights Foundation employs 62 staff members and provides more than 400,000 hours of service each year through early learning, after-school and summer programs, GED classes, arts and music instruction, and senior services — all at an average cost of just $11 per hour.

“The kids in Harlem Heights are growing up, and we have the privilege and opportunity to truly impact their lives,” said Kelly. “We’re building a future rooted in hope — and we’re just getting started.”

The Heights Foundation’s tenth annual ‘Swing FORE the Kids’ golf tournament raised $47,000 to benefit youth programs at The Heights Center. These programs play a vital role in building strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood of Fort Myers.

“The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average,” said Kathryn Kelly, Founder and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “Funds from this tournament support Early Learning, AfterSchool, and Summer Camp programs that give children the resources and encouragement they need to thrive.”

Tournament winners included:

First Place: Acentria Insurance — Jonathan Brooke, Todd Lawrence, Sean Rutherford, and Ryan Fowler

Second Place: AXIS Contracting Group — Scott Cray, Ross Hauser, Russ Hurst, and Jay Wade

Third Place:  FineMark National Bank & Trust — Tom Lytton, Michael Goins, Patrick Halverson, and Blaine Lockhorst

Closest to the Pin: Men – Bruce Pattison, Women – Kaitlin Schafe

Longest Drive: Men – Jake Sherwin

Longest Drive: Women – Kaitlin Schafe

This year’s event was made possible by generous sponsors, including Title Sponsor Bill & Laurie Harkey as a tribute to America’s Servicemembers and Veterans. Additional sponsors were B&I Contractors, Quality Carpet + Flooring, Owen-Ames-Kimball Co., TRC Worldwide Engineering, RG Architects, Trane, Schoenfeld, Kyle & Associates, LLP, AXIS Contracting Group, ONEDIGITAL, FineMark National Bank & Trust, Everhart Advisors, Acentria Insurance, SKANSKA, and Advanced Capital Strategies.

“We are so grateful to our sponsors, golfers, and to The Plantation Golf & Country Club whose commitment makes this event possible,” said Annie Campbell, Director of Development at The Heights Foundation. “Their support ensures that kids in Harlem Heights have a safe place to learn, grow, and discover their potential.”

For more information about The Heights Foundation, visit www.heightsfoundation.org or contact Annie Campbell at (239) 482-7706 or annie@heightsfoundation.org

.About The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center

The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.   Our mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.    The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.   Heights Early Learning serves more than 85 babies through 4 years old.   The Heights Center serves 150 children in AfterSchool and 160 children in SummerCamp.    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 78% Hispanic, 16% African-American, and 6% Caucasian.    The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% 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 Foundation/The Heights Center hosted its annual Back-to-School Outreach on Saturday, July 26, providing more than 500 students from the Harlem Heights neighborhood with backpacks and essential school supplies to kick off the new academic year fully prepared.

Dozens of volunteers, donors, and community partners came together at The Heights Center for a morning of generosity and community spirit. Students received backpacks and age-appropriate supplies, including binders, crayons, calculators, headphones, paper, folders, and more—tools that will set them up for success in the classroom.

“Our goal is to eliminate barriers that prevent children from reaching their full potential,” said Kathryn Kelly, Founder, President, and CEO of The Heights Foundation. “Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we were able to give students a strong start to the school year and show families in Harlem Heights that they are not alone.”

The outreach was made possible through donations from individuals, churches, civic groups, and local businesses, many of whom organized supply drives or sponsored key items. Financial donations helped offset the cost of more than $7,000 in backpacks and over $25,000 in supplies.

“We are so grateful for the outpouring of support,” said Melissa Barlow, Director of Arts and Community Programs at The Heights Center. “Each donation—whether a single notebook or hundreds of folders—played a role in this collective impact. Our volunteers also made the day run smoothly, creating a fun and welcoming environment for families.”

The Heights Foundation’s mission is to build strong, self-sufficient families in Harlem Heights through education, opportunity, and community support. The annual school supply outreach is one of many programs designed to support students and families throughout the year.

Those who missed the opportunity to donate or volunteer can still support education efforts in the community by visiting www.heightsfoundation.org.

About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center

The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. Our mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts. The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment. Heights Early Learning serves more than 85 babies through 4 years old. The Heights Center serves 153 children in AfterSchool and 160 children in SummerCamp. 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 78% Hispanic, 16% African-American, and 6% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% 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.

Graciously Sponsored By:

Heights Summer Camp has started! Our campus is once again buzzing with the activity, enthusiasm, and creativity of 150 kids. From science experiments to art projects, field trips, and water play, our team is dedicated to providing a safe, fun, and enriching environment for every child. Weekly themes include Welcome Week, All Things Disney, The Arts, Red, White & Blue, Deep Sea, STEM, Christmas in July, and Finale Week.

Campers will venture to places like BIG ARTS, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, and Marquee Cinemas. Our staff also includes two teens from the Heights Teen Leadership group and six other local teens, all eager to learn, grow, and gain valuable job skills while getting paid. Thank you for making this possible!