A Meaningful Impact for Local Families

This year’s gathering provided 241 families, representing 1,036 individuals, with a Thanksgiving turkey and a Publix gift card to help prepare their holiday meal at home.

In addition, residents enjoyed a barbeque lunch prepared by Chef Jay Johnson of Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon, family activities, and opportunities to celebrate The Heights Foundation’s 25th anniversary.

The Power of Community

“Each year, this event reminds us of the power of community,” said Kathryn Kelly, Founder/President/CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “Neighbors gather to share a meal, volunteers give their time with joy, and our partners step up to make sure every family has what they need for a meaningful holiday.”

Volunteers Make It Possible

A total of 44 volunteers assisted with set-up, meal service, activities, and breakdown, ensuring the event ran smoothly and every family felt welcomed and supported. Volunteers came from FSW Collegiate High School’s National Honor Society, Scotlynn, Women with Spirit, Cypress Cove at HealthPark, Zion Lutheran Church, and Citygate Ministries, demonstrating the broad community commitment behind the event.

Thank You to Our Partners & Sponsors

The Crown Colony community served as a major supporter of this year’s outreach. Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands generously sponsored a portion of the turkeys, and additional financial contributors included Zion Lutheran Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Workscapes, Mercer Investment Properties, Cypress Cove at HealthPark, Rosemann Family Foundation, and Consulting M&A Business Development LLC.

Fun, Learning, and Community Services for All Ages

Residents enjoyed a variety of activities and services provided by local organizations, including free health screenings by Lee Health, ice cream cones from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office “What’s the Scoop” Ice Cream Response Team, financial advising and educational information from The Miliare Group, karate games and demonstrations led by Fort Myers National Karate, and children’s face painting provided by Silvia’s Faces-2 Face Painters.

A Tradition Rooted in Resilience

The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center extends its gratitude to the many donors, partners, community groups, organizations, and volunteers whose dedication made this celebration possible.

Launched in 2022 as families rebuilt their homes and kitchens following Hurricane Ian, the Celebration of Giving Thanks has become a cherished annual tradition, offering nourishment, connection, and hope to Harlem Heights families each holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving!

From all of us at The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center, we wish you and your family a warm, joyful, and meaningful Thanksgiving. Thank you for being part of our mission and our community.

Click Here to Volunteer

Click here if you are an organization, business, community or church interested in contributing to the event ]]> https://heightsfoundation.org/the-heights-foundation-the-heights-center-hosts-celebration-of-giving-thanks/ Thu, 01 Dec 2022 16:29:40 +0000 https://heightsfoundation.org/?p=16987

The Heights Foundation / Heights Center hosted a Harlem Heights a ‘Celebration of Giving Thanks’ on Sunday, November 20.

More than 450 Harlem Heights residents enjoyed a meal together along with fellowship, games, and entertainment by students from The Harlem Heights Community Charter School.

Sunshine Health and many generous donors sponsored the event.

Local chef, Fritz Caraher organized the food portion of the event; bringing together Chef Sterling Wright from Nashville (Mr. 100 of Hell’s Kitchen), and Melissa Donahue of Sweet Melissa’s on Sanibel to prepare the meal. Thomas Goodman, Buster’s Sports Tavern, Pickle-N-Pub, Poppy’s Pizza, and Tres Amigos Taqueria provided additional food.

“The past two months have been challenging for the residents of Harlem Heights due to the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Ian,” said Kathryn Kelly, President, and CEO of The Heights Foundation. “This celebration allowed families to relax and enjoy a meal together, to catch up, and be grateful for the support to help the neighborhood rebuild.”

With the generous help of the community and strategic partners, The Heights Foundation has come alongside more than 300 families in Harlem Heights to assist with removing brush and debris, cleaning out flooded houses, mucking and gutting, repairing roofs, and mold sanitation. The Foundation has provided necessities to families, including food, water, clothing, personal hygiene items, first aid kits, laundry detergent, and cleaning supplies. In addition, the Foundation assisted with temporary furniture such as air mattresses, tables and chairs, and hot plates and helped families with rental assistance, utility bills, and finding employment. The Foundation has also connected individuals to health and wellness resources and aid.

To learn more about The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center and how you can help rebuild the Harlem Heights community,  call (239) 482-7706, or email kathryn@heightsfoundation.org.

Thank you to our outreach supporters including:

Chase Bank
Chuck Bergstrom, Realtor, RE/MAX of the Islands
Crown Colony Community
Daughters of the American Revolution-Estero Island Chapter
Florida Gulf Coast University
FSW Collegiate High School
Golisano Children’s Hospital
Hertz Corp.
St. Michael Lutheran School
Punta Rassa Condos
ReMax Realty Group
Scotlynn Group
Suncoast Credit Union
Temple Judea
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Zion Lutheran Church

Click Here to Make A Monetary Donation

Click Here to Purchase Items From Our Amazon Wish List

The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center is seeking organizations and individuals to participate in the Bountiful Blessings Thanksgiving Outreach.  Since 1999, the program has provided the ingredients so families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood can make a traditional Thanksgiving meal in their own homes to share with their families.  In 2019, partner agencies, businesses, philanthropic organizations and more than 100 volunteers provided turkeys and groceries to more than 300 families benefitting approximately 1,500 unique individuals.

“Holiday memories often center around a meal; the joy of preparation and being together as a family,” said Kathryn Kelly, president and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “But, purchasing the ingredients for a holiday meal can be a large financial burden for many.  Thanks to the generous support of our neighbors, we are able to provide that experience for the families in the Harlem Heights community.”

300 turkeys are being provided for the outreach.  Golisano Children’s Hospital is donating 225 turkeys and Gecko Hospitality is donating 75.

The greatest need is for rice, canned vegetables (green beans, peas, corn and mixed vegetables) or monetary donations to purchase those items. Additional food items needed include canned yams, boxed stuffing, boxed potatoes, boxed corn muffin mix, canned gravy, cranberry sauce and cake mix.

Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. until Wednesday, November 18.  The outreach event will be held on Saturday, November 21. COVID safety precautions will be in place. The Heights Center is located at 15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33908.

Volunteers are needed on Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21. Contact Melissa Barlow at (239) 482-7706 or melissa@heightsfoundation.org to sign up for a time slot.

Organizations and individuals interested in donating can contact Melissa Barlow at (239) 482-7706 or Melissa@heightsfoundation.org.

All donations are tax-deductible.

Monetary donations can be made by clicking on this link

Thank you to the businesses and organizations that are supporting our event:

ABC Young Professionals
Continental Women’s Club
Crown Colony Community
Daughters of the American Revolution, Estero Island Chapter
FP Property Restoration
FSW College-Lee National Honors Society
Gecko Hospitality
Golisano Children’s Hospital
Hertz Corporation
Island Java Cafe
Peace Lutheran Church
Re/Max Realty Group
Sanibel Captiva Trust Company
Scotlynn Group
St. Hilary’s Church
Suncoast Credit Union
Temple Judea
Wally V. Cordell Accounting
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Workscapes
Zion Lutheran Church