News across Lee County

More than a wig
“I had beautiful hair,” Jodi Lauer said. And then chemotherapy took it away. Knowing it was coming didn’t make it any easier. “They tell you that you’re gonna lose that, but you just don’t expect it,” Lauer said. Soon after starting treatment, her hair felt coarse like a Brillo…

SOCIETY: International Coastal Cleanup on Sanibel & Captiva
Beyond pink
Breast cancer prevention, early detection, and local events take center stage as Southwest Florida builds momentum toward the Making Strides walk at Paradise Coast Sports Complex. This October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society is encouraging Southwest…

United Way bringing good vibes to annual bartender battle
A funky evening for a groovy cause is set for United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades’ third annual Bartender Battle on Oct. 29. The family-friendly fundraiser will take place again at Bay Street Yard in Fort Myers and feature a ’70s Halloween costume party theme. This year’s event…

Summer giving
Among countless acts of kindness and giving this summer season, the following organizations received and benefited the community through giving. The first in the series is a call out for a matching opportunity that continues through Sept. 30. HUNGER ACTION MONTH MATCHING…

STARability expands Support Services to help families navigate resources, build connections
STARability Foundation is expanding its Support Services department, strengthening its role as a trusted connector for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families as they navigate resources, services and opportunities throughout Southwest…

COMMUNITY: Bonita Springs commemorates 9/11
Bonita Springs honored the memory of 9/11 by hosting Patriot Day early Friday evening. The event took place inside of the Bonita Springs fire station due to strong thunderstorms. Mikaila Cruz, a survivor of the attack on Trade Tower 2, was the Keynote Speaker. Cruz shared, “There…

Donor-funded grants boost local arts and animal welfare programs
Everyone has a charitable cause near and dear to their hearts. Hunger, literacy, poverty, mental health, housing and the environment top many lists. Other individuals focus their passion on specific demographics, like seniors, veterans, women and children. No cause is more or…

Party Hearty for Charity turns 10
Party Hearty for Charity Foundation, Inc. will host its 10th and final commemorative gala on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hilton Naples. Gala proceeds will be equally divided among eight nonprofits including, Big Brother Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Dress for…

Dog days of summer
Earlier this summer, Collier County Domestic Animal Services hosted a clear the shelter event that helped to adopt 62 pets in three days, including 39 cats and 23 dogs, exclaimed contented Shelter staff. Still, these three doggos are looking for homes. Maya – Senior spayed female…

Serving hope one meal at a time
Steve Popper stood before a gathering of residents at The Glenview at Pelican Bay on an early Monday afternoon in late August. His mother, Chris Popper, was among the group he addressed; discreetly sitting toward the back of the room, Chris listened intently to her son. Many…

Puppy and kitten ready for homes from Humane Society Naples
Sequoia Sequoia is 10 months old and full energy! This big puppy loves playing in the yard and makes friends with everyone. Just a big goofball. His adoption fee is waived this month! Meowth Meowth is your typical 3-month-old kitten: eat, sleep, play, repeat. He especially loves…