Community Connection: Thanks to program sponsors, donors

Sep 20, 2023 By TONI HILL 3 min read

Toni Hill - North Fort Myers Civic Association president

Whew!! It is mighty warm out there!

Speaking of things that are warm, our shoe spring fling giveaway has heated up as well.

I went to the post office today. It’s the first time I’ve been there in a couple of weeks because, as most of you know, I have had a total knee replacement so I haven’t been to the post office or anywhere else in a while.

Well, lo and behold what do we have!

We were given a check for $1,000 for our back-to-school fundraiser from Candace Kelley. A donation from the MJ Kelly foundation. Candace matched our $1,000 call for a good cause, giving us a grand total a $4,450 for back-to-school shoes for kids who live in North Fort Myers or attend school in the North Fort Myers school district.

A total of 89 students will have new school shoes this year. All from the hearts of North Fort Myers residents and businesses. How do we thank you? All of you are what makes this happen.

Our other sponsors were North Fort Myers Civic Association, Ellsworth H&AC, ABC Plumbing and Septic, All Superior Auto, Cindy Bushnell, Laura Lewis and a few I am sure I have missed recognizing.

I must tell you that I had the best seat in the room I was able to see each student smile as they came up for their gift card. There were two who especially touched my heart. High school student Layla was ready to go shopping and I can’t blame her. And then there was Hunter. That guy had already been shopping online and he had the biggest smile and I hope that he found just the pair he was looking for.

Thank you North Fort Myers. Last year we gave away 23 pairs of shoes. My goal this year was an aggressive 200 and I’m proud to say that we did darn good and I’m very proud of the North Fort Myers Civic Board members who jumped in and spread the word. And our membership who also came out.

The next regular meeting of the North Fort Myers Civic Association board is Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. to be held at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center our agenda will be addressing the fall and winter schedule. If you are interested in volunteering for an event, let us know. Better yet, join the NFMCA and become a board member and make a difference in your community and your neighborhood. We hope to see you then.

Thank you.