Watt, Biggs, honored with Tabor Award
Barbara Watt and Bob Biggs were honored with the Cape Coral Community Foundation’s fourth annual Tabor Award on Wednesday night, given for outstanding philanthropic work in the city.
The award is named after Cape resident Elmer Tabor, whose family was one of the first to move to the Cape during the days of the Rosen Brothers.
During a special presentation at Tarpon Point, both Watt and Biggs were described by Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Director Steve Pohlman as having “invented a culture of caring.”
“They focused their efforts on a city they’ve loved for so long,” Pohlman added.
Watt and Biggs have a storied history of reaching out to the community.
Watt created her own charitable foundation that supports Easter Seals locally, and all of her employees at Century 21 are required to give or volunteer their time at local charities.
Biggs is a big supporter of Hope Hospice (he has a fund set up in his former wife’s name, Bonnie Briggs), and both have helped to support the ER expansion at Cape Coral Hospital.
Biggs said giving back to the community has helped him achieve some of the most important things in his life.
“There are three very important things: life, love and legacy,” Biggs said. “For your friends, your family and your community.”
Watt started Sunbelt Realty in 1984, and cultivated the business until it achieved the title of the No. 1 Century 21 Real Estate office in the world.
Watt said the team of people at Sunbelt — many of whom were in attendance on Wednesday night — were her “family”, and none of her achievements could have been reached without their help.
“This entire event is a celebration,” Watt said. “I didn’t do this alone, everyone pitched in so it’s not just me, it’s everyone else, too. They’re my family.”
CCCF Executive Director Beth Sanger said they had the opportunity this year to work on “amazing” projects in the community, including the “Tribute to a Soldier” statue in Eco Park; the Liam J. Perk Memorial Playground at Rotary Park; and Project Lifesaver, a safety tracking program for at risk adults and children.
“We’re making some incredible things happen in these tough economic times,” Sanger said. “We’ve been able to accomplish some amazing projects.”