Habitat for Humanity, Lee and Hendry counties, dedicated its 72nd home funded and built by residents of Bonita Bay.
Habitat’s partnership with Bonita Bay began in 2002 and has since grown into a community-wide fundraising campaign. Neighborhood captains now lead peer-to-peer fundraising efforts throughout the community, while the community’s dedicated volunteer group, the Nail Pounders, work alongside Habitat homeowners at wall raisings and build days across Lee County.
This year, Bonita Bay surpassed its fundraising goal, raising more than $800,000 to support families seeking affordable homeownership through Habitat.
“Bonita Bay set out to do something they’d never done before, and their community answered that call in a powerful way,” said Rachel West, Habitat’s director of donor development. “We are so grateful for their generosity and volunteerism through the Nail Pounders. Because of partners like Bonita Bay, we’re able to help more local families build a better future through an affordable place to call home.”
On May 29, Bonita Bay residents, Habitat staff and volunteers came together to celebrate the dedication of the community’s home to its new owners, a local brother and sister. The siblings had always dreamed of owning a home but felt it was out of reach with their separate incomes until they pooled their resources and partnered with Habitat.
For more information or to get involved, contact Habitat’s Director of Donor Development at rachelw@habitat4humanity.org or call 239-652-1695.
Wonder Gardens announces fundraiser
Wonder Gardens is raising a glass for wildlife with Wonder on Tap, a collaborative brewery fundraiser with Ankrolab Brewing Company and Chubby Mermaid Brewing Co.
Wonder on Tap will include two August events featuring games and activities, prize drawings, animal encounters and more.
The first event will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 7, at Ankrolab Brewing, located at 3555 Bayshore Drive in Naples. The brewery will donate $1 from each select special craft beer purchase, $2 from each select special crafted cocktail purchase and $3 from each select food truck purchase.
Ankrolab Brewing will also have live entertainment by Nostaljah throughout the evening and a cornhole tournament benefiting Wonder Gardens. Registration is $30 per two-person team.
The second event will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 14, at Chubby Mermaid Brewing Co., located at 28292 Industrial Road, Unit 1, in Bonita Springs. The brewery will donate $1 from each select special craft beer purchase, and an ax-throwing station will be set up outside.
Proceeds from both events will support Wonder Gardens’ operations, helping provide daily care for resident animals while preserving the nonprofit’s historic botanical collection.
To learn more, visit WonderGardens.org.
New officers, board members for Rotary of Bonita
The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs announced its officers and board members for 2026-27.
New officers are Kelli Groom, president; Lynda Waterhouse, president-elect; Paul Fox, secretary; Jim Fitzpatrick, treasurer; Jenifer McBride, sergeant-at-arms; Julie Pedretti, immediate past-president.
New board members include Chris Corrie, Len Eckert and John Spear. Continuing board members include Donna Marcotte, Steve McIntosh, Mike Poff, Steve Sims and Angela Swanepoel.
The club holds breakfast meetings each Tuesday morning at Spanish Wells Golf Club. For more information about the club or to receive an invitation for a complimentary breakfast meeting, visit: BonitaSpringsRotary.org or call 239-572-2339.
The 80-member club awarded more than a dozen grants last year, totaling more than $150,000, to area organizations including a $30,000 signature gift to fund construction of the Chickee at the Wonder Gardens (Bonita Springs); Meals of Hope; Café of Life; FK Incorporated (supporting foster children); Bonita Springs and Spring Creek Elementary Schools; Bonita Springs Middle School of the Arts; Gift of Life (international life-saving heart surgery programs for children); Wheelchair Foundation (international); Art Bonita arts education programs for schools; Lee/Collier Honor Flight and YMCA of Bonita Springs. Scholarships are also provided to graduating students at both Bonita Springs and Estero High Schools.
Thanks for the info Julie Pedretti.
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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Bonita community raises over $800,000 to support home ownership; more
Reporting by Will Watts, Special to The Banner / Naples Daily News
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By Will Watts, Special to The Banner | USA TODAY Network
