Bonita Springs is bringing back a “beloved community tradition” as Riverfest returns with a full day of river competitions, entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Riverfest invites paddlers, spectators and supporters from across Southwest Florida to gather along the Imperial River not just for fun or sport, but to support the Bonita Estero Rail Trail, where a portion of the proceeds will be allocated. The event is organized by the Bonita Springs Downtown Alliance and a coalition of partners.
Registration is open for competitors wishing to participate in the festival’s canoe, kayak and paddle board and build your own vessel races along the river. Family members can also enter the rubber duck races.
“Bonita Riverfest is more than a day on the water, it’s a celebration of our community, our local businesses and the Imperial River that helped shape the history of Bonita Springs,” say organizers.
The event is from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Aug. 1, at 27300 Old 41 Road. Race registration, sponsorship opportunities, vendor information and event updates are available at RiverfestBonita.com.
CROW reunites purple martin with Cape Coral colony
A small piece of plastic nearly ended the life of one young purple martin. After a few weeks of recovery at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, that same bird “soared back into the skies” over Cape Coral, rejoining the colony it calls home.
The juvenile purple martin, dubbed “Prince” by his rescuers, was found struggling in a canal in June. Once at CROW, veterinarians discovered the plastic embedded deep in the bird’s chest. Since the wound had already begun healing around the object, it had to be surgically removed before the bird could start its recovery.
“Even a small piece of plastic can cause serious injuries to wildlife,” said Dr. Rodney Schnellbacher, CROW’s Senior Staff Veterinarian. “Although the wound had already begun closing around the plastic, it couldn’t heal properly until the foreign material was removed. After weeks of wound care, rehabilitation, and carefully monitoring the bird’s recovery, we were thrilled to see it healthy enough to return to the wild.”
Unlike other birds, often released in suitable habitats near where they were found, CROW tries to return each purple martin to an established colony, which exist almost exclusively in intricate manmade birdhouses called “gourd racks.”
In Cheryl Anderson’s backyard in Cape Coral, four of these gourd racks loom above the canal. Purple martins perch and dart into the hanging numbered white gourds, usually twittering madly. With the help of two CROW volunteers, Anderson released CROW’s patient on her property in June, reuniting the martin with the rest of the colony.
Anderson and her husband, Jim Collier, have been purple martin “landlords” for 50 years and have helped set up other gourd racks around Cape Coral. Anderson quips that neighboring racks are “less than half a mile away, as the purple martin flies.” These separate colonies often mingle together in large roosts each morning and evening.
Anyone who finds a wild animal in need of help can call CROW at 239-322-5068. The wildlife hospital is open seven days a week and is located at 3883 Sanibel Captiva Road on Sanibel Island. For more information, visit crowclinic.org.
Naples Children Foundation invests $1.2 million in child hunger programs
Harry Chapin Food Bank has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from Naples Children Foundation, to aid programs that help children and families in Collier County.
The award is part of the Naples Children Foundation’s investment of $30.6 million in strategic grants benefiting nonprofit organizations serving children.
“We are grateful to the Naples Children Foundation for its partnership and commitment to children in our community,” said Richard LeBer, president and CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank. “For many families, putting healthy food on the table remains a daily challenge. Together, we are helping ensure more children have consistent access to nutritious food, creating a stronger foundation for healthier lives and brighter futures.”
“No child should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from,” said Maria Jimenez-Lara, CEO of the Naples Children Foundation. “At NCF, we believe lasting change happens when organizations work together toward a shared goal. Addressing childhood hunger requires far more than providing meals – it requires building a coordinated system of care that ensures children and families have consistent access to nutritious food. Through our Hunger Initiative, we invest in collaborative solutions that strengthen the network of organizations addressing childhood hunger. As our Blueprint Partner, Harry Chapin Food Bank plays a critical leadership role in that effort, helping ensure more children and families have reliable access to nutritious food and the support they need to thrive.”
Area Sunshine Ace will conduct annual Miracle Bucket Sale
Sunshine Ace Hardware across Southwest Florida are hosting a three-day Miracle Bucket Sale to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network.
From Aug. 7-9, customers can donate $5 or more in exchange for a specially marked five-gallon Ace Hardware bucket to use as a shopping basket, earning a 20% discount on nearly everything they can fit inside. In 2025, local customers contributed $5,870 during the campaign to support pediatric health care in the region.
“We believe caring for your neighbor means using our time, talents and resources to make a difference,” said Michael Wynn, president of Sunshine Ace Hardware. “Supporting Children’s Miracle Network is one of the most impactful ways we can help families in our community, and we’re grateful to our customers for joining us in improving the lives of local children.”
Donations made at Sunshine Ace Hardware stores in Collier and Lee counties support Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers.
Buckets are available near checkouts at retail stores; see associates for a list of items eligible for discounts.
Sunshine Ace Hardware locations participating in the Miracle Bucket Sale include 141 Tamiami Trail North; Naples; 4433 Tamiami Trail East; Naples; 1720 San Marco Road; Marco Island; 11673 Collier Blvd.; Naples (Golden Gate); 8850 Founders Square Drive; Naples; 5630 Ave Maria Blvd., Unit 110-112; Ave Maria; 13855 Winchester Trail, Unit 200; Naples; 8813 Tamiami Trail North; Naples; 9100 Bonita Beach Road; Bonita Spring; 18911 Tamiami Trail South; Fort Myers.
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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Bonita Riverfest returns; $1.2M to combat child hunger; ‘Bucket Sale’ back
Reporting by Will Watts, Special to The Banner / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Will Watts, Special to The Banner | USA TODAY Network
