Friends of the Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT) hosted an “Evening of Connection and Community” on June 5, in Bonita Springs.
“Strong communities are built through strong relationships, and that’s exactly what we saw tonight,” said Steve Gunther, a leader with Friends of BERT. “BERT is more than a trail — it connects people, places, and possibilities. Once built, it will serve generations,” added Gunther.
According to a press release, the Bonita Estero Rail Trail “aims to repurpose an unused rail corridor into a vibrant multi-use pathway that promotes health, safety, economic growth, and environmental protection.”
During the recentg program, Steve Gunther announced a capital campaign to accelerate the trail’s completion. The Friends of BERT started the campaign with $50,000, and area donors stepped forward with an additional $50,000 in pledges to make the total commitment $100,000.
While the momentum is building, organizers emphasize that the project’s success depends on sustained community engagement.
To learn more or get involved, visit bonitaesterorailtrail.com.
Bonita YMCA receives grant from Community Fund
The Bonita Springs YMCA received a $27,000 grant from the Bonita Springs Community Fund with The Collaboratory (formerly Southwest Florida Community Foundation) in Fort Myers, during a check presentation ceremony.
The funds are expected to launch a new tutoring initiative that “engages local high school students as teacher aides in the YMCA’s after-school program.”
The initiative aims to strengthen academic support for children while offering professional development for high school participants.
“We are delighted to support a program that not only benefits local students but also nurtures the next generation of educators and community leaders,” said Deb Braendle, a member of the Bonita Springs Community Fund, during the presentation. “This fund represents our commitment to strengthening educational opportunities and investing in our youth.”
Riptide Brewing is next stop for Wandering Goat tasting event
Grumpy Goat Coffee has relaunched the Wandering Goat, its fourth summer series of roving tasting events in Bonita Springs.
Attendees can meet their local master coffee roaster and artisan food, wine and spirits experts.
The Wandering Goat will arrive at Riptide Brewing Company, 28120 Hunters Ridge Blvd., Bonita Springs, from 4:30 until 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 26. Riptide Brewing will be sampling craft beers including two collaborations with Grumpy Goat.
Additional exhibitors include The Hoppy Homestead, Pansardo Italian Specialties, Kristi’s Key Lime Cookies and Olde Naples Chocolate who will be sampling their specialty coffee, sourdough baked goods, Italian tapas, wine, cookies and chocolates.
The Wandering Goat event will rove Bonita Springs businesses throughout the summer. Future stops will be at Ceremony Brewing, July 31; Sugarshack Downtown, Aug. 28 and Chubby Mermaid Brewing, Sept. 25.
The tasting events are open to the public. For more details visit the Grumpy Goat social media pages and subscribe to email alerts at grumpygoat.com.
Golf scramble benefits Shy Wolf Sanctuary
The 5th Annual Shy Wolf Scramble, a charity golf event to benefit the sanctuary’s mission of rescuing and educating about captive-bred exotic and un-releasable wild animals, is slated for Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Heritage Bay Golf and Country Club in Naples.
The scramble will feature a four-person, best shot format, where golfers will be delivered a fun and competitive day on the course. Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in various challenges and contests, including a hole-in-one contest sponsored by Porsche Naples, tee advancement hole, a putting contest, longest drive, and closest to the pin.
Shy Wolf Sanctuary’s animal ambassadors will be onsite to greet golfers and share in the experience.
Registration for this event starts at $200 for individuals and $800 for a foursome. The registration fee includes a round of golf, lunch, and drink tickets. All proceeds will directly support Shy Wolf Sanctuary’s efforts in providing rescue, sanctuary and education for captive-bred exotic and un-releasable wild animals.
“We cannot wait for another exciting year raising money for these amazing animals and having fun,” said Shane Blitz, board president of Shy Wolf Sanctuary. “I will see you out on the course!”
To register for the Shy Wolf Scramble or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit givebutter.com/c/swsgolf25 or email events@shywolfsanctuary.org.
Schoen Foundation creates $1M endowed scholarship fund
The Schoen Foundation made a $1 million gift to create a scholarship endowment fund for members of the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County.
The scholarship fund will support the educational advancement of club members pursuing post-secondary educational or vocational training, with the goal of fostering long-term success and empowerment.
Scholarship recipients, who will be recognized as Schoen Foundation Scholars, may use the funds for tuition assistance, books and fees, required tools and equipment and transportation stipends.
To be eligible, club members must be active with Boys & Girls Club for at least one year; be a high school graduate or GED recipient; be accepted into an accredited college, university or technical school; have a minimum GPA of 2.0; complete the Club’s Future Ready curriculum; submit FAFSA/financial need documentation; and submit a formal application which includes a personal statement and a recommendation.
It is expected that by year three, the scholarship will benefit 20 scholars annually and by year 10, more than 150 Boys & Girls Alumni will have received post-secondary credentials as part of the scholarship program.
Women’s Foundation awards grants
The Women’s Foundation of Collier County recently announced $530,000 in grant awards to seven local nonprofits.
This year’s total is nearly double the 2024 grant amount of $290,000.
2025 grant recipients:
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Now You Know: Bonita Estero Rail Trail effort grows
Reporting by Will Watts / Naples Daily News
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