EARTH DAY April 6, 2011

Earth Day started on April 22, 1970 as a way to bring environmental issues to the forefront.  Observance of this special day has spread throughout the world to encompass many different Earth Day celebrations.  In honor of our environment and continuing environmental education, Calusa will be holding a Family Fun Day on April 16^th from 10am-3pm to celebrate Earth Day!

Calusa would like to invite you to share this fun family day with us!  Come out and celebrate our Southwest Florida environment.  Come learn about the importance of renewable energy and the Lee County Solid Waste Resource Recovery Facility with Tom Mueller of Covanta Energy, create recycled crafts, participate in our garbage sculpture contest, learn important environmental lessons on our Eco-Trail Exploration, and enjoy a special day with one of Lee County’s oldest environmental educational facilities! 

Calusa is also excited to be holding a special viewing of the documentary Ghost Bird on this special day at 12:30pm.  The film is about the possible rediscovery of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, the holy grail of bird watching and an animal that was thought to be extinct.  Dr. Jerome Jackson, a scientist whom was interviewed in the film and a woodpecker enthusiast, will be joining us before and after the viewing to answer any questions viewers may have about the film.

The Center is located at 3450 Ortiz Avenue at the intersection of Colonial Blvd. and Six Mile Cypress in Fort Myers, one minute from I-75 at Exit 136. Additional information is available at www.CalusaNature.org or by calling 275-3435. Admission to the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is $9 for adults and $6 for children (ages 3-12). This one-price admission includes the Museum, Butterfly Aviary, Trails, and all Planetarium shows scheduled that day. Group rates are available for 15 or more people. Family memberships are available which entitles members to free admission for a year and many other special prices on programs and discounts in the gift store.  We welcome new volunteers; please call 275-3435 to schedule an orientation

2011 PIPER 5K March 3, 2011

2011 Piper 5K                       Saturday– 3/5/11

Donations Still Needed For Race   The following items remain on our checklist of donations needed for the race:  ICE Coolers   VOLUNTEERS  NEEDED FOR THE RACE   If you are unable to participate in the race but would still like to attend and help out, we are always in need of volunteers for the registration tables and water tables. Please contact Ed Ryan if you have the time to volunteer. Gateway Charter school students and parents, you can get volunteer hours toward the money you will owe at the end of the year if you volunteer at our race. Please contact the appropriate person at your school and meet me at the church at 7AM.      THE 2011 MUDDY BUDDY LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AWAY.  Our next adventure race is April 16th at the Wide World of Sports in Orlando. The 2011 Muddy Buddy is an awesome experience and tons of fun.

The 2011 Piper 5K Race in Gateway.  Have You Registered?   Follow the 2011 Piper 5K Race FACEBOOK The 3.1 run and walk will be held on Saturday, March 5th at the Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church. This year’s race will be timed by Lin Mark Sports of Cape Coral using the B-Tag chip system. Results will be available immediately after the race and posted online later on race day. We will have bounce houses for the kids, a live band starting at 9AM and each runner will receive a ticket for food and a tote bag.     To register for the race, visit www.piperbuckley.com download a registration form and drop it off at Zervos hair Salon on Gateway Boulevard today or tomorrow. We WILL have race day registration starting at 7AM.      100 % of the money raised (after expenses) from the race are given back to kids in OUR community. The Piper Buckley foundation helps infants and young children in desperate need and many of you know all about the great work the N.I.C.U. at Healthpark does for premature babies. If you would like to donate to the Piper Buckley Foundation you can also make a donation – of any dollar amount – via our secure paypal account. And, as we found out with Yomar (the little boy who needed shoes and a high chair) every $10.00 counts. We raised nearly $1,500 in cash and 2 truckloads of clothing and other items for Yomar. Your donation is tax deductible. The Piper Buckley foundation is a registered 5013C. The paypal account is set up for $10.00 donations. If you’d like to donate more, simply enter the number of $10.00 donations you’d like to give. Ed Ryan edryan@fortmyersfitness.com

FREE BUTTERMILK PANCAKES ON MARCH 1 AT IHOP February 16, 2011

 

National Pancake Day Celebration To Benefit Local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital  

 

WHAT:              In celebration of National Pancake Day, IHOP restaurants nationwide will offer each guest a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes in an effort to raise awareness and funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.   

This year, IHOP is hoping to stack up more donations than ever before, with a goal to raise $2.3 million, for a total of more than $7.65 million six years with its National Pancake Day fundraising effort. To find a local IHOP or to donate online, visit www.ihoppancakeday.com.           

WHY:                For every delicious short stack of buttermilk pancakes served on National Pancake Day, IHOP guests are invited to make a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network. Donations made at IHOPs in the Estero area will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ programs at All Children’s Hospital.  

WHEN:             TUESDAY, March 1, 2011, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.   

WHERE:           Participating IHOP restaurants nationwide.  

 

 

National Pancake Day Fun Facts:  

·      IHOP served four million free pancakes on National Pancake Day 2010 and pancake lovers donated more than $2.1 million to children’s charities, far exceeding the fundraising goal.  

·      All of the free pancakes served on National Pancake Day 2010 would have created a stack more than 31.5 miles high.    

·      Since the inception of National Pancake Day in 2006, IHOP has raised more than $5.35 million and given away more than 10.1 million pancakes to support charities in the communities in which it operates.   

·      National Pancake Day 2010 was IHOP’s largest one-day event in the company’s 52-year history.

Wishmaker’s Ball February 9, 2011

Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Southern Florida  

Announces Date for Wishmaker’s Ball  

 

Bonita Springs, FL (February 8, 2011) The  Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Southern Florida is pleased to announce they will be presenting their Wishmaker’s Ball on March 18, 2011 at the Club at The Strand of Naples.  

The fifth annual ball, which begins at 6:00 p.m., will feature a cocktail hour with silent auction, dinner, a live auction, and an Adopt-A-Wish opportunity. Jimmy Keys, one of Naples’ favorite entertainers, will perform after dinner.  

“We need the help of the community to make the Ball a success. Our mission is to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions and we need local businesses and individuals to get involved in any way they can. Whether becoming a sponsor, donating an auction item or attending the event… we just want the community involved. We have children in Southwest Florida waiting for their wishes to be granted and through our fundraising efforts we hope to make at least 10 of them come true that evening,” said Norm Wedderburn, president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida.  

To donate an auction item or request a sponsorship packet, please call (239) 992-9474. To find out more about the Wishmaker’s Ball, please visit www.wishmakersball.net.

3RD ANNUAL “KIDS CELEBRATE READING” BOOK FAIR AND DRIVE February 7, 2011

An exciting, free event for kids of all ages is coming up fast:
The 3rd annual “Kids Celebrate Reading!” Book Fair & Drive,
on Saturday, February 12, 2011, from noon to 4:00 pm
at Barnes & Noble, Waterside Shops, Naples.

K is for Kids® very own Teen Advisory Team hosts this afternoon full of activities
for children, a press release will go out with all the details today

The teens recently shot 3 PSAs promoting this event, 15- and 30-sec of the Book Fair,
as well as a 30-sec of their goal “bringing books to kids everywhere.”

Attached are the 3 audio files.  Please consider airing this to your viewers –
it is so easy for everyone to help kids in need have books to read!

For more information on our Bring a Book, Bring a Friend® for Children’s Literacy Month,
take a peek at our website:  www.KisforKids.org !

Gabe’s ChemoDuck Program February 3, 2011

 

 

Mall to raise funds to help provide Chemo Ducks to children undergoing chemotherapy treatments at The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida

by selling Dollar Ducks and Adopt a Duck Sponsorships

 

 

 

 

 Gulf Coast Town Center is pleased to announce their partnership with non-profit organization Gabe’s Chemo Duck Program.  The mall is teaming up with Gabe’s Chemo Duck to raise awareness of the organization in the Southwest Florida area and ultimately raise funds for this worthwhile cause.

 

 

 

In December 2002, Lu Sipos and her husband Rob discovered their one year old child, Gabe, had cancer.  As the entire family struggled to adapt to the unthinkable, Gabe struggled to understand what was happening to him, as life quickly became a never-ending round of doctor and hospital visits.

 

In an effort to help her child through this horrific and difficult time, Lu took a present given by a friend – a stuffed yellow duck, fairly generic, except for his oversized yellow beak – and gave it an extreme makeover.  She dressed it in blue hospital pajamas and tied a bandana around its head.  She added a chemotherapy port on its chest, a blood pressure cuff to his arm and borrowed empty syringes from her son’s nurses.  Gabe quickly took to the duck, began playing “doctor” and Chemo Duck was formed.  As “Dr. Gabe,” Lu realized her son was able to administer treatment and role-play his way through new, frightening experiences, allowing Gabe to overcome his fears.  Chemo Duck became an integral part of Gabe’s medical team during cancer treatment and an important part of Gabe’s life.

 

The Chemo Duck organization was formed shortly after, focusing on bringing the Gabe’s Chemo Duck program to as many children living with cancer as possible.  To date, over 5,000 children with cancer have been provided a source of comfort through Chemo Duck.  However, there are currently over 1,000 children on the waiting list to receive a Chemo Duck to help them through their difficult journey.

 

Now cancer free, Gabe is enjoying newfound celebrity status, thanks to his breakout role opposite Gwyneth Paltrow in the movie Country Strong, in which he plays the role of Travis, a Make-A-Wish child who Gwyneth’s character visits during a concert tour.  Gabe hopes that his acting debut will bring awareness to his non-profit organization which assists pediatric cancer patients throughout the United States and is based just outside of Nashville, Tennessee.

 

 

In order to increase both awareness and funding for the Chemo Duck organization, Gulf Coast Town Center will be offering Dollar Ducks to customers interested in making donations.  Dollar Ducks are paper ducks customers may purchase for $1 or more.  Purchased Dollar Ducks will be displayed at the center.  Gulf Coast Town Center will be selling the Dollar Ducks from the Mall Management Office.  They will be available for purchase through Saturday, March 5, 2011.  The mall will also have Adopt-a-Duck sponsorship information available, allowing customers the option of providing a Chemo Duck to a child in need for $25.  Larger sponsorships offering cases of Chemo Ducks to area hospitals are also available.  

 

100% of all dollars raised at Gulf Coast Town Center will go directly back to the Gabe’s Chemo Duck program.

 

100% of all funds raised at Gulf Coast Town Center through Dollar Duck sales will go directly to Gabe’s Chemo Duck organization to fund Chemo Ducks for children undergoing chemotherapy treatments at The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

 

 “Contributing to Gabe’s Chemo Duck is part of CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. larger effort to support our community and give back to others,” said Dana Katterjohn, Regional Marketing Director for CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.  “We are thankful to be able to bring the community together to help children who are facing one of life’s most difficult journeys.”

 

For more information or for sponsorship information, please visit www.GulfCoastTownCenter.com or www.ChemoDuck.org.

 

 

FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH January 28, 2011

The Shelter for Abused Women & Children

- The Shelter for Abused Women & Children joins individuals and organizations around the nation in bringing attention to dating abuse as part of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month this February. As part of The Shelter’s awareness raising activities, the organization and its Youth Advisory Council (YAC), which is comprised of 14 teens from across the county dedicated to preventing and ending violence, are partnering with the Collier County School District on the following activities in February: Healthy Relationships and Gentle’men Against Domestic Violence (GADV) programs offered to middle and high school students A parent/teacher forum regarding healthy relationships and teen dating violence planned for February 23rd PTO Meeting presentations on Healthy Relationships and GADV, as well as teen dating violence information “By joining this campaign, we are adding our voices to thousands of others across the nation declaring that we will not tolerate violence in our relationships and we commit to helping others who may be experiencing dating violence,” explains Shelter Youth Advocate Jaime Crossan-DeBres. While teen dating violence awareness was discussed in schools across the country starting in 2006, it wasn’t until 2008 that the US Senate passed S. Res. 710 declaring the first week of February as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Week. In January of 2010, S. Res. 373 enhanced the resolution making February National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Why it’s important*: 1 in 3 young people is affected by verbal, sexual or physical dating violence 1 in 5 youth involved in a serious relationship has been pushed, hit, slapped, coerced or threatened by a partner 58% of rape victims report being raped between the ages of 12-24 81% of parents surveyed either believe teen dating violence is not an issue or admit they don’t know if it’s an issue 83% of 10th graders surveyed at the 4th Annual Teen Dating Abuse Summit reported that they would sooner turn to a friend for help with dating abuse than to a teacher, counselor, parent or other caring adults   For more information about teen dating violence, The Shelter’s Youth Advisory Council and the parent/teacher forum, please call 239.775.3862.

8th Annual American Heritage Car & Bike Show to be held at Fort Myers Harley Davidson January 6, 2011

 

 

Corvettes on the Gulf, in conjunction with Lee Memorial Healthy System, announce the 8^th Annual American Heritage Car & Bike Show on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011. All proceeds will benefit Barbara’s Friends – The Children’s Hospital Cancer Fund at The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

 

The car and bike show will be held for the first time at the Fort Myers Harley Davidson,

2160 Colonial Blvd.

The parking lot will be open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with a $25 entry fee. The show is limited to the first 300 vehicles registered. Judging begins at 11 a.m., with awards presented at 3 p.m.

 

Presented by Corvettes on the Gulf and Fort Myers Harley-Davidson, the day’s events include the Car & Bike show, silent auction, 50/50 drawing, vendors, food and music. Awards will be given to first and second place in each class.  

 

Barbara’s Friends supports the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Center at The Children’s Hospital.  Since 1997 more than 5,000 local children with cancer or a blood disorder have been treated at The Children’s Hospital cancer center.  All children are treated regardless of their family’s ability to pay.

 

For more information call Larry Dudley, 727-547-8082 or log on to www.CorvettesOnTheGulf.com

 

 

CHILDREN’S INJURY PREVENTION FAIR January 5, 2011

 

The Children’s Injury Prevention Fair will be held this Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011 at LeeMemorialHospital,

2776 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers

from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The fair is designed to promote injury prevention by combining fun activities and useful information for the entire family.

 

The Injury Prevention Fair is presented by Lee MemorialHospital’s Emergency and Trauma Services in conjunction with The Children’s Hospital of SouthwestFlorida.

Each year, thousands of children across the country are hospitalized for falls, burns, car accidents and other injuries. “Some of these injuries are avoidable,” said Lisa Sgarlata, RN, Chief Administrative Officer of LeeMemorialHospital. “We hope that parents will bring their children to the fair and learn some of the simple steps they can take to prevent injuries. “

 

Special features include car seat and helmet fitting stations; rollover vehicle; Stay Alive Just Drive information; fatal vision glasses; helicopters, ambulance, Smokey Bear, K-9 unit from LCSO, LCSO public services vehicles; EMS participation; safe baby-sitting information; fingerprinting; gun safety; pediatric nutrition; tobacco prevention;  pediatric swimming instruction information; and a lot more.  Healthy snacks will also be available.

 

Children are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animals or a doll to the fair so they can participate in the Teddy Bear Clinic. Child life specialists will guide the children as they pretend to give

medical treatment to their toy so they understand better what happens at hospitals and what doctors and nurses do to help them when they do not feel well or are hurt. This helps calm their fears should they ever need medical attention.

 

At the car seat fitting station, parents will learn about car seat safety, proper installation and recalls. Anyone wishing to have his or her car seat checked by the Child Advocacy team from The Children’s Hospital should call 343-6199 to make an appointment for the day of the fair, Saturday Jan. 22, 2011.

 

The activities and booths will take place in the Auditorium and parking lot in front of the hospital.

PROTECT YOUR PRECIOUS CARGO January 5, 2011

 

 

 

The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida Kohl’s Center for Safety Program will be providing free car seat safety inspections on Saturday, Jan. 15 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kohl’s located at

19600 Cochran Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL  33948

 

 

Research shows that an estimated 30 percent of children still continue to ride unrestrained and 80 percent of all car seats are used incorrectly.  More than 1,700 children have been saved since 1996 just because they were riding in a properly fitted car seat and in the back seat.

 

Education and information to improve these numbers is of critical need in our community.  According to Safe Kids and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a correctly used safety seat reduces fatality risk by 71 percent and serious injury risk by 67 percent. 

 

Car seats will be available at a reduced price if your car seat is part of a recall, out dated or not the appropriate car seat for the child.

 

Bilingual fitting technicians will be available. Appointments are strongly encouraged and may be made by calling 239-343-5224 for a time that’s convenient for you.