November 1, 2016
Generosity a newsletter of the
Global Reach with Local Impact
A Powerful Legacy of Generosity
David & Joyce Gomer learned the importance of caring for others at a young age. Guided by their parents, they have always appreciated the fulfillment of placing community above self. 

To preserve their family's tradition of generosity, David and Joyce Gomer opened a Giving Fund through the Cape Coral Community Foundation to continue their legacy as community philanthropists. With the Cape Coral Community Foundation as their giving partner, David and Joyce will be woven into the lives of others in the community... For Good. For Ever.

We invite you to join our community of Generous Givers. Like David and Joyce Gomer, your "Giving Fund" will have an impact on others. Your Giving Fund will feed the hungry, sustain the arts, deliver cures, and educate minds.

Contact us: [email protected].
Harry Chapin Food Bank Receives $8,000 Grant to Help Families in Need
More than 92,000 people in Lee County are struggling with food insecurity - these are our neighbors, co-workers, and friends. When families are forced to make difficult choices, organizations like the Harry Chapin Food Bank offer hope and help to our community by stepping in to fill the gaps. 

The Harry Chapin Food Bank was recently awarded an $8,000 grant from the Foundation. Coupled with a donation of $2,000 from the Giving Alliance of Women, these funds will provide food for hundreds of families in Cape Coral through the Food Bank's mobile pantry program, bringing not only non-perishable items, but fresh produce and frozen meats to families in need. 

The Mobile Pantry Program distributes over 43,000 pounds of food, valued at $72,000, in Cape Coral at six locations. This puts 36,000 meals on the tables of nearly 2,700 people. Nearly half of those served are our most vulnerable populations - seniors and children. 

For more information visit Harry Chapin Food Bank online.
Top left photo (pictured left to right): Richard LeBer, President & CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank; Jacque Lawson, Administrative & Program Coordinator at Cape Coral Community Foundation; Dennis Gingerich, founding pastor of Cape Christian Fellowship and member of CCCF Board of Directors
Valerie's House Awarded $9,000 to Bring Healing to Grieving Families in Cape Coral
In January of 2016, families with the shared experience of loss and grief began meeting in a house in downtown Fort Myers. Gathering for a meal and then breaking into groups, these families have found a caring community and a safe space for grieving. One in seven Americans suffers the loss of a parent or sibling before the age of 20. While these families are certainly not alone, they often feel isolated in their schools and neighborhoods as they cope with loss.

Valerie's House is currently serving over 70 kids, ages 4 to 19, as well as their parents, grandparents, and caregivers. Groups are led by volunteers who have personal experience with loss and grief, as well as trained professionals in social work and therapy. The art, games, and other activities are all designed with a purpose - giving children who have experienced loss the tools to grieve in a positive and productive way, and putting them on the path to success.

Funding from the Cape Coral Community Foundation, along with a strong partnership with Cape Christian Fellowship, opens the doors to offer more families the opportunity to connect and experience the life-changing programs offered by Valerie's House.   

To learn more, visit Valerie's House online.
Pictured above: Danielle Visone, Program Director at Valerie's House (back center) along with members of one of the teen grief groups.
CCCF Welcomes New Board Member
The Cape Coral Community Foundation is pleased to welcome Carolyn Johnson to its Board of Directors. Carolyn is the Vice President of Communications and Development at Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida. 

Ms. Johnson is a graduate of the University of Florida where she earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Communications and Journalism. She is also a recent graduate of an 18-month Goodwill Industries International Exchange Development Program where she studied the principles of executive leadership and development.

A resident of Cape Coral for 38 years, Ms. Johnson has grown up in Cape Coral and offers the Foundation a wealth of knowledge and a strong sense of community and service. 
Professional Advisors Lunch & Learn - January 12, 2017
The Cape Coral Community Foundation presents Phil Cubeta who will share his expertise in charitable giving at a Lunch & Learn hosted by Faith Presbyterian Church.

Why Charitable Gifts of Noncash Assets Should Matter to Elite Professional Advisors

Some of your clients are charitable. 

Key Takeaways:
  • Successful business owners seldom hold much in cash
  • The bulk of their assets are, generally, tied up in the business, or in real estate
  • Charities almost always ask for cash. After cash, they seek public assets - assets you manage
  • The win/win is to have clients donate noncash assets as part of an overall plan for wealth transfer and business exit
  • In the process, by using the right charitable tools, you can bring your AUM up - way up

    Thursday, January 12, 2017
    11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
    Faith Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall
    Lunch provided

This is a free event, but we do ask that you register by calling 239-542-5594 or [email protected].

Phil Cubeta is the Wallace Chair in Philanthropy at The American College of Financial Services where he directs and teaches the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) curriculum. 

Prior to joining The College, Professor Cubeta served as Chief of Staff for The Nautilus Group, a service of New York Life, providing estate, business, and philanthropic strategies to affluent clients of its member agents.
Elmer Tabor Generosity Award Nominations

The foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2017 Elmer Tabor Generosity Award. Details can be found on our website. Help us recognize the generous leaders in Lee County who inspire through example.
Cape Coral Community Foundation Calendar
November 9, 2016: Michael Chatman, President & CEO, speaking at the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral's General Membership Luncheon Meeting, 11:30 a.m. at Bonefish Grill in Cape Coral

November 15, 2016: CCCF Executive Committee Meeting, 3:30 p.m. at CCCF Office

November 17, 2016: CCCF Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30 a.m. at Cape Christian Fellowship

November 24-25, 2016: CCCF Office closed for Thanksgiving holiday

December 8, 2016: CCCF Staff & Board Christmas Party, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Duffy's Sports Gill of Cape Coral

December 20, 2016: CCCF Executive Committee Meeting, 3:30 p.m. at CCCF Office

December 23-26, 2016: CCCF Office closed for Christmas holiday

January 2, 2017: CCCF Office closed for New Year's holiday

January 12, 2017: Professional Advisors Lunch & Learn with guest speaker Phil Cubeta, 11:30 a.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church

January 17, 2017: CCCF Executive Committee Meeting, 3:30 p.m. at CCCF Office

January 19, 2017: CCCF Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30 a.m. at Cape Christian Fellowship

February 7, 2017: CCCF Investment Committee Meeting, 10:30 a.m. at Barton Insurance, Cape Coral

February 21, 2017: CCCF Executive Committee Meeting, 3:30 p.m. at CCCF Office


March 14, 2017: CCCF Executive Committee Meeting, 3:30 p.m. at CCCF Office

March 16, 2017: CCCF Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30 a.m. at Cape Christian Fellowship

March 30, 2017: Annual Donor Appreciation Dinner, Former Board Members Reunion & Elmer Tabor Generosity Award Presentation

April 18, 2017: CCCF Executive Committee Meeting, 3:30 p.m. at CCCF Office

April 22-25, 2017: Philanthropy Leaders & Experts Academy (a special gathering of national private, family and corporate foundation executives), The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village (by invitation only)

May 2, 2017: CCCF Investment Committee Meeting, 10:30 a.m. at Barton Insurance, Cape Coral

May 11, 2017: Michael Chatman, President & CEO, presents "More Money for Ministry: Inspiring Generosity in the Faith Community," 8:30 a.m., Cape Christian Fellowship

May 16, 2017: CCCF Executive Committee Meeting, 3:30 p.m. at CCCF Office

May 18, 2017: CCCF Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30 a.m. at Cape Christian Fellowship