Bonita Bay

Click here for the list of United Way supported programs.

United Way proudly works in many communities in Lee County. Our community campaigns provide an opportunity for residents to give of their time and talents and to connect with others who share the same passion to improve the lives of those around us. 

The Bonita Bay Community raised over $1,192,712! Thank you for helping the 2022-2023 United Way Campaign exceed our goal by reaching $11.2 million! Your generous contribution during these unprecedented times enables us to provide the most impactful resources and services to our community in need. For the past 5 consecutive years, Bonita Bay residents have donated more than $1 million per year.  Bonita Bay is the only gated community in the United States to accomplish such a feat. Additionally, for the fifth year in a row, Bonita Bay has earned a spot in the Million Dollar Circle of Excellence, as the top community donor group alongside Publix, the corporate representative in the Million Dollar Circle of Excellence Club.

All money raised in the United Way Campaign stays in the local community to help support the local human service network. United Way partner agencies and initiatives like Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center, Child Care of Southwest Florida, The Salvation Army, Bonita Springs Assistance, Lighthouse of Southwest Florida,  Mission United, and United Way 211 serve a diverse range of needs in our community such as nurturing children and youth, strengthening families, and meeting critical needs such as helping the elderly and disabled live independently, and empowering communities by bringing health and human services to neighborhoods.   

In addition to supporting over 260 programs and special initiatives in 2022-2023, United Way provided the following Hurricane Ian related support:

• $2,803,970 in funding to 161 agencies and programs to help survivors and provide services and resources.
• $964,345 in gift cards to thousands of survivors to help with repairs, immediate needs, and replacement of essentials.
• $892,270 in direct assistance to survivors to help with temporary shelter, repairs, immediate needs, and replacement of essentials.
• $25,784,747 received in donated goods with $17,623,045 worth of building/construction supplies, furniture, apparel, home goods, school supplies, etc. distributed to community partners and thousands of households.
• $10 million in additional donated goods received and distributed in cooperation with the State of Florida, Volunteer Florida, and Emergency Management.
• $3.4 million impact in debris removal, muck and gut, repairs, and points of distribution by 11,200 volunteers with 107,446 volunteer hours tracked by the United Way Volunteer Center.

A special thank you to the Bonita Bay Campaign Committee for working tirelessly to raise funds in our community.  

Sharon & Gary Brooks and Joe Calabrese (Co-Chairs), Julie Bauermeister, Carole & Dick Bondi, Ralph Hoffman, Tom Iversen, Mark Kinard, David Klein, Bill Mason, Dee McClay, Nancy Near, Dave Schellenbarger, Tom Weadock, Brad Wind.

Advisory Committee: Willis Blackwood, Leslie & Ron Ezerski, Carol Markey, Dick Miller, Susanne & Larry Pickering