Scene on Site
Best Buddies Friendship Walk
Best Buddies of Southwest Florida turned its annual Friendship Walk into a CARE-a-Van on April 17, stretching through a route at Miromar Outlets. The event raised $61,613 for the local nonprofit and celebrates the progress made toward inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
American Ninja Warrior competitor Morgan “Moose” Wright served as the event’s Grand Marshall. Wright is a Golden Apple award-winning P.E. teacher and a decorated U.S. Army officer.
This year’s Friendship Walk honored Emma Bullock, a former Best Buddies chapter officer at Estero High School, who tragically passed in February 2021. The Bullock family was honored in the lead car of the CARE-a-Van, provided by Tamiami Ford. Emma’s Echo was the top-performing team, raising $8,811.
Michael Weinstein was the top individual fundraiser with $4,078, followed by Candace Kelley and Stephanie Maffeo. A team from Florida Gulf Coast University raised $2,904. The Southwest Florida Citizens, a Best Buddies adult program, raised $6,905.
The event included many give-aways, vendors and prizes. Way Too Tall Torrie, Mussel Man (of Mighty Mussels baseball), Captain America and Superman provided roving entertainment and photo ops. Other entertainment was provided by the Estero High School dance team and cheer squads from Ida Baker High, Bonita Springs High and FGCU.
Proceeds from the Friendship Walk support local programs that provide one-on-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living. Save the date for the next Friendship Walk on April 30, 2022.
Corvettes on the Gulf Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show
Gulf Coast Town Center and Corvettes on the Gulf presented the 11th Annual Corvette and Open Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show on Feb. 27. The event included a DJ, raffles, trivia contests and awards. Premium Productions conducted judging based on condition of appearance and stock versus modified. Mall guests could interact with auto owners and admire these well kept cars.
When COVID-19 caused the annual WINK Feeds Families Hunger Walk supporting Harry Chapin Food Bank to be canceled, Copperleaf at The Brooks decided to hold its own community Hunger Walk on Jan. 30, raising $31,500 for the food bank. Copperleaf Charitable Foundation has been a presenting sponsor for Hunger Walk for many years and continues to honor its pledge to support Harry Chapin despite a pandemic — more than doubling its fundraising goal.
