Latest news with #HendryCounty
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
More than $10 million raised to help United Way locally, extending decades-long streak
More than $10 million will help United Way reach its goal locally. United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades met its $11.3 million annual campaign goal. They have received similar donations for 32 years. United Way President and CEO Jeannine Joy, along with Campaign Co-chairs Dr. Scott Nygaard, a community volunteer, and Dan O'Berski of Trinity Commercial Group, made the announcement on May 13 at the annual Volunteer Appreciation event. In numbers: Lines at Collier County food pantries stretch longer in summer. Why? No free meals in school This year's campaign — United We're Stronger — raised $11.3 million through pledges from employees of local pacesetter companies, businesses and generous individuals, Priority Marketing announced in a news release. All money raised through the campaign stays local to support the United Way human service network of partner agencies, which include Harry Chapin Food Bank, Community Cooperative, Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Children's Advocacy Center, Literacy Council Gulf Coast, Boys & Girls Clubs, FISH of SanCap and dozens of additional organizations, the news release said. According to the release, throughout the campaign, the "United We're Stonger" theme was ever-present with O'Berski and Nygaard portraying the iconic Saturday Night Live characters Hans and Franz. Similar to the characters, the campaign co-chairs "pumped" the community up to help it reach another record. Nearly 52% of donations during the 2024-25 campaign originated through United Way Pacesetters, which consisted of 154 businesses and organizations that launched an internal fundraising campaigns last fall. This year, according to the release, United Way recognized 180 individuals as Alexis de Tocqueville Society members, a designation awarded to supporters whose philanthropic gifts make the biggest impact on local nonprofits. Tocqueville Society members contribute a minimum of $10,000 to United Way during the campaign. Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@ or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran, Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews and Bluesky @tomasfrodriguez. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: United Way raises millions locally at Volunteer Appreciation event
CBS News
5 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
With fewer than 1,000 remaining, orchid found in Florida eyed for endangered status
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will seek endangered species status for the ghost orchid, a swamp-dwelling, flowering plant found in Florida's Hendry and Collier counties and in Cuba, the agency said Wednesday. "It is one of the most famous flowers in Florida, but its population has declined to fewer than 1,000 plants in the United States," the Fish and Wildlife Service said in a news release. "Less than half of those are mature enough to reproduce. Poaching is the main threat to the orchid, but wetland loss and degradation have also put the orchid at risk throughout its range." The agency will publish the proposal Thursday in the Federal Register, opening a 60-day comment period.
