rotaryclubofbonitanaples

SWFL Coalition Against Human Trafficking

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:46:35 GMT

As President of the Board of Directors for the SWFL Coalition Against Human Trafficking, Janet Ortenzo shared an overview of the Coalition’s extensive network of more than 95 partner organizations. Together, these groups provide a wide range of direct services and support to survivors of human trafficking across Southwest Florida.

For more information, visit www.SWFLhumantrafficking.org

Wilson’s Fit Future

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:22:34 GMT

We thank Donnie Keller for introducing us to Wilson’s Fit Future, “a transformative youth program designed to empower our communities, foster life long wellness, and inspire our youth ages 11-17 to reach their fullest potential”.

Radiopharmaceuticals Therapy

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 01:59:29 GMT

We’d like to thank Dr. Kelly Davis for coming in to educate us about Radiopharmaceuticals, the emerging tools used in the diagnosis and treatment of Cancer.

Save the Manatee

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:39:06 GMT

Lisa Koutny, a volunteer for the Save the Manatee organization, gave a very interesting and informative presentation about manatees, the challenges they are facing, and how their organization is helping them. You can find out more by visiting SaveTheManatee.org .

2025 Pints With a Purpose Beneficiary

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:37:46 GMT

Anke Tracey presented a donation to one of our fundraiser recipients, Lisa Koutny from the Save the Manatees organization for their support of the Environmental, which was the Area of Focus of the 2025 Pints With a Purpose initiative.

Collaboratory

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:15:20 GMT

Dr. Dawn Belamarich, President & CEO of Collaboratory, presented on how their regional community foundation is committed to bringing Southwest Florida together to solve all of our major social problems by 2040. Find out more here: https://collaboratory.org/

Sunlight Home

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 01:53:12 GMT

Executive Director Dorely Carrillo, seen here with CEO Mike Tarantino, shared with us the support, love, and resources they give to pregnant women and struggling single mothers who are dealing with difficult circumstances. Their program phases include: Embrace, Empower, Embark, and Enrich. You can find out more at: SunlightHome.org

Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF)

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:18:21 GMT

Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) - Amanda Manrique, who is the Osprey Program Coordinator, gave a very interesting presentation about ospreys. Despite seeing them frequently in SWFL, we learned many new facts. You can find out more by visiting sccf.org .

Wheels of Hope

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 02:09:33 GMT

Steve Popper gave an interesting update about the innovative ways that Wheels of Hope is addressing food insecurity in our area, given the decrease in supply and increase in demand. If you’re interested to find out more, or volunteer your time, or make a donation, go to MealsOfHope.org .

Silver Tsunami or Silver Strong?

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 21:14:36 GMT

Barbara Shearer and Patty Duncan presented about The Neighbors Network of Lee County (NNLC). Their mission is to make the experience of aging in one’s home a feasible choice with neighbors helping neighbors across generations to create a socially connected community that benefits everyone.

2025 Pints With a Purpose Beneficiary

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 21:13:31 GMT

Anke Tracey presented one of our fundraiser recipients, Falon Tabares - CEO & Co-Founder of The Healthy Earth Organization, for their support of the Environment, which was the Area of Focus of the 2025 Pints With a Purpose initiative.

Bonita Springs Charter School

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 20:16:06 GMT

Thanks to our readers, and of course the teachers at the Bonita Springs Charter School, we had another successful Josh the Baby Otter Water Safety event for the Kindergarteners. (from L-R): J. Meyer, B. Meyer, H. Varsames, M. Rusk, T. Bligh, F. Rizzo

Welcome Paul Hanysz as a new member to our club.

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 01:33:49 GMT

We would like to welcome Paul Hanysz as one of two new members to our club. Paul, who recently relocated to Bonita Springs, is a 35 year Rotarian from East Lansing Michigan, and wanted to continue his commitment to fellowship and service through our club. He is shown here Sam Black, our membership chair (left) and Heidi Varsames, club President (center).

Maggie Van Laere a new Rotarian

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 01:30:13 GMT

We would like to congratulate Maggie Van Laere as a new Rotarian and one of two new members of our club (shown here with Sam Black, our membership chair and Maggie’s sponsor)

Director of the Pneumonia and Pandemic Preparedness Program at the Gates Foundation

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 01:25:56 GMT

We would like to thanks Professor Keith Klugman, Director of the Pneumonia and Pandemic Preparedness Program at the Gates Foundation, for sharing the incredible work which the foundation is doing and the tremendous results which the vaccination campaigns have had in decreasing child and adult deaths through vaccinations.

Founder of International Village Clinic

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 20:16:52 GMT

It was a pleasure to have Dr. Abul Sharah, Founder of International Village Clinic, discuss his journey to bring health and medical services to the poor villages of India and Guatemala.

Robbie the “Robo-Dog

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 02:11:26 GMT

We would like to thank Robbie the “Robo-Dog”, it’s handler CIA Deniz Santizo (next to Robbie) and Rotary Club member Lt Frank Pisano for coming in and sharing with us the technologies in use by Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

The Power of Reset

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:17:10 GMT

We’d like to thank Dr Lynda Waterhouse for speaking to us about the importance of creating a “Personal Strategic Plan”

Past President Campbell Gault delivering today’s club food donations

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 02:49:00 GMT

Past President Campbell Gault delivering today’s club food donations to Ms Caily Martin of the Bonita Springs Assistance Office

The Rise and Fall of The Berlin Wall

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:25:55 GMT

Thank you Klaus Helf of the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs (Morning) for speaking with us about The Rise and Fall of The Berlin Wall.

In support of patients at the Golisano Children’s Hospital

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 23:40:13 GMT

In support of patients at the Golisano Children’s Hospital, Kathy Picard, Joanne Ziccarelli, Anke Tracey, Vicki Helbing and Sam Black are preparing blankets, which the RotaKids at the Bonita Springs Charter School will then finish up.

Elizabeth Roach educate us on Rotaract

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:04:31 GMT

We enjoyed having Elizabeth Roach educate us on Rotaract, the Rotary clubs geared towards college students and young professionals, and what’s happening in our district.

Sarah Norris from the City of Naples

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 18:13:49 GMT

We’d like to thank Sarah Norris from the City of Naples for educating us on the challenges facing our turtle hatchlings, and the conservation efforts underway on our beaches (shown with club member Phil Roach)

Bonita Naples Rotarian Phil Roach

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 13:46:40 GMT

Bonita Naples Rotarian Phil Roach shares the history of weapons in the USA with our club.

Lee County Sheriffs Office - Identity Theft

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:55:36 GMT

Brian MacNeel from the Lee County Sheriffs Office provided helpful information on how to protect ourselves from identity and other thefts, as well as stay safe and avoid injury from personal attacks and emergencies. Best tip: shred everything (Rx labels, airline luggage tags, pre-approved credit card applications & envelopes) that has a barcode or QR code.

Dr. Laurie MacKinnon

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 03:26:42 GMT

Dr. Laurie MacKinnon spoke about how the health care provider Synergyhealth blends chiropractic care with traditional medical methods to support the health and well-being of their patients.

SWFL Parkinson Association

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:10:37 GMT

We’d like to thank Gayla Bowden from the SWFL Parkinson Association for coming in and talking with our club about the support they give.

Football Season

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:54:15 GMT

With football season in full swing, club members decided to show support for their favorite teams.

Bonita Springs Councilman and fellow Rotarian Jim Fitzpatrick

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 02:11:09 GMT

We would like to thank Bonita Springs Councilman and fellow Rotarian Jim Fitzpatrick for his informative presentation on the various infrastructure projects going on within our community.

Al-Anon Family Groups

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 20:15:44 GMT

Lori B., Cindy S. and Cindy S.A. of Al-Anon Family Groups (Al-Anon & Alateen), a non-professional organization whose members (adults and teens) have been affected by someone else's drinking. They find understanding and support when they share their common experience with each other.

Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:35:12 GMT

We would like to thank Eldon Bohrofen for coming to speak to us about CART (Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust). We look forward to contributing through our weekly “loose change” collection.

Playing Card Tower Challenge

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 18:49:52 GMT

As seen at today’s Playing Card Tower Challenge at the BS Charter School Interact Club Meeting, the best solution is often times the most creative one. Remember to consider everyone’s ideas!

The Healthy Earth Organization

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 19:22:41 GMT

We enjoyed having Vanessa Alfonso (Left), Falon Tabares, CEO (Middle), and Kylin Meredith (Right) come and tell us all about The Healthy Earth Organization.

Welcome Svea!

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 19:21:28 GMT

Jerry Grandey (left), District 6960 Rotary Youth Exchange Inbound Coordinator, and Wayne Hemstead, Host “Grandfather” and fellow Rotarian, introduced us to Svea Wahnemuehl from Germany, one of this year’s Youth Exchange Students. Welcome Svea!

Congressman Mario Diaz Balart as a Polio Champion

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 21:02:45 GMT

Our own Janet DiBenedetto , Vice Chair of Rotary International Polio Eradication Advocacy Task Force recognizing Congressman Mario Diaz Balart as a Polio Champion on behalf of Rotary International for his continued support to eradicate polio globally.

Golden Paws

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 12:30:48 GMT

Past Area Governor Dee Fabry (right) thanking to Laurie Wireman (left), Jan Napolitano (center) and of course Roxie from Golden Paws for all that they do.

The Rotary annual calendar runs from July 1 - June 30, and the changing of the guard from the outgoing President to the new President reflects that change.

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 12:00:39 GMT

We want to thank Campbell Gault (right), for his leadership during our last year, and we pledge our support to Heidi Varsames (left) for the upcoming year.

Our new President, Heidi Varsames (left) providing our outgoing President, Campbell Gault with the ceremonial gavel, thanking him for his leadership during the 2024-2025 year.

Incoming club President, Heidi Varsames (right) with incoming District 6960 Governor, Gerard Sola during the annual changing of the guard ceremony.

62 years and 50 years respectively of Rotary Service

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:51:37 GMT

President Campbell Gault (right) recognizing Bob Bornstein (right) and Tam Mustapha (center) for their 62 years and 50 years respectively of Rotary Service. What inspirations. Congrats to both!

Kimmie’s Recovery Zone

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:50:34 GMT

President Campbell Gault (center) thanking Al Kinkle (left) and Heidi Webb (right) of Kimmie’s Recovery Zone, educating us in the challenges of substance abuse and recovery.

62 years of Rotary Service

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 03:53:18 GMT

Bob Bornstein (left) being recognized for his 62 years of Rotary Service, with our club president Campbell Gault (right)

Celebrating Bob Bornstein’s 62+ years with Rotary. (from left to right: Brad Robinson,(District Governor) Kelsey Sola , Gary Dworkin, Jim Fabry, Bob Bornstein, (Club President) Campbell Gault, and Joanne Ziccarelli.)

Changing of the Guard

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 03:52:09 GMT

Past, Present and Future District Governors (DG) for District 6960, on hand for the “Changing of the Guard”. From left to right: DG nominee elect Annie Campbell, DG nominee Dennis Wallace, incoming DG Gerard Sola, Current DG Kelsey Sola, and Past DG Sandra Hemstead.

Bonita Naples Rotary Club members and friends on hand for the District Conference and the changing of the guard.

Director of the Bonita Springs Assistance Office

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 03:45:24 GMT

We are happy to support Caily Martin, Director of the Bonita Springs Assistance Office, after she told us all that they are doing to help our community.

Thanking Elisa Martinez and Oscar Hernandez

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 03:44:22 GMT

On behalf of the club, Anke Tracey (center) thanks Elisa Martinez (left) and Oscar Hernandez (right) for all the hard work they do in supporting the weekly meetings and the weekly food packing.

Children’s Advocacy Center SWFL

Fri, 30 May 2025 19:44:07 GMT

Thanking Alicia Shannon (middle) and Milena Weston (right) of the Children’s Advocacy Center SWFL for helping “children affected by abuse and neglect”

Community Service Projects

Thu, 29 May 2025 02:30:36 GMT

Janet DiBenedetto (middle) with Caily Martin (left) and Grace Farris (right) celebrating our long term commitment to helping the Bonita Springs Assistance Office help our community

Community Service Projects

Thu, 29 May 2025 02:29:53 GMT

Janet DiBenedetto (right) with Yadi Muñoz (left) celebrating our long term commitment to helping the Cafe of Life help our community.

Community Service Projects

Thu, 29 May 2025 02:29:14 GMT

Janet DiBenedetto (right) thanking Susan Rizzato (left) for the support Valerie’s House is giving to grieving families in SWFL

Community Service Projects

Wed, 28 May 2025 19:26:56 GMT

Heidi Varsames (right), our 2025-2026 Club President, establishing our newest long term partnership with Christen Krembs (left) and Karen Lutz (middle) from Fun Time Academy.

On behalf of Wheelchairs For Kids

Wed, 28 May 2025 19:11:10 GMT

On behalf of Wheelchairs For Kids, Jim Fabry (left) accepts a donation from our Foundation from Janet DiBenedetto (right), so Jacob, a child in need in Naples, can get a specialized wheelchair.

Passing the Presidential gavel

Sat, 24 May 2025 03:47:40 GMT

We gathered at Chubby Mermaid Brewing with family and friends to socialize and to thank our 24-25 president, Campbell Gault, for a wonderful year, and to wish all the best to our 25-26 president, Heidi Varsames.

Stay tuned for information about our next social event.

Thanking Heather Esquibel

Thu, 22 May 2025 13:14:09 GMT

Thanking Heather Esquibel (middle) of the Healthy Start SWFL Coalition for “Helping babies have a healthy start in life.

Thanking Michelle Avola-Brown

Thu, 22 May 2025 13:14:08 GMT

Thanking Michelle Avola-Brown for the contributions the Naples Pathway Coalition/Hands-Free Florida is making to keep our community roads safe

Thanking (left to right) Karmel Scrutchen, Ashtin Morio, and Alyson Spradley

Fri, 02 May 2025 19:52:28 GMT

Thanking (left to right) Karmel Scrutchen, Ashtin Morio, and Alyson Spradley from the Hanley Foundation for all they do to help treat addiction and mental health in our area.

Welcoming Paul, Justin and Dave to our Rotary Family!

Fri, 02 May 2025 19:50:25 GMT

Welcoming Paul, Justin and Dave to our Rotary Family! (From left to right) Heidi Varsames (membership committee co-chair, Paul Udouj, Justin Braveman, James Mullen (sponsor), Dave Lockhard, and Campbell Gault (president)

2nd Annual Steve Agius Memorial Casino Night

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 01:25:58 GMT

2nd Annual Steve Agius Memorial Casino Night

Call 239-405-8566
For your Reservations
All proceeds go to
The Wheelchair Foundation
Gift of Life International

This Event will be held at
The Elks Lodge, Estero
3231 Coconut Road, Estero, FL 34134

Let's show some support for the memory of Steve Agius's favorite charities!!!

Rotary International Friendship Exchange

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 01:21:53 GMT

Anne Brownstone joins Bonita Naples Rotary Monday, November 11, 2024

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:01:31 GMT

Anne Brownstone joins Bonita Naples Rotary
Monday, November 11, 2024

Pictured left to right: PE Heidi Varsames, Ann's sponsor, Joerg Meyer,
President, Campbell Gault, Anne Brownstone, Membership Chair, Mike Prioletti

August is Membership Month

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 02:43:38 GMT

August is Membership Month

Bring a potential member to our meeting
The Stage
9144 Bonita Beach Road SE
Bonita Springs, Fl
Thursdays at noon

Bonita Naples received 10 Zone and District Awards at District 6960 Conference

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 02:32:54 GMT

District 6960 Conference
Awards Ceremony
July 12-14, 2024
Charlotte Harbor Conference Center
Punta Gorda

Weekly $50.00 Raffle starts in August 2024

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:57:38 GMT

2023-2024 Weekly Winners:

Name Winning weeks

Kim Anderson 1
Sam Black 1
Steve Cannon 2
Janet Dibenedetto 1
Dee Fabry 1
Campbell Gault 1
Cindy Hall 4
Dxion Blevins 5
Pat Varek 6
Chastity Culver 1
Joerg Meyer 1
Mike Prioletti 2
Heidi Varsames 5
Deb Vasaturo 1
Joanne Zicarelli 1

Paul Harris Celebration June 6, 2024

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 01:00:21 GMT

The Rotary Club of Bonita Naples presented new Paul Harris level achievement pins to 12 club members at their meeting on Thursday June 6, 2024. New pins were presented by:

Jim Fabry Rotary International Foundation Chair
and
PDG Brad Robinson.

The Rotary Club of Bonita Naples is a 100% Paul Harris Fellow club.

Paul Harris New Levels

Paul Harris: Kathi Pickard*, Debbie Vasaturo, Bruce Hayes* , John Varsames
Paul Harris +1 : Steve Cannon, Heidi Varsames, Rosi Haller, Bruce Hayes, Kathi Pickard
Paul Harris +2 : Mike Rusk
Paul Harris +4 : BettyJean Christensen, John Wharton
Paul Harris +5 : Campbell Gault
Paul Harris +7: Mike Prioletti
* moved 2 levels

rotaryclubofbonitanaples

SWFL Coalition Against Human Trafficking

Wilson’s Fit Future

Radiopharmaceuticals Therapy

Save the Manatee

2025 Pints With a Purpose Beneficiary

Collaboratory

Sunlight Home

Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF)

Wheels of Hope

Silver Tsunami or Silver Strong?

2025 Pints With a Purpose Beneficiary

Bonita Springs Charter School

Welcome Paul Hanysz as a new member to our club.

Maggie Van Laere a new Rotarian

Director of the Pneumonia and Pandemic Preparedness Program at the Gates Foundation

Founder of International Village Clinic

Robbie the “Robo-Dog

The Power of Reset

Past President Campbell Gault delivering today’s club food donations

The Rise and Fall of The Berlin Wall

In support of patients at the Golisano Children’s Hospital

Elizabeth Roach educate us on Rotaract

Sarah Norris from the City of Naples

Bonita Naples Rotarian Phil Roach

Lee County Sheriffs Office - Identity Theft

Dr. Laurie MacKinnon

SWFL Parkinson Association

Football Season

Bonita Springs Councilman and fellow Rotarian Jim Fitzpatrick

Al-Anon Family Groups

Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust

Playing Card Tower Challenge

The Healthy Earth Organization

Welcome Svea!

Congressman Mario Diaz Balart as a Polio Champion

Golden Paws

The Rotary annual calendar runs from July 1 - June 30, and the changing of the guard from the outgoing President to the new President reflects that change.

62 years and 50 years respectively of Rotary Service

Kimmie’s Recovery Zone

62 years of Rotary Service

Changing of the Guard

Director of the Bonita Springs Assistance Office

Thanking Elisa Martinez and Oscar Hernandez

Children’s Advocacy Center SWFL

Community Service Projects

Community Service Projects

Community Service Projects

Community Service Projects

On behalf of Wheelchairs For Kids

Passing the Presidential gavel

Thanking Heather Esquibel

Thanking Michelle Avola-Brown

Thanking (left to right) Karmel Scrutchen, Ashtin Morio, and Alyson Spradley

Welcoming Paul, Justin and Dave to our Rotary Family!

2nd Annual Steve Agius Memorial Casino Night

2nd Annual Steve Agius Memorial Casino Night

Call 239-405-8566 For your Reservations All proceeds go to The Wheelchair Foundation Gift of Life International

Let's show some support for the memory of Steve Agius's favorite charities!!!

Rotary International Friendship Exchange

Anne Brownstone joins Bonita Naples Rotary Monday, November 11, 2024

Anne Brownstone joins Bonita Naples Rotary Monday, November 11, 2024

Pictured left to right: PE Heidi Varsames, Ann's sponsor, Joerg Meyer, President, Campbell Gault, Anne Brownstone, Membership Chair, Mike Prioletti

August is Membership Month

August is Membership Month

Bonita Naples received 10 Zone and District Awards at District 6960 Conference

District 6960 Conference Awards Ceremony July 12-14, 2024 Charlotte Harbor Conference Center Punta Gorda

Weekly $50.00 Raffle starts in August 2024

Paul Harris Celebration June 6, 2024

Call 239-405-8566
For your Reservations
All proceeds go to
The Wheelchair Foundation
Gift of Life International

Anne Brownstone joins Bonita Naples Rotary
Monday, November 11, 2024

Pictured left to right: PE Heidi Varsames, Ann's sponsor, Joerg Meyer,
President, Campbell Gault, Anne Brownstone, Membership Chair, Mike Prioletti

District 6960 Conference
Awards Ceremony
July 12-14, 2024
Charlotte Harbor Conference Center
Punta Gorda