News & Events

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One of the best parts of serving with the Zonta Club of Fort Myers is getting to visit the organizations we support and seeing firsthand the difference they make in our community.

Recently, Boar members had the opportunity to visit Crisis Prevention & Empowerment as we presented them with a $2,500 grant from the Zonta Club of Fort Myers. These grant dollars were raised through our annual Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Fundraiser, made possible by everyone who attended, sponsored, donated, or volunteered.

During our visit, we learned more about the services CPE provides to individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. They shared how their programs help people navigate crisis, find stability, and build a stronger future.

One of the things that are most enjoyable about these visits is hearing the stories behind the work. It's a reminder that our fundraising doesn't end with an event—it continues through the organizations that put those dollars to work every day.

Thank you to the Crisis Prevention & Empowerment team for welcoming us and for everything you do for our community. We are proud to partner with organizations that are creating opportunities and changing lives.

Our 2026 Run for the Roses brought together a wonderful crowd for an evening of Derby fun, community connection, delicious food, exciting auctions, games, bourbon tastings, and plenty of memorable moments.

We are deeply thankful to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, members, community partners, and guests who helped make the event such a success. From themed baskets and auction items to behind-the-scenes support and event setup, this evening truly reflected the power of teamwork and community generosity.

A special thank you to everyone who donated auction items, attended the event, placed bids, purchased tickets, and supported our mission of empowering women and girls in Southwest Florida.

This year’s Kentucky Derby also gave us an inspiring moment as the winning horse’s trainer became the first female trainer to win the Derby — a fitting reminder of the progress women continue to make in every arena.

Because of your support, the Zonta Club of Fort Myers can continue funding local grants, scholarships, advocacy efforts, and programs that improve the lives of women and girls in our community.

Thank you for helping us make this event both meaningful and memorable. We are grateful for your support and already looking forward to next year’s Run for the Roses!

We proud to spotlight one of our own, Andrea Wheeler, whose artwork, “Women of the Storms,” has been featured in the Zonta Says NOW to Climate Justice Virtual Art Gallery.

Created using the intricate art of quilling, Andrea’s piece reflects the increasing intensity of storms and their impact—something we know all too well here in Southwest Florida. Her work captures both the beauty and the force of nature, while highlighting a critical truth: climate change disproportionately affects women and families, particularly in vulnerable communities.

In a region shaped by hurricanes and recovery, “Women of the Storms” is more than art—it is advocacy. It connects global climate justice efforts with the lived experiences of women right here in our community.

Zonta International’s Zonta Says NOW to Climate Justice initiative calls on communities worldwide to recognize and address the intersection of climate change and gender inequality. Andrea’s contribution brings that message to life in a powerful and deeply local way.

We are proud to see Fort Myers represented in this global gallery and celebrate Andrea’s creativity, passion, and commitment to advancing Zonta’s mission.

  View Andrea’s artwork:  https://zontasaysnowvirtualartgallery.org/project/women-of-the-storms/

The Zonta Clubs of Fort Myers and Sanibel-Captiva were honored to receive a Lee County proclamation recognizing the Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women campaign and the global 16 Days of Activism.

During the presentation, we shared how both clubs put this mission into action locally—through grants, partnerships, and volunteer service supporting organizations such as ACT, Partners in Breast Cancer Care, After the Rain, the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center, FGCU programs for women, and many others helping women and families in Southwest Florida.

We also reflected on the global unity behind this work. At the recent Zonta International Convention in Brisbane, Australia, the city lit its major landmarks orange in support of ending violence against women—an inspiring reminder of how connected our efforts truly are.

We thank the Lee County Commissioners for shining a public light on this issue and for recognizing the local impact of our Zonta clubs. Together, we continue working toward a community where every woman can live in safety and dignity.

Visit the County Commission Website to View the Proclamation Being Presented

https://www.leegov.com/bocc/meetings

Members of the Zonta Club of Fort Myers recently attended the Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation Scholarship Luncheon, joining fellow Zontians from 

the Naples Club to celebrate women pursuing higher education in Southwest Florida.

At the event, we recognized the 2025–2026 recipients of the Zonta Club of Fort Myers Area Scholarship Endowed Fund, which supports women balancing academic goals, financial need, and family responsibilities. This year’s scholars, Jessica Deeble and Maribel Torres, are exceptional students committed to serving their communities and advancing their careers.

In addition to the luncheon, our club met with Glandina Morris Lyga, Director of the Women’s Advancement Initiative at the University of Hartford, to explore potential collaborations that extend educational access and leadership development opportunities beyond our region. Visit their website to learn more: https://www.hartford.edu/about/inclusive-excellence/womens-advancement/

Education remains one of Zonta Fort Myers’ key focus areas, and these connections—both locally and nationally—help strengthen our impact and expand opportunities for women and girls.

The Zonta Club of Fort Myers recently spent a Saturday morning at After the Rain, helping refresh the garden at their residential recovery home. This incredible organization supports women overcoming trauma, addiction, and homelessness — and we are honored to lend our hands and hearts to their mission.

With fresh soil, new plants, and a lot of teamwork, we helped create a space that brings comfort, nourishment, and pride to the women who live and heal there. A garden may seem simple, but it represents so much: growth, resilience, and the beauty that comes from second chances.

Thank you, After the Rain, for welcoming us into your community — we look forward to watching this partnership continue to bloom

Members of the Zonta Club of Fort Myers were proud to participate in the annual Pink Walk hosted by our community partner and grant recipient, Partners for Breast Cancer Care.

The event brings our community together to support local women in need of lifesaving breast health services — including screenings, diagnostics, and treatment. By walking alongside survivors, supporters, and caregivers, we reinforce our shared commitment to women’s health and well-being in Southwest Florida.

We look forward to continuing our support and partnership throughout the year as we build a better world for women and girls.

 If you or someone you know may need assistance with breast cancer screening or care, we encourage you to contact Partners for Breast Cancer Care (link below) — compassionate support and resources are available. 

https://pfbcc.org

The Zonta Club of Fort Myers is proud to announce the recipients of our 2025 community grants—made possible by the success of our signature Run for the Roses fundraiser. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, sponsors, and attendees, we were able to invest in four outstanding local organizations working to empower, educate, and uplift women and girls in Southwest Florida.

After the Rain

After the Rain offers safe, structured housing and support services for women in recovery from addiction. Zonta’s grant supports their ongoing operations, helping women rebuild their lives with dignity, structure, and community. https://aftertherainofswfl.org/

Children’s Advocacy Center of SWFL

Zonta’s funding helps deliver essential education to young girls on personal safety, healthy boundaries, and how to recognize and report abuse. This curriculum empowers girls to advocate for themselves and builds a foundation for a safer, more confident generation. . https://www.cac-swfl.org/

Partners in Breast Cancer Care

With Zonta’s support, Partners in Breast Cancer Care will provide 46 life-saving 3D screening and diagnostic mammograms—free of charge—to underserved women in Lee County. Early detection saves lives, and these screenings are a lifeline for women without access to healthcare. https://mybreastcancersupport.org/

Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center

Our grant funds a support group for Deaf women, conducted entirely in American Sign Language. This unique space empowers participants to connect, share, and grow—many for the first time in their lives—in a safe, language-accessible environment. https://dhhc.life/

Every step taken, every dollar raised at the Run for the Roses has fueled real change. Thank you for running with us—for hope, for health, for healing, and for the future of women and girls in our community.

From monthly programs and community outreach to global inspiration, we’ve made bold strides toward building a better world for women and girls. Let’s rewind the highlights…

We celebrated the 2024 Zonta International Convention in beautiful Brisbane, Australia! Delegates from around the world came together to share stories, strategies, and a common mission. It reminded us that while we work locally, we are part of something truly global.

Back home, we launched our two-year Strategic Plan, focusing on three key priorities: empowering women through leadership opportunities, expanding access to education, and creating safer, more supportive communities. 

We’re growing stronger with every step—boosting visibility, expanding membership, and forging impactful partnerships 

Our Social Dinner Series brought together members and friends in fun, relaxed settings to connect over conversation—and let’s be honest, some fantastic food too.

And of course, we honored our commitment to community by awarding grants to some incredibly worthy organizations—groups like After the Rain, Our Mother’s Home, THRIVE,  and FGCU’s GEMS program. These grants aren’t just donations; they’re investments in a better future.

But we’re not slowing down.

As the roses bloom this spring, so does our excitement for Zonta’s signature event—Run for the Roses.  We're in final stages of our Derby-themed bash. Expect big hats, bold hearts, and a beautiful cause. It’s more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of purpose, power, and community.

So saddle up, Zonta friends. The best is yet to come.

 The Zonta Club of Fort Myers was honored to attend the Human Pink Ribbon Event, hosted by our affiliate partner, Partners in Breast Cancer Care. We connected with so many incredible women, sharing stories of strength, resilience, and the journey to becoming strong women.

We proudly raised our pink umbrellas in solidarity with those fighting, those thriving, and those we hold in our hearts. Our beach bundle basket giveaway was a fun way to engage, but the real win was the powerful conversations and shared commitment to supporting women's health.

Together, we stand, we support, and we advocate.

Do you need a mammogram?

Are you uninsured and low-income?

Call 239-454-8583 or email pfbcc2004@yahoo.com
or visit - https://pfbcc.org/

To see if you qualify for our help.