News & Events

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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.

Our signature Run for the Roses event was more than just a fun-filled Derby Day—it was a celebration of purpose and generosity. 

Thanks to the incredible support of our guests, sponsors, and volunteers, we raised vital funds to support a portion of our 2025 local grant applicants, develop a new local scholarship opportunity, and contribute to Zonta International’s efforts to provide global educational scholarships for women and girls.

Your participation helps us build a better world for women and girls—locally and globally. We’re already planning for next year’s event, and we can’t wait to make it even bigger and better.

Thank you for being part of the movement!

At our recent membership meeting, President Sharon donned her Derby Day fascinator and warmly welcomed Mathew Parkinson of the Children's Network of Southwest Florida. 

Mathew shared details about their impactful Mentor Program, which supports local moms (and Dads) by connecting them with caring role models.

As part of Zonta’s mission to empower women and girls, we’re excited to explore a potential long-term affiliation with the Children’s Network. We see great value in aligning with their Mentor Program—particularly as a way for Zontians to serve directly in the community, helping young women and girls thrive through encouragement, guidance, and positive support.

Our club is always looking for meaningful ways to expand our outreach and partnerships. We’re hopeful this connection will grow into a strong collaboration that fosters lasting change  in Southwest Florida.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue developing this exciting partnership!

 Interested in the Family Mentor Program?
🌐 Visit: childrensnetworkflorida.org/cns/volunteer/mentoring 

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.

The Zonta Club of Fort Myers is proud to highlight one of our own, Jeanette Bevilacqua, Ed.D., a remarkable woman whose 60 years of experience in psychotherapy and education have left an indelible mark on countless lives. Her dedication to transforming perspectives, empowering individuals, and sharing calming and self care techniques, continue to inspire those around her.

Jeanette’s expertise and wisdom are a testament to the strength and knowledge within our membership. As she shares her insights, we celebrate her contributions—not just to our community, but to the broader mission of education and personal growth.

We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a distinguished professional and appreciate the wealth of experience she brings to our Zonta family.

Our recent garage sale raised over $1,000, with over 85% member participation rate contributing to its success. The sale featured a wide array of items, including clothes, fine dishes, silver, and housewares, attracting strong community support. The event was made possible through efficient coordination, member contributions, and the assistance of a wonderful team of guys dedicated to hauling items in and out. This effort reflects the collective commitment to advancing our mission.

If you would like to join us in empowering women, contact any of our members, attend one of our meetings, or reach out to us in any way that works for you. 

Together, we can make a difference!