News & Events

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District 11 Conference

October 17-19

Coral Gables, Florida

 We’re excited to come together this October in Coral Gables for the Zonta District 11 Conference. This year’s theme, “Shining a Light on Building a Better World for Women and Girls,” reflects the work we do every day—through service, advocacy, and leadership. 

District 11 spans across the Southeast United States—including Florida—plus the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands.  This conference isn’t just a meeting; it’s a chance to:

• Attend impactful sessions and panels on advocacy, leadership, and service
   
• Join hands-on service projects We hope to collect and donate 10,000 T-Shirts to  RE Threaded to end Human Trafficking Now!

• Network with women leaders, share best practices, and make new lifelong connections
   

Whether you're a longtime Zontian or new to the community, your presence will enrich the dialogue and strengthen our mission.

Registration will open soon!

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!