View From The Bridge

April 2025

Quarterly

View From

The Bridge

"Neighbors helping neighbors in need by bridging the gaps that exist in our local support systems."

A Busy Season for The Bridge Fund

The Bridge Fund (TBF) continues to make a significant impact in Southwest Florida by providing direct assistance to those in need through partnerships with social service organizations and schools.

From our beginnings, we have experienced a significant increase in the number of individuals we serve, the growth in partnerships, and the variety of needs we address.

Two spring events energized our Bridge Fund Family and introduced us to new residents. Read more...

A Record-Breaking Fun Run!

Once again, hundreds of Pelican Landing residents took to the road to promote wellness and support TBF by participating in the 6th Annual Pelican Landing Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, March 8th, under the direction of founder and organizer, Steve Gunther.

This year's event raised a record total of $37,625! The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the exhilarating live auction, which not only captured everyone’s attention but also raised nearly three times the auction proceeds of last year.

🏆 The Stiger Award is given to the highest total fundraiser for the event. This year's honor went to Lesley and John Hill, repeat winners of the Stiger Award - thank you so much for your generosity!

Our sincere appreciation to Steve Gunther and his amazing team of hard-working volunteers and sponsors who made the day possible! TBF is very grateful for the continued, enthusiastic support received from Steve and his team.

We are excited to announce that our recent 2025 Celebration at The Nest Golf Club was a great success, with over 200 attendees! The theme of the event was “Because of You.” Speakers for the event reinforced how your involvement makes a significant difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.

A representative from the Bonita Springs office of Catholic Charities highlighted how crucial the collaboration and support from TBF is, both for their organization and the clients they serve who face limited options.

In a heartfelt moment, a young man shared his journey following a stroke that left him unable to care for himself. Because of You, TBF was able to provide most of the funding for expensive arm and leg braces, thus restoring his independence and hope of returning to work soon.

The last speaker was a Bridge Fund friend, supporter and event sponsor who told the crowd that she first became a donor because her father was one of the original board members, but she has continued because of the impact TBF has had in our community.

She challenged every attendee to talk about TBF to four of their friends and neighbors who don’t know about our unique, local, all-volunteer charity and the work we do.

A special thanks to our sponsors who generously covered the event costs - John and Jody Bilney, Ronto Group, Bank of America Private Bank, Corefit Wellness, The Nest Golf Club, and Hotwire Communications.

A Special Program - The Colony Project

The Colony Project was started 11 years ago by Colony resident Jill Kushner, who is passionate about feeding hungry kids and other needy residents in Bonita Springs and Estero. Jill is responsible for all Colony Project fundraising and The Bridge Fund manages and distributes all Colony Project resources.

This year, The Colony Project raised over $115,000 that will be used for programs designed to meet specific food insecurity objectives, including:

Fresh dairy and produce for seniors
Meals on Wheels for seniors and shut-ins
Shelf-stable food for migrant workers
Weekend take-home food in backpacks for students
Weekend take-home food through Café of Life
Healthy snacks for infants and children

A big thank you to Jill Kushner and all the donors who support The Colony Project! Together, let’s continue to make a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.

Words of Appreciation

From a Donor - One individual who attended the Celebration was motivated to make a generous donation to support TBF's important work. "Listening to stories of individuals and families that TBF has helped really hit home for me personally. It made me feel like I was directly helping folks in real need. Thank you, Bridge Fund, for all the good work you do for our community." John S.

From Someone Helped - A serious illness resulted in lack of income for a working mom for over a month. Because of You, TBF was able to quickly step in to avoid eviction. "You'll never truly know the differences you've made. You guys are one in a million! I will never forget your kindness. Once again, thank you for all you do." Maria H.

The Bridge Fund

A Pelican Landing/Colony-based 501(c)(3) charity

assisting neighbors in need

Board Members: Mike Beebe, President; Beverly Haas, Vice President; Jim Herald, Vice President; Ann Soper, Secretary and Treasurer; Ron Bloom, Caroline Crew, Aileen Kevane, Sandy Mellinger, Bob Taylor, and Jay Trucks

https://www.thebridge-fund.org

﻿A big thank you to Jill Kushner and all the donors who support The Colony Project! Together, let’s continue to make a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.

A big thank you to Jill Kushner and all the donors who support The Colony Project! Together, let’s continue to make a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.