April 2023

Quarterly
View From The Bridge
"Neighbors helping neighbors in need by bridging the gaps that exist in our local support systems."
Events of the Season

After three years of cancellations, postponements and virtual meetings, 2023 began with a trio of live events connected to The Bridge Fund (TBF). Beginning with the Colony Project luncheon in February, followed by the 4th annual Pelican Landing Fun Run & Walk, and ending with TBF’s own 10th Anniversary Celebration, hundreds of Pelican Landing/Colony residents enjoyed one or more of these special events.

Celebrating 10 Years of
Neighbors Helping Neighbors




For the first time since 2019, more than 220 friends, supporters and neighbors wanting to learn more about The Bridge Fund gathered March 13th at Pelican’s Nest Golf Club for TBF’s 10th Anniversary Celebration.

Speakers from Community Cooperative and the Lee County School District described how their organizations and TBF work together to improve lives for those needing short-term critical assistance and have nowhere else to turn. 

Highlights from TBF’s first 10 years include:

  • TBF distributed $1,460 in assistance in January, 2013 and $65,790 in January of 2023.
  • PLCA named TBF as one of four endorsed charities.
  • "Off The Floor” (beds and bedding), gives parents and kids a soft place to land at the end of the day.
  • Professional lice treatment is available for students and their families.
  • The Colony Project has distributed food to thousands of children, families and seniors in Bonita Springs and Estero.
  • Food pantries and clothes closets are available in Lee County schools.
  • Afghan families were resettled in the Lee County area during the first half of 2022.  
  • A total of $500,000 in assistance was reached in 2017, $1 million in 2019, and over $2 million in 2022.
  • TBF still operates with 98% of donations available to people in need!

In addition to the Celebration program, those in attendance were treated to flat breads, appetizers, beer, wine and soft drinks, generously provided by our sponsors: Jody and John Bilney, Baird Financial and Bank of America Private Banking. A special thank you to Pelican’s Nest for their commitment to the success of our event!
Bridge Builder Awards

The Bridge Builder Award recognizes and honors those who have provided extraordinary service to neighbors in need through TBF. Honored at the Celebration were two outstanding recipients:

  • Jill Kushner, founder of The Colony Project (TCP). Jill started TCP nine years ago to help feed food-insecure children, seniors, and families in Bonita Springs and Estero.  TBF has administered TCP since 2019, while Jill spearheads fundraising.

  • Steve Gunther, founder of the Pelican Landing Fun Run & Walk. This event was started by Steve in 2019 to promote wellness and support TBF. Hundreds of runners and walkers participated in various events, all to help our neighbors in need.

We are very proud to have these two visionaries as part of The Bridge Fund family!
2023 Fun Run & Walk

Once again, hundreds of Pelican Landing residents took to the road to promote wellness and support The Bridge Fund by participating in the 4th Annual Pelican Landing Fun Run & Walk on Saturday, March 11th. Under the direction of founder, Steve Gunther, participants and friends gathered Friday night for a pre-event pasta dinner, and followed their walk/run with a healthy snack and a chance to outbid their competitors on auction items donated by residents and local businesses. 

A record $32,000 in proceeds was presented to The Bridge Fund! A big thank you to Steve and all the volunteers and athletes who made the Fun Run & Walk a win-win! Click to read more.

2023 Colony Project Luncheon

When Jill Kushner hosted the first Colony Project luncheon, her goal was to bring supplemental food to local residents who needed help. Today, thousands of school children, adults and the elderly receive groceries, healthy weekend snacks and hot meals, thanks to the generosity of TCP supporters.

This year’s fundraiser luncheon, attended by more than 50 enthusiastic supporters, raised $55,000 in response to a $50,000 match challenge. In recognition of their appreciation for The Bridge Fund and TCP, the luncheon was the only daytime event the Colony Foundation allowed at the Bay Club after Hurricane Ian struck. A big thank you to Jill Kushner, the Bay Club staff and the Colony Foundation! Click here to read more.

The Bridge Fund

A Pelican Landing/Colony-based 501(c)(3) charity
assisting neighbors in need


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