On Tuesday, January 28th, the Bonita Bay Habitat for Humanity Committee Members, Neighborhood Captains, and Nail Pounders gathered at the Bonita Bay Clubhouse to kick off their 2020 fundraising campaign. Joining the Bonita Bay leaders were Habitat for Humanity staff members, Vince Modarelli (VP of Community Outreach), Rachel West (Community Event Manager), Ana Villacis (Director of Development), and Jake Burbach (Public Advocacy Manager).
Partners since 2002, the Bonita Bay residents have sponsored and built an astounding 54 Habitat homes in the Bonita Springs area. As the demand for affordable homeownership continues to climb in Bonita Springs and throughout Southwest Florida, the efforts made by Bonita Bay residents will play a key role in mitigating the affordable housing shortage, while providing a lasting hand-up the economic ladder for hardworking families.
The clubhouse was filled with excitement as attendees heard from committee members, Dorota Harris, Nancy Thomas, and Sylvia Weiss, Nail pounder Crew Leader, Chuck Pytlarz, and home sponsors, Dave and Kay Daly. Future Habitat homeowners, Hector and Mirtha, also spoke about what affordable homeownership will mean for their children and the opportunity it provides for a better life.
Addressing the room, Dave and Kay Daly spoke about their involvement with Habitat and the motivation to give back to the community. Undoubtedly, the camaraderie amongst Bonita Bay residents and their shared dedication to service make it a truly unique community.
As the night winded down, longtime Habitat supporter and home sponsor, Terry Mulligan, spoke from the podium: “We are doing something together, that is so precious, so special. The joy that we have received from just watching the families receive these homes—Susan and I just can’t think of anything thing better than to just do another one.”
The announcement to fully fund and build a fourth home was met with raucous applause and signified a growing partnership between the Bonita Bay Community and Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties. A special thank you to the Bonita Bay Habitat Committee Members, Neighborhood Captains, and Nail Pounders for your commitment to building homes, communities, and hope.
