Naples Florida Weekly
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GIVING


Artist Christopher “CR” Obetz with his original pixel portrait of golf legend Jack Nicklaus. COURTESY PHOTO

Artist Christopher “CR” Obetz with his original pixel portrait of golf legend Jack Nicklaus. COURTESY PHOTO

First Tee-Naples gala to auction one-of-a-kind pop golf art

February 13 is going to be a golf and art lover’s delight when First Tee-Naples/ Collier hosts “Swing Fore the Future” gala at Arthrex, Inc. in Naples. Considered to be the artist who pioneered Pop Golf Art, Christopher “CR” Obetz has donated artwork which will be featured in the Swing Fore the Future auction. Among his donations are an original pixel portrait of golf legend Jack Nicklaus as well as a one-of-a-kind NFT of the painting and original Anthony Ravielli sketch with handwritten notes by Bobby Jones, one of the most influential figures in the history of the game. Nothing like this has ever been created, sold, or auctioned before in the golf or art community.

Golf Channel Host Rich Lerner will moderate a fireside chat at the gala with PGA Tour and Champions Tour Legends Peter Jacobsen, Bernhard Langer, Padraig Harrington and Jeff Maggert. Proceeds will fund First Tee’s new Learning Center which will include a BigShots Golf Driving Range facility and a 12-hole Nicklaus Designs golf course. Mr. Obetz’s artwork will also be prominently displayed.

To learn more, visit www.firstteenaplescollier.org.


Local shop owner recipient of Midas Community Involvement Award 2022

Matt Kozminski, owner of Midas shops in Naples, has been awarded the Midas Community Involvement Award 2022— an honor given to Midas owners that has offered exceptional service not just to their customers, but to their community. Every year Mr. Kozminski selects a different charity to support.

Among the contributions that have made Mr. Kozminski a recipient are:

¦ Supporting the Hunger & Homeless Coalition throughout 2022

¦ Hosting multiple blood drives each year

¦ Offering discounts all year long to the military and First Responders

¦ Three Project Spark events in three years

Matt purchased the Naples store in 2019. Then COVID hit. The franchisee kept all eight team members on payroll and continued paying their full salary in the early months of the pandemic. The shop stayed open and provided free oil changes to first responders and any hospital employees. The decision cost Mr. Kozminski about $100,000. “Our team is paid a salary, not a flat rate. They are all young guys with families. During COVID and the hurricane (Ian), we wanted them to not worry about their paychecks. We are very proud of our team. My job is easy, I just have to take care of the team and they take care of the business. This philosophy is a main reason why we have had only three employees leave the shop since opening (and one was because he moved away,” said Mr. Kozminski.


Moran Foundation grant allows help for CCPS educators, staff

The Collier Community Foundation, thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Wanda and James M. Moran, Jr. Foundation, has provided a $587,000 grant to Champions For Learning to assist school educators and staff facing transportation and housing challenges due to Hurricane Ian. CCF provided additional funding through its Collier Comes Together Hurricane Relief Fund.

Hurricane Ian left many at Collier County Public Schools with either significant flood damage or destruction of their homes, cars, and belongings, forcing them to move farther away from their school district.

With the CCF funds, 106 Collier County educator households are receiving awards that range from $300 to $30,000. This grant will fund the following:

“We are proud that the Wanda and James M. Moran, Jr. Foundation has placed their trust in our Hurricane Ian relief efforts. We take that trust seriously and are committed to helping our community rebuild and repair through our Collier Comes Together Fund,” said Eileen Connolly-Keesler, President and CEO of Collier Community Foundation. “Teachers and school staff are integral to our community, so it was an easy decision for the Moran Foundation to commit these funds to Champions For Learning to address the housing challenges our educators are facing.”


Collier’s Reserve Cocktail Party raises $350,000 for Habitat for Humanity

It’s a 20-year tradition. Residents and club members from Collier’s Reserve gather for an annual cocktail party to make a positive impact in the community through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Collier County. This isn’t your typical fundraiser—there’s no silent auction or raffle, no celebrity guest, just a group of caring people who want to learn more about how they can give back. Typically, a member of the community plays host to 100 or so of their neighbors and fellow club members for an evening of wine and hors d’oeuvres with members of Habitat Collier’s team.

Jessica and Pedro Fonseca’s home was funded through a Collier’s Reserve fundraiser more than a decade ago. They shared how the stability of their Habitat home has improved their lives.

“Our biggest goal was always to have that American Dream, to run our own business, to not have to work for someone else,” Ms. Fonseca said. “We have our own small business now. My husband can make his own schedule, he can travel with our kids — he gets to be at every single one of their wrestling matches, and it’s all thanks to being Habitat for Humanity homeowners.”

Over the last two decades, Collier’s Reserve residents and members have helped fund construction for 40 Habitat homes through this annual cocktail party, in addition to volunteering thousands of hours on the job site and sponsoring homes through the state’s Community Contribution Tax Credit Program.

This year’s event resulted in $175,000 in donations, with four Collier’s Reserve families stepping up to match gifts for a total of $350,000 raised for the nonprofit. Since 2003, Collier’s Reserve has raised nearly $3 million for Habitat Collier.


Naples Senior Center honors fourth annual Volunteer of the Year

Naples Senior Center, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services benefitting local seniors and their families, has honored Bonita King-Steinkamp as its fourth annual Volunteer of the Year. The award, sponsored by local philanthropist Ray Harman, was presented during the Naples Senior Center’s 11th Annual “Evening for Better Tomorrows” fundraising event held on Jan. 14 at a private country club in Naples.

Steinkamp has volunteered with the Naples Senior Center for several years. She teaches beginning and intermediate line dance classes, which entails researching, learning and dances to center members in a way that is supportive, fun and entertaining. She also leads a Sing Along class, Karaoke style, in which all songs are group participation.

Prior to moving to Southwest Florida, Steinkamp was involved in the music industry in California and Alaska. She has garnered numerous awards from the California Country Music Association, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Bassist of the Year, Singer-Songwriter of the Year and Rhythm Guitarist of the Year.

“Bonita taps her extensive career in live entertainment in providing our members with stimulating activities that enrich their lives,” said Jaclynn Faffer DSW, president/ CEO of the Naples Senior Center. “Each day, she exemplifies the kindness and dedication of our more than 200 volunteers, and we are delighted to recognize her with this year’s award.” ¦

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