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The community rallies behind increased access to cancer care for residents of southern Lee and Collier counties

June 30, 2022 The residents of Bonita Bay Club have made clear their advocacy and support of the Lee Health Regional Cancer Center in Bonita Springs by announcing a $1 million goal to increase quality cancer care for the residents of southern Lee and Collier counties.

So far, the charitable community has raised more than $900,000 to meet this goal. A significant portion of funds were raised at the community’s 2022 Kentucky Derby Gala, including ticket sales, sponsorships and live auction proceeds. A highly invested group within the community, self-named “Goodfellas” led by Frank Valva and fellow tennis players, have given an additional $100,000. The community intends to name the infusion suite at the new clinic at the Bonita Health Center.

Part of the comprehensive oncology program with sister locations in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Cancer Clinic will include a 32-chair infusion center, four individual treatment rooms and 12 exam rooms. The Clinic will also include medical oncology examination rooms, spaces for Lee Health oncologists, an onsite pharmacy, and space for critical services such as nutrition and dietary counseling, care navigation, genetics and more.

“The Bonita Bay community continues to prioritize health care for its community, donating $1 million to build Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida,” said Chris Simoneau, chief development, marketing and communication officer at Lee Health. “Most recently, they have rallied behind infusion services, so their neighbors do not incur the burden of travel to undergo cancer treatments. Lee Health is prepared to provide them with the world-class care close to home that they need and deserve.”

The Bonita Bay Club gifts will be matched by the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation community challenge grant of $1.5 million. Lee Health Foundation must raise $1.5 million to receive the grant from the Schulze Family Foundation and double the impacts of local philanthropy.

For more information about the Schulze Family Foundation community challenge grant and expansion of cancer care services in your community, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/ChallengeAccepted.

About Bonita Bay Club

Members enjoy three Arthur Hills-designed courses within the 2,400-acre Bonita Bay community, located between Naples and Fort Myers, as well as two Tom Fazio courses spanning more than 1,000 acres of preserved cypress wetlands and pine flats with no residential development at the nearby Bonita Bay Club Naples. The Sports Center offers 18 Har-Tru tennis courts and one of the region’s most active tennis programs, ten pickleball courts, and a zero-entry resort-style pool. Nearby, the 60,000-square-foot Lifestyle Center features a state-of-the-art fitness center, spa and salon. Bonita Bay Club has been recognized with exclusive designations, including the Distinguished Club and Platinum Club, and has been named among America’s Healthiest Clubs. For more information, visit bonitabayclub.net or call the membership office at 239-949-5061.

About Lee Health Foundation 

Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic dollars on behalf of Lee Health including Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center, Lee Memorial Hospital and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. The Foundation provides financial support for many service areas including the Lee Health Regional Cancer Center, Lee Health Coconut Point, The Rehabilitation Hospital, Shipley Cardiothoracic Center, Community Health Clinics and Golisano Children’s Hospital Specialty Clinics in both Charlotte and Naples. For more information, please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org.