Zonta Club of Bonita Springs-Estero Announces 2020 Woman of the Year

MEDIA RELEASE

Zonta Club of Bonita Springs-Estero Announces 2020 Woman of the Year
Kathleen Berkey, Esq; Lee County Attorney and Philanthropist for Women & Children to be honored at the club’s annual fundraising dinner, Wednesday, April 22 at Pelican’s Nest Golf Club

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (Feb. 19, 2020) – The Zonta Club of Bonita Springs-Estero is hosting its annual Woman of the Year fundraising dinner, Tuesday, April 22, at Pelican’s Nest Golf Club in Bonita Springs. Each year, the club honors a woman who exemplifies Zonta’s mission, which is dedicated to improving the circumstances of women during all stages of life, locally and globally.

The 2020 Woman of the Year is Kathleen Berkey, Esq; a shareholder and certified land planner with the Law Firm of Becker & Poliakoff, in Ft Myers. Berkey volunteers on several not for profit boards and plays a key role in the Mothers Milk Bank of Florida, a 501(c)(3) organization to feed vulnerable babies across Florida. She has also served as a Guardian Ad Litem, Co-Chair of Pro Bono Services for the Lee County Bar Association, board member with Keep Lee County Beautiful, and the Gulf Coast Humane Society. Berkey, was a 2019 Ft Myers Chamber Apex nominee, Gulfshore Business and Business Observer 40 under 40, amongst other attributes. State Attorney, Amira Fox, will present this year’s award.

“We are extremely pleased of the quality of the nominations we received this year, stated Trish Leonard, Zonta Club of Bonita Springs- Estero, President. They are all worthy of this award and will be formally recognized during the program.” Nominees who will also be recognized at the event include Susan Goldy, founder of Kids Minds Matter, Fran Mainella the first woman to serve as Director of the National Parks Service, Jonette Kessack, founder of Holiday 4 Heroes and Jessica Higdon, a Community volunteer and philanthropist who serves on several boards, including the March of Dimes and Southwest Florida Wine Festival. Jewelry owner, Bill Skidmore, of Amore Jewelers, is presenting a signature custom broach to this year’s Woman of the Year.

The evening will include a cocktail hour, plated dinner, silent, live and dessert auction, as well as tickets for a chance to win $1000 at $20 apiece. Stacey Deffenbaugh, NBC-2 news anchor, is the Master of Ceremony and Rick Gallo will be the evening’s auctioneer. Several local dignitaries will be present.

Tickets to attend are $100 and $125 after April 1. Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/woman-of-the-year-fundraising-event-tickets-90868298527.
Signature Sponsors include Baird; and e-Bella magazine. Additional Sponsors: Bonita Boarding Kennel and Pet Camp; Becker & Poliakoff P.A., JR Evans Engineering, P.A., Merrill, Smith Wealth Management Group, PFS Wealth Management Group and TLC Marketing & Creative Services. Dessert Sponsor Pelican’s Nest Golf Club. Sponsorships are still available.

Funds from this event are used to provide scholarships to local students and women who plan to return to the workforce.
For more information, contact club president, Trish Leonard, trish@trishleonard.com; visit www.zontabonitasprings.com or follow the Zonta Club on Facebook.

About Zonta Club of Bonita Springs-Estero
The Zonta Club of Bonita Springs-Estero is a not-for-profit organization located in Bonita Springs, Florida. It is an organization of business and professional women dedicated to improving the circumstances of women at all stages of life, locally and globally. It is part of Zonta International and participates in global initiatives, such as “Free the Girls” and “Say No to Violence against Women.”
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Media Contact
Trish Leonard, IOM
TLC Marketing & Creative Services, Inc.
9148 Bonita Beach Rd. Ste. 201
Bonita Springs, Fla. 34135
239.398.9999