Bonita Bay Community raises $561,100 for Lee Health Cancer Institute
The Bonita Bay Gala Committee and FineMark Women’s Pro Tennis Championship at the Bonita Bay Club raised $561,100 for Lee Health Cancer Institute through two recent events. Funds from the 3rd Annual Groovy Golf Classic Charity Tournament, held on Jan. 12, and the Bonita Bay Oh What A Night Gala on April 6 will support the Cancer Support Community endowment.
The shamble-style tournament at the Bonita Bay Club’s Creekside Course was followed by cocktails, dinner and an awards show. Prizes were awarded for Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive. The annual gala included dinner, dancing to the unforgettable hits of Jersey Boys and The Four Seasons, and a spirited live auction at Bonita Bay Club. The two-year Cancer Support Community endowment has been established for 2025 and 2026, with the ambitious goal of raising $1 million. Once this goal has been met, any additional funding received will go towards the purchase of prostate surgical robotic equipment at the Institute.
“The Bonita Bay community has shown extraordinary generosity,” said Patti Chlipala, senior director of development at Lee Health Foundation. “Raising significant funds for these crucial programs will make a lasting impact on local cancer care and advance life-saving treatments for patients in need.”
The Cancer Support Community provides vital, free services to cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones. It offers resources like counseling, educational programs, support for families affected by cancer and survivorship care. The additional funds raised after the endowment will support groundbreaking treatments like innovative robotic systems that treat prostate disease without the need for invasive surgery. This state-of-the-art technology offers patients a safer and more precise treatment option, promoting faster recovery and improved health outcomes.
For information or to support the Cancer Support Community at Lee Health Cancer Institute, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/Cancer-Support-Community.
About Lee Health Foundation
Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic dollars on behalf of Lee Health to establish, expand and enhance innovative, lifesaving and preventative programs. The Foundation provides financial support for all five Lee Health hospitals including Golisano Children’s Hospital as well as many service areas including Lee Health Cancer Institute, Lee Health Coconut Point, The Rehabilitation Hospital, Lee Health Heart Institute, Community Health Clinics and Golisano Children’s Health Center in Naples. Over the last year, the Foundation has distributed more than $27 million to support Lee Health’s mission. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call 239-343-6950 for more information about the role of Lee Health philanthropy in Southwest Florida.
