Bonita Bay Group and its communities contributed $1.3 million to United Way

Residents of five Bonita Bay Group communities, the Bonita Springs-based developer and its employees contributed more than $1.3 million to the recently completed United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades campaign. Their combined contribution represented more than one-fifth of the $8 million campaign total.

Bonita Bay residents, who first began raising money for United Way in 1998, made the second-largest contribution to this year's campaign — $866,000 — second only to Publix Super Markets. Bonita Bay Group employee pledges were matched dollar for dollar by Chairman David Lucas, generating $446,000 and a third-place ranking on the list of the top United Way contributors.

"The ongoing success of Bonita Bay Group's corporate campaigns, which began in 1990, is based on David's example and personal involvement," said United Way President Cliff Smith. "He participates in all United Way presentations to employees and has been an active member of our board of directors for more than 15 years."

Mr.Lucas founded the United Way's Alexis de Tocqueville Society, reserved for those who contribute at least $10,000 annually, in 1991. This year there are 138 de Tocquevillelevel contributors, and 59 are employees or residents of Bonita Bay Group communities.

When Bonita Bay residents ran the region's first community campaign, they not only raised $64,000 but also created a model for United Way giving in master-planned communities. This year, 14 Lee County communities ran United Way campaigns, including The Brooks in Bonita Springs, which ranked seventh with $198,000, and Mediterra in North Naples, which was ninth

at $180,000. Verandah residents in Fort Myers organized their third United Way campaign and

raised $61,000, and

the inaugural campaign at Sandoval in Cape Coral raised $2,300.

The United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades has been "the way the community cares" since it was established in 1957. During the last half-century, $88 million has been raised and used locally to support United Way partner agencies and initiatives like Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer's Resource Center, Children's Advocacy Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, LARC and the United Way 211 helpline. United Way also promotes partnerships and collaborations among agencies and initiatives, helping them to work together, focus on critical issues and improve lives. To learn more, call 433-2000, or visit www.unitedwaylee.org.